◄ Leviticus 16:30 ►
because on this day atonement will be made for you to cleanse you, and you will be clean from all your sins before the LORD.
Study Bible
because on this day
The phrase "on this day" refers to the Day of Atonement, known in Hebrew as Yom Kippur. This was the most solemn and sacred day in the Jewish calendar, a day set apart for national repentance and reconciliation with God. Historically, this day was marked by fasting, prayer, and the cessation of work, emphasizing the seriousness of sin and the need for divine forgiveness. The specificity of "this day" underscores the unique and appointed time God has established for His people to seek atonement, highlighting the importance of divine timing in the process of redemption.

atonement will be made for you
The Hebrew word for "atonement" is "kippur," which means to cover or to make reconciliation. In the context of Leviticus, atonement involved the sacrificial system, where the blood of animals was used to symbolically cover the sins of the people. This act pointed forward to the ultimate atonement made by Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice on the cross provided a once-for-all covering for sin. The phrase "will be made for you" indicates that atonement is an act of grace initiated by God, not something that can be earned by human effort. It is a divine provision for humanity's deepest need.

to cleanse you
The concept of cleansing in the Hebrew context goes beyond physical cleanliness to encompass spiritual purification. The sacrificial rituals of the Old Testament were designed to purify the people from the defilement of sin, restoring them to a state of holiness and enabling them to stand in the presence of a holy God. This cleansing is a precursor to the New Testament teaching of sanctification, where believers are progressively made holy through the work of the Holy Spirit. The promise of cleansing assures believers of God's power to purify and transform their lives.

and you will be clean
The assurance "you will be clean" speaks to the effectiveness and completeness of God's atoning work. In the Hebrew tradition, cleanliness was essential for participation in worship and community life. This promise of being made clean is a profound assurance of acceptance and restoration. It reflects the transformative power of God's forgiveness, which not only removes the guilt of sin but also restores the sinner to a state of purity and righteousness. This echoes the New Testament promise that if we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

from all your sins
The phrase "from all your sins" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's forgiveness. In the Hebrew context, sin was understood as any act that violated God's law and disrupted the covenant relationship between God and His people. The promise of cleansing from "all" sins highlights the sufficiency of the atonement provided by God. It assures believers that no sin is too great to be forgiven and that God's grace is sufficient to cover every transgression. This comprehensive forgiveness is a cornerstone of the Christian faith, offering hope and assurance to all who repent and believe.

before the LORD
The phrase "before the LORD" signifies the presence and authority of God in the atonement process. In the Hebrew tradition, the presence of the LORD was associated with the tabernacle and later the temple, where the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the people. This phrase underscores the idea that atonement is not merely a ritualistic act but a relational one, restoring the covenant relationship between God and His people. It reminds believers that true cleansing and forgiveness are found in the presence of God, who is both just and merciful.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who establishes the Day of Atonement as a means for His people to be cleansed from their sins.

2. Moses
The prophet and leader of Israel who receives the laws and instructions from God, including those concerning the Day of Atonement.

3. Aaron
The first high priest of Israel, who performs the rituals of atonement as prescribed by God.

4. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are the recipients of the atonement and cleansing from their sins.

5. The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)
A significant annual event in the Jewish calendar, established by God as a day for the atonement and purification of the people.
Teaching Points
The Necessity of Atonement
Atonement is essential for reconciliation with God. The Day of Atonement highlights the seriousness of sin and the need for a mediator.

The Holiness of God
God's holiness requires that His people be cleansed from sin. The rituals of the Day of Atonement underscore the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity.

The Role of the High Priest
The high priest acts as a mediator between God and the people, prefiguring the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice.

The Promise of Cleansing
The assurance of being made clean from all sins is a profound promise that points to the complete forgiveness available through Christ.

Living in Light of Atonement
Understanding the depth of atonement should lead believers to live lives of gratitude, holiness, and service, reflecting the cleansing they have received.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of atonement in Leviticus 16:30 relate to the work of Jesus Christ as described in the book of Hebrews?

2. In what ways does the Day of Atonement emphasize the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin?

3. How can understanding the role of the high priest in the Old Testament enhance our appreciation for Jesus' role as our High Priest?

4. What practical steps can we take to live in the reality of being "clean from all your sins before the LORD"?

5. How does the promise of cleansing in Leviticus 16:30 encourage us in our daily walk with God, especially when we struggle with sin?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Hebrews 9
This chapter in the New Testament draws a parallel between the Day of Atonement and the ultimate atonement made by Jesus Christ, emphasizing the fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrificial system.

