The Day of Atonement, known in Hebrew as Yom Kippur, is one of the most solemn and significant observances in the Jewish calendar, as outlined in the Old Testament. It is a day dedicated to atonement and repentance, where the Israelites sought reconciliation with God for their sins. The offerings prescribed for this day are detailed primarily in Leviticus 16 and Numbers 29, and they hold deep theological significance in the context of the sacrificial system established by God for His people.

Biblical Instructions and Rituals

The Day of Atonement is described in Leviticus 16, where God instructs Moses on the specific rituals and offerings to be performed by the High Priest, Aaron. The chapter begins with a reminder of the holiness required to approach God, referencing the death of Aaron's sons, Nadab and Abihu, who offered unauthorized fire before the Lord (Leviticus 16:1-2).

The offerings for the Day of Atonement include:

1. Sin Offering for the High Priest: Aaron is to present a bull as a sin offering for himself and his household. This offering underscores the need for the High Priest to be cleansed before he can intercede on behalf of the people (Leviticus 16:6, 11).

2. Sin Offering for the People: Two male goats are presented at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. Lots are cast to determine which goat will be sacrificed as a sin offering for the people and which will be the scapegoat, to be sent into the wilderness (Leviticus 16:7-10). The goat chosen for sacrifice is slaughtered, and its blood is used to purify the Most Holy Place, the Tent of Meeting, and the altar (Leviticus 16:15-19).

3. Scapegoat (Azazel): The second goat, known as the scapegoat, is presented alive before the Lord. Aaron lays both hands on its head, confessing over it all the iniquities and transgressions of the Israelites, symbolically transferring their sins onto the goat. It is then sent away into the wilderness, signifying the removal of sin from the community (Leviticus 16:20-22).

4. Burnt Offerings: After the sin offerings, Aaron is to offer a ram as a burnt offering for himself and another ram for the people. These offerings symbolize the complete dedication and consecration to God (Leviticus 16:24).

5. Additional Offerings: Numbers 29:7-11 provides further instructions for the Day of Atonement, including additional burnt offerings of one young bull, one ram, and seven male lambs a year old, all without defect, along with their grain offerings and drink offerings. A male goat is also offered as a sin offering.

Theological Significance

The offerings for the Day of Atonement highlight the gravity of sin and the necessity of atonement through blood sacrifice. The High Priest's role as an intercessor foreshadows the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who offers Himself as the perfect and final sacrifice for sin. The ritual of the scapegoat illustrates the complete removal of sin, a theme echoed in the New Testament's portrayal of Christ's atoning work.

The Day of Atonement serves as a powerful reminder of God's holiness, justice, and mercy, calling His people to repentance and faith. It underscores the need for a mediator and the provision of atonement through divine grace, themes that resonate throughout the biblical narrative and find their fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ.