Leviticus 16:33 Study Bible: Then he shall make atonement for the Holy Sanctuary; and he shall make atonement for the Tent of Meeting and for the altar; and he shall make atonement for the priests and for all the people of the assembly.

Bible > Leviticus > Chapter 16 > Verse 33

◄ Leviticus 16:33 ►

and make atonement for the Most Holy Place, the Tent of Meeting, and the altar, and for the priests and all the people of the assembly.

Study Bible

He will make atonement
The Hebrew word for "atonement" is "kaphar," which means to cover, purge, or reconcile. In the context of Leviticus, atonement is a central theme, signifying the covering of sins and the restoration of the relationship between God and His people. This act of atonement is a foreshadowing of the ultimate atonement made by Jesus Christ, who reconciles humanity to God through His sacrifice.

for the Most Holy Place
The "Most Holy Place," or "Holy of Holies," is the innermost and most sacred area of the Tabernacle, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. It represents the very presence of God among His people. The high priest could enter this sacred space only once a year on the Day of Atonement, symbolizing the need for purity and reverence when approaching God. This highlights the holiness of God and the separation caused by sin, which requires atonement.

the Tent of Meeting
The "Tent of Meeting" refers to the Tabernacle, the portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites. It was the center of worship and the place where God communicated with Moses. The atonement for the Tent of Meeting signifies the cleansing of the place where God meets with His people, emphasizing the need for holiness in worship and the presence of God in the community.

and the altar
The altar is the place of sacrifice, where offerings were made to God. It symbolizes the means by which atonement is achieved through the shedding of blood. The cleansing of the altar underscores the importance of sacrifice in the atonement process, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ on the cross, which fulfills and surpasses the Old Testament sacrificial system.

and he will make atonement for the priests
The priests, as mediators between God and the people, also required atonement. This highlights the fact that all, including those in spiritual leadership, are in need of cleansing from sin. It serves as a reminder of the human condition and the universal need for redemption through Christ, our High Priest.

and all the people of the assembly
The "assembly" refers to the entire congregation of Israel. The atonement made for all the people signifies the communal aspect of sin and redemption. It reflects the collective responsibility and the shared need for forgiveness and reconciliation with God. This communal atonement points to the unity of believers in Christ, who are all part of the body of Christ and share in His redemptive work.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The High Priest
The central figure in the Day of Atonement rituals, responsible for making atonement for the sanctuary, the altar, the priests, and the people.

2. The Most Holy Place
The innermost part of the Tabernacle, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept, symbolizing God's presence among His people.

3. The Tent of Meeting
Also known as the Tabernacle, it was the portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.

4. The Altar
The place where sacrifices were made, symbolizing the need for atonement and reconciliation with God.

5. The People of the Assembly
The entire community of Israel, for whom the atonement was made, signifying the collective need for purification and forgiveness.

Teaching Points

The Necessity of Atonement
Atonement is essential for reconciliation with God. The rituals in Leviticus 16 highlight the seriousness of sin and the need for purification.

The Role of the High Priest
The High Priest serves as a mediator between God and the people, prefiguring the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who intercedes on our behalf.

The Holiness of God
The detailed instructions for atonement underscore God's holiness and the requirement for His people to be holy and set apart.

Community and Individual Responsibility
Atonement was made for the entire community, reminding us of our collective responsibility to seek forgiveness and live righteously.

The Fulfillment in Christ
The Day of Atonement foreshadows the complete and final atonement made by Jesus, encouraging believers to trust in His finished work on the cross.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the High Priest in Leviticus 16:33 point to the work of Jesus Christ as described in the book of Hebrews?

2. In what ways does the concept of atonement in Leviticus 16 relate to the New Testament understanding of salvation and forgiveness?

3. What does the requirement for atonement for the Most Holy Place, the Tent of Meeting, and the altar teach us about the nature of sin and its impact on our relationship with God?

4. How can the communal aspect of atonement in Leviticus 16:33 inform our understanding of the church's role in seeking and promoting reconciliation today?

5. Reflect on the holiness of God as depicted in Leviticus 16. How does this understanding influence your personal walk with God and your approach to worship?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 9
This chapter draws a parallel between the Old Testament Day of Atonement and the ultimate atonement made by Jesus Christ, emphasizing the superiority of Christ's sacrifice.

Exodus 30
Provides instructions for the construction and use of the altar, highlighting its significance in the sacrificial system and its role in atonement.

Romans 3
Discusses the concept of atonement and justification through faith in Jesus Christ, connecting the Old Testament practices to New Testament theology.

Sermons

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 Day of Atonement	J.A. Macdonald	Leviticus 16:29-34
The Day of Atonement	S.R. Aldridge	Leviticus 16:29-34
The Imperfect Ritual and the All-Sufficient Sacrifice	W. Clarkson	Leviticus 16:33, 34

People

Aaron, Israelites, Moses

Places

Teman

Topics

Altar, Assembly, Atonement, Community, Congregation, Free, Holy, Maketh, Meeting, Priests, Sanctuary, Sin, Tabernacle, Tent, Yea

Dictionary of Bible Themes

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 16:20-34

6175 guilt, removal of

Leviticus 16:32-33

6606 access to God

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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