Psalm 51
David's prayer for cleansing and forgiveness reflects the heart of seeking atonement and being made clean before God.

1 John 1:9
This verse speaks to the ongoing need for confession and the promise of cleansing from sin, echoing the themes of atonement and purification.
Sermons
The Climax of Sacrificial Worship: the Day of AtonementR.M. Edgar Leviticus 16:1-34
The Great Day of AtonementR.A. Redford Leviticus 16:1-34
A Proffered SubstituteW. Thompson.Leviticus 16:3-34
Christ Typified by the Two GoatsJ. Burns, D. D.Leviticus 16:3-34
Christian's Confession of SinSpurgeon, Charles HaddonLeviticus 16:3-34
Christ's Anesthesia for the Remembrance of SinLeviticus 16:3-34
Hindrances to Repentance RemovedJ. Spencer.Leviticus 16:3-34
Intercession of ChristS. Thodey.Leviticus 16:3-34
LessonsA. Willet, D. D.Leviticus 16:3-34
Moral ObservationsA. Willet, D. D.Leviticus 16:3-34
Moses and Christ; the Day of AtonementW. Clarkson, B. A.Leviticus 16:3-34
Need for the Great AtonementJ. Hamilton, D. D.Leviticus 16:3-34
Sinners Always Ready to Conceal Their SinT. Adams.Leviticus 16:3-34
Spiritual Significance of the Ceremonies on the Day of AtonementT. M. Morris.Leviticus 16:3-34
The Annual AtonementSpurgeon, Charles HaddonLeviticus 16:3-34
The Ceremonies of the Day of AtonementF. E. Clark.Leviticus 16:3-34
The Climax of Sacrificial WorshipR. M.,Edgar, M. A.Leviticus 16:3-34
The Day of AtonementSpurgeon, Charles HaddonLeviticus 16:3-34
The Day of AtonementD. O. Mears.Leviticus 16:3-34
The Day of AtonementD. C. Hughes, M. A.Leviticus 16:3-34
The Day of AtonementH. Melvill, B. D.Leviticus 16:3-34
The Day of AtonementJ. A. Seiss, D. D.Leviticus 16:3-34
The Garments of the PriestF. E. Clark.Leviticus 16:3-34
The Two GoatsF. E. Clark.Leviticus 16:3-34
The Two Goats -- Various InterpretationsJ. Cumming, D. D.Leviticus 16:3-34
There Shalt be no Man in the TabernacleH. C. Trumbull.Leviticus 16:3-34
True RepentanceH. W. Beecher.Leviticus 16:3-34
Trusting in the SubstituteLeviticus 16:3-34
Value of RepentanceJ. Spencer.Leviticus 16:3-34
The Great Anniversary - Sacred SeasonsW. Clarkson Leviticus 16:29-31
The Day of AtonementJ.A. Macdonald Leviticus 16:29-34
The Day of AtonementS.R. Aldridge Leviticus 16:29-34
People
Aaron, Israelites, Moses
Places
Teman
Topics
Atonement, Clean, Cleanse, Free, Maketh, Priest, Sin, Sins
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Leviticus 16:30

     6028   sin, deliverance from
     6615   atonement, necessity

Leviticus 16:1-33

     6616   atonement, in OT

Leviticus 16:1-34

     1680   types
     7422   ritual

Leviticus 16:2-34

     5378   law, OT

Leviticus 16:3-34

     6648   expiation
     8629   worship, times

Leviticus 16:20-31

     7308   Atonement, Day of

Leviticus 16:20-34

     6175   guilt, removal of

Leviticus 16:29-30

     7340   clean and unclean
     8272   holiness, growth in

Leviticus 16:29-31

     5338   holiday
     5773   abstinence, discipline
     8430   fasting, nature of
     8451   mortification

