The Day of Cleansing, often associated with the Day of Atonement, is a significant observance in the biblical tradition, particularly within the context of the Old Testament. This day is primarily detailed in Leviticus 16 and is known in Hebrew as Yom Kippur. It is a day set apart for the purification of the people of Israel, the sanctuary, and the priesthood, emphasizing the themes of repentance, atonement, and reconciliation with God.

Biblical Foundation

The instructions for the Day of Cleansing are found in Leviticus 16, where God commands Moses regarding the rituals Aaron, the high priest, must perform. The day is marked by solemnity and involves a series of sacrifices and rituals designed to cleanse the people from their sins. Leviticus 16:30 states, "For on this day atonement will be made for you to cleanse you, and you will be clean from all your sins before the LORD."

Rituals and Sacrifices

The high priest plays a central role in the Day of Cleansing. He is required to enter the Holy of Holies, the innermost part of the Tabernacle, which he can only do once a year on this day. The high priest must first offer a bull as a sin offering for himself and his household, ensuring his own purification before interceding for the people (Leviticus 16:11-14).

Two goats are then presented at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting. Lots are cast over the goats—one is chosen for the LORD as a sin offering, and the other is designated as the scapegoat, or Azazel. The goat for the LORD is sacrificed, and its blood is used to purify the sanctuary, the Tent of Meeting, and the altar (Leviticus 16:15-19).

The scapegoat, on the other hand, is symbolically laden with the sins of the people. Aaron lays his hands on the head of the goat, confessing over it all the iniquities and transgressions of the Israelites. The goat is then sent away into the wilderness, symbolizing the removal of sin from the community (Leviticus 16:20-22).

Significance and Symbolism

The Day of Cleansing underscores the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin. It serves as a powerful reminder of the need for atonement and the provision God has made for His people to be reconciled to Him. The rituals performed on this day highlight the separation between God and humanity due to sin and the necessity of a mediator to bridge that gap.

The use of blood in the sacrificial system points to the gravity of sin and the cost of atonement. Hebrews 9:22 echoes this principle: "According to the law, in fact, nearly everything must be purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness."

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the Day of Cleansing finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 9 and 10 draw a direct connection between the Old Testament rituals and the sacrifice of Christ. Jesus is portrayed as the perfect high priest who enters the heavenly sanctuary once for all, offering His own blood as the ultimate atonement for sin (Hebrews 9:11-12).

The scapegoat also finds its fulfillment in Christ, who bore the sins of humanity and removed them as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). Through His death and resurrection, believers are cleansed and reconciled to God, no longer needing the annual sacrifices of the Old Covenant.

Observance and Legacy

While the Day of Cleansing as prescribed in Leviticus is no longer observed in the same manner by Christians, its principles continue to resonate. The themes of repentance, atonement, and divine forgiveness remain central to Christian theology and practice. The Day of Cleansing serves as a profound reminder of the holiness of God, the seriousness of sin, and the grace available through Jesus Christ.