The Day of Atonement, also known as Yom Kippur in Hebrew, is a significant religious observance for several groups that celebrate God’s Holy Calendar and appointed feasts. It is historically recognized as a day of fasting, repentance, and the seeking of forgiveness from God for one’s sins. The day was considered a Sabbath, a day of rest, during which no work was to be done. The Day of Atonement held great significance in the religious calendar of ancient Israel and was considered a solemn and holy occasion.

The Day of Atonement is described in the Bible (Old Testament), in Leviticus, chapter 23, and in greater detail in the book of Leviticus, chapter 16. The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible describes the Day of Atonement as follows:

Leviticus 16:29-31 (KJV):
29 “And this shall be a statute forever unto you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether it be one of your own country or a stranger that sojourneth among you.” 30 “For on that day shall the priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before the Lord.” 31 “It shall be a sabbath of rest unto you, and ye shall afflict your souls, by a statute forever.”

In accordance with these biblical instructions, The Day of Atonement is observed on the tenth day of the seventh month of God’s Holy Calendar. The primary feature of the Day of Atonement was the offering of sacrifices for the atonement of sins. The high priest would enter the Most Holy Place in the tabernacle or later the temple, and through various rituals and offerings, and make an atonement for himself and his house, and then for the sins of the people.

During this holy day, the Israelites were commanded to gather for a holy convocation, a sacred assembly and to fast for 24 hours, refraining from food and drink as they focus on prayer, introspection, and repentance for their sins. The day was considered a Sabbath, a day of rest, during which no work was to be done.

The Day Of Atonement is a shadow of the Sacrificial and Redemptive work of Jesus our Messiah through whom mankind has now received the Atonement and Reconciliation. The Apostle Paul reflecting on this day wrote in Romans 5:10-11: “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.”

The Day of Atonement remains a solemn time for believers as they reflect on God’s ultimate love for us in sending us His only begotten Son, to reconcile us into a living hope through the death and resurrection of his Son.