Library
August 9. "He Shall Lay Both his Hands Upon the Head of the Live Goat, and Confess Over Him all the Iniquities of the Children of Israel; Transgressions and Sins" (Lev. xvi. 21).
"He shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel; transgressions and sins" (Lev. xvi. 21). As any evil comes up, and the consciousness of any unholy thing touches our inner senses, it is our privilege at once to hand it over to the Holy Ghost and to lay it upon Jesus, as something already crucified with Him, and as of old, in the case of the sin offering, it will be carried without the camp and burned to ashes. There may …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Day of Atonement
'And the Lord spake unto Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron when they offered before the Lord, and died; 2. And the Lord said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the vail before the mercy-seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy-seat. 3. Thus shall Aaron come into the holy place; with a young bullock for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering. 4. He shall put on the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Day of Atonement
Now, I shall invite your attention to the ceremonies of this solemn day, taking the different parts in detail. First, we shall consider the person who made the atonement; secondly, the sacrifice whereby the atonement was typically made; thirdly, the effects of the atonement; and fourthly, our behaviour on the recollection of the atonement, as well set forth by the conduct prescribed to the Israelites on that day. I. First, THE PERSON WHO WAS TO MAKE THE ATONEMENT. And at the outset, we remark that …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856

The Fact of the Redeemer's Return was Foreshadowed in the Ritual on the Annual Day of Israel's Atonement.
The order of events on the Day of Atonement are described in Leviticus 16, a chapter which is exceedingly rich in its typical signification. The Day of Atonement had to do with the putting away of Israel's sins, therefore, its dispensational application refers mainly to Israel though, as we shall see, the Church was also typically represented. We shall not now attempt anything more than a bare outline of the happenings of that most memorable day on Israel's sacred calendar. The order of its ritual …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

The Great High-Priest.
"Having then a great High-priest, Who hath passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high-priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but One that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help us in time of need. For every high-priest, being taken from among men, is appointed for …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

Fifth Sunday in Lent
Text: Hebrews 9, 11-15. 11 But Christ having come a high priest of the good things to come, through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation, 12 nor yet through the blood of goats and calves, but through his own blood, entered in once for all into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling them that have been defiled, sanctify unto the cleanness of the flesh: …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

Parable of the Pharisee and Publican.
^C Luke XVIII. 9-14. ^c 9 And he spake also this parable unto certain who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and set all others at nought [It is commonly said that this parable teaches humility in prayer, but the preface and conclusion (see verse 14) show that it is indeed to set forth generally the difference between self-righteousness and humility, and that an occasion of prayer is chosen because it best illustrates the point which the Lord desired to teach. The parable shows that …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Intercession of Christ
Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us! T he Redemption of the soul is precious. Fools make mock of sin (Proverbs 14:9) . But they will not think lightly of it, who duly consider the majesty, authority, and goodness of Him, against whom it is committed; and who are taught, by what God actually has done, what sin rendered necessary to be done, before a sinner could have a well-grounded …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

The Call of Matthew - the Saviour's Welcome to Sinners - Rabbinic Theology as Regards the Doctrine of Forgiveness in Contrast to the Gospel of Christ
In two things chiefly does the fundamental difference appear between Christianity and all other religious systems, notably Rabbinism. And in these two things, therefore, lies the main characteristic of Christ's work; or, taking a wider view, the fundamental idea of all religions. Subjectively, they concern sin and the sinner; or, to put it objectively, the forgiveness of sin and the welcome to the sinner. But Rabbinism, and every other system down to modern humanitarianism - if it rises so high in …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Sundry Exhortations.
HEBREWS xiii. Let love of the brethren continue. Forget not to shew love unto strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; them that are evil entreated, as being yourselves also in the body. Let marriage be had in honour among all, and let the bed be undefiled: for fornicators and adulterers God will judge. Be ye free from the love of money; content with such things as ye have: for Himself hath said, I will in no wise fail thee, …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the Teaching of the Lord Concerning Purity - the Traditions Concerning Hand-Washing' and Vows. '
As we follow the narrative, confirmatory evidence of what had preceded springs up at almost every step. It is quite in accordance with the abrupt departure of Jesus from Capernaum, and its motives, that when, so far from finding rest and privacy at Bethsaida (east of the Jordan), a greater multitude than ever had there gathered around Him, which would fain have proclaimed Him King, He resolved on immediate return to the western shore, with the view of seeking a quieter retreat, even though it were …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Christ a Complete Saviour:
OR, THE INTERCESSION OF CHRIST, AND WHO ARE PRIVILEGED IN IT. BY JOHN BUNYAN Advertisement by the Editor. However strange it may appear, it is a solemn fact, that the heart of man, unless prepared by a sense of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, rejects Christ as a complete Saviour. The pride of human nature will not suffer it to fall, as helpless and utterly undone, into the arms of Divine mercy. Man prefers a partial Saviour; one who had done so much, that, with the sinner's aid, the work might be …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Leviticus
The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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