Leviticus 16:31 Study Bible: It is a Sabbath of solemn rest to you, and you shall afflict your souls; it is a statute forever.

Bible > Leviticus > Chapter 16 > Verse 31

◄ Leviticus 16:31 ►

It is a Sabbath of complete rest for you, that you may humble yourselves; it is a permanent statute.

It is a Sabbath
The term "Sabbath" originates from the Hebrew word "Shabbat," meaning "to cease" or "to rest." In the context of Leviticus 16, this Sabbath is not just a weekly observance but a special day of atonement, a time set apart for the Israelites to pause from their daily labors and focus on spiritual renewal. The Sabbath here underscores the importance of rest and reflection, a divine ordinance that invites believers to step back from the busyness of life and realign with God's purposes.

of solemn rest
The phrase "solemn rest" emphasizes the gravity and sacredness of this particular Sabbath. The Hebrew word "shabbaton" conveys a sense of complete cessation from work, highlighting the need for deep spiritual introspection and reverence. This is not merely a physical rest but a profound spiritual pause, a time to engage in worship and repentance, acknowledging God's holiness and the need for His mercy.

for you
This phrase personalizes the command, indicating that the Sabbath of solemn rest is intended for the benefit of the Israelites. It is a divine gift, a time for the community to come together in unity and humility before God. The personal nature of this command underscores God's desire for a relationship with His people, inviting them to experience His peace and presence.

that you may humble yourselves
The act of humbling oneself is central to the observance of this day. The Hebrew word "anah" implies affliction or self-denial, suggesting a posture of repentance and submission to God. This humbling is not merely an outward act but an inward transformation, a recognition of human frailty and the need for divine grace. It is a call to contrition and a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the necessity of atonement.

it is a permanent statute
The phrase "permanent statute" indicates the enduring nature of this command. The Hebrew word "olam" suggests perpetuity, a timeless ordinance that transcends generations. This statute is a testament to God's unchanging nature and His eternal covenant with His people. It serves as a continual reminder of the need for atonement and the hope of reconciliation with God, pointing ultimately to the fulfillment of these themes in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The prophet and leader of the Israelites, who received the laws from God, including the instructions for the Day of Atonement.

2. Aaron
The first high priest of Israel and brother of Moses, who performed the rituals of atonement as described in Leviticus 16.

3. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who were commanded to observe the Day of Atonement as a day of rest and humility.

4. Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)
A significant and solemn day in the Jewish calendar dedicated to atonement and repentance.

5. Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the divine presence among the Israelites, where the high priest performed the atonement rituals.

Teaching Points

Sabbath of Solemn Rest
The Day of Atonement is a day set apart for rest, reflecting the Sabbath principle of ceasing from work to focus on spiritual matters.

Humility and Repentance
The command to "humble yourselves" underscores the importance of approaching God with a contrite heart, acknowledging our sins and need for His mercy.

Permanent Statute
The Day of Atonement is described as a "permanent statute," indicating its enduring significance and the timeless need for atonement and reconciliation with God.

Spiritual Reflection
This day serves as an opportunity for deep spiritual reflection, encouraging believers to examine their lives and align themselves with God's will.

Christ as Our Atonement
For Christians, the Day of Atonement points to Jesus Christ, who provides the ultimate atonement for sin, inviting believers to rest in His finished work.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of a "Sabbath of solemn rest" in Leviticus 16:31 apply to our modern lives, and how can we incorporate this principle into our weekly routine?

2. In what ways can we practice humility and repentance in our daily walk with God, as instructed in this verse?

3. How does the Day of Atonement as a "permanent statute" reflect the unchanging nature of God's requirements for holiness and reconciliation?

4. What parallels can we draw between the rituals of the Day of Atonement and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, as described in the book of Hebrews?

5. How can the themes of Leviticus 16:31 inspire us to engage in meaningful spiritual reflection and renewal in our personal faith journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 23:26-32
This passage reiterates the instructions for the Day of Atonement, emphasizing its importance as a day of rest and self-denial.

Hebrews 9:7-14
This New Testament passage connects the Day of Atonement to the ultimate atonement made by Jesus Christ, highlighting the fulfillment of the Old Testament rituals.

Isaiah 58:3-7
This passage discusses the true nature of fasting and humility, which aligns with the spirit of the Day of Atonement.

Psalm 51
David's psalm of repentance reflects the heart attitude that the Day of Atonement seeks to cultivate among the people.

Sermons

A Sabbath of Rest	R.A. Redford	Leviticus 16:31
The Climax of Sacrificial Worship: the Day of Atonement	R.M. Edgar	Leviticus 16:1-34
The Great Day of Atonement	R.A. Redford	Leviticus 16:1-34
A Proffered Substitute	W. Thompson.	Leviticus 16:3-34
Christ Typified by the Two Goats	J. Burns, D. D.	Leviticus 16:3-34
Christian's Confession of Sin	Spurgeon, Charles Haddon	Leviticus 16:3-34
Christ's Anesthesia for the Remembrance of Sin		Leviticus 16:3-34
Hindrances to Repentance Removed	J. Spencer.	Leviticus 16:3-34
Intercession of Christ	S. Thodey.	Leviticus 16:3-34
Lessons	A. Willet, D. D.	Leviticus 16:3-34
Moral Observations	A. Willet, D. D.	Leviticus 16:3-34
Moses and Christ; the Day of Atonement	W. Clarkson, B. A.	Leviticus 16:3-34
Need for the Great Atonement	J. Hamilton, D. D.	Leviticus 16:3-34
Sinners Always Ready to Conceal Their Sin	T. Adams.	Leviticus 16:3-34
Spiritual Significance of the Ceremonies on the Day of Atonement	T. M. Morris.	Leviticus 16:3-34
The Annual Atonement	Spurgeon, Charles Haddon	Leviticus 16:3-34
The Ceremonies of the Day of Atonement	F. E. Clark.	Leviticus 16:3-34
The Climax of Sacrificial Worship	R. M.,Edgar, M. A.	Leviticus 16:3-34
The Day of Atonement	Spurgeon, Charles Haddon	Leviticus 16:3-34
The Day of Atonement	D. O. Mears.	Leviticus 16:3-34
The Day of Atonement	D. C. Hughes, M. A.	Leviticus 16:3-34
The Day of Atonement	H. Melvill, B. D.	Leviticus 16:3-34
The Day of Atonement	J. A. Seiss, D. D.	Leviticus 16:3-34
The Garments of the Priest	F. E. Clark.	Leviticus 16:3-34
The Two Goats	F. E. Clark.	Leviticus 16:3-34
The Two Goats -- Various Interpretations	J. Cumming, D. D.	Leviticus 16:3-34
There Shalt be no Man in the Tabernacle	H. C. Trumbull.	Leviticus 16:3-34
True Repentance	H. W. Beecher.	Leviticus 16:3-34
Trusting in the Substitute		Leviticus 16:3-34
Value of Repentance	J. Spencer.	Leviticus 16:3-34
The Great Anniversary - Sacred Seasons	W. Clarkson	Leviticus 16:29-31
The Day of Atonement	J.A. Macdonald	Leviticus 16:29-34
The Day of Atonement	S.R. Aldridge	Leviticus 16:29-34

People

Aaron, Israelites, Moses

Places

Teman

Topics

Afflict, Age-during, Deny, Everlasting, Forever, Humble, Humbled, Lasting, Order, Ordinance, Permanent, Pleasure, Rest, Sabbath, Solemn, Souls, Special, Statute, Yourselves

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Leviticus 16:31

7404 ordinances

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 16:29-31

     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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