Devotional • The Day of Atonement

The Day of Atonement, also called Yom Kippur, is perhaps the highest holiest day of the year on the Jewish calendar. The protocols for the day were set up by God some 3500 years ago in Leviticus 16. The day was to be a solemn Sabbath day of fasting. It was a call to repentance and cleansing from sin committed in the past year. Atonement means reconciliation. Yom means day in Hebrew and Kippur comes from the root word that means cover.

The High Priest took the primary role for the day. After ritual cleansing and changing of his garments, he entered the Holy of Holies with a blood sacrifice he placed on the mercy seat covering the ark of covenant. This ark was a trunk that held the stone tablets of the ten commandments. First he made the sacrifice for himself, later in the day he made one for all the people. The law represented by the ten commandments demanded judgment. The sacrificial blood sprinkled on the mercy seat covered the sins of the people and brought reconciliation between man and God. Because of the blood sacrifice, God could show mercy on the people for the sins committed in the past year.

There were many other rituals and sacrifices made on the Day of Atonement in ancient Israel. This day was replete with symbolism and significance. It concluded with a great feast of celebration hosted for all the people by the High Priest.

One of the prescribed enactments during the day was when the high priest brought two goats to the entrance of the tabernacle and cast lots over them. One lot meant that goat would be a sacrifice to the Lord, the other lot meant that goat would be for “Azazel”. The meaning of azazel is uncertain but it is certain that it is associated with desolate wilderness. After placing his hands on this goat and confessing the sins of the people, the High Priest sent this goat away into the wilderness. “The goat shall bear all their iniquities on itself to a remote area.” Leviticus 16:22. This second goat was called the scapegoat.

The scapegoat is a beautiful picture of God’s forgiveness of our sins and His mercy toward us. Have you ever wondered if could God really forgive you? Have you heard the voice of the enemy condemning you for something in your past? Do you live with thoughts of shame and guilt? If so, look to this picture of Jesus your scapegoat.

The high priest laid his hands on the head of the scapegoat and confessed the sins of the people. Our job is to confess the sins we are aware of. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." I John 1:9.

The scapegoat was released into the wilderness, never to return again. God’s word is settled about our confessed sin. “As far as the east is from the west, so far had He removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:12. “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross…"I Peter 2:24. “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1. “I will remember their sins no more.” Hebrews 8:12

When the enemy accuses you of a sin you have dealt with through repentance and confession, remember those sins are on the scapegoat and have been sent away. Tell the enemy, “So what? My sins have been dealt with, they are under the blood of Jesus.” Then go with confidence in God’s love for you. You have been released from the guilt and shame of your sins because God has provided your scapegoat. Hallelujah!

Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord, we thank you not only was Jesus our sacrifice, He was our scapegoat. When we confess our sins and turn from them, you send them away. We will not have to face our sins again. Thank you for the freedom you bring in Christ. Help us to stand firm in that freedom.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen