Leviticus 16:34

And this shall be an everlasting statute unto you, to make an atonement for the children of Israel for all their sins once a year. And he did as the LORD commanded Moses.

And this shall be an everlasting {H5769} statute {H2708} unto you, to make an atonement {H3722} for the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} for all their sins {H2403} once {H259} a year {H8141}. And he did {H6213} as the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} Moses {H4872}.

This is a permanent regulation for you, to make atonement for the people of Isra'el because of all their sins once a year." Moshe did as ADONAI had ordered him.

This is to be a permanent statute for you, to make atonement once a year for the Israelites because of all their sins.โ€ And all this was done as the LORD had commanded Moses.

And this shall be an everlasting statute unto you, to make atonement for the children of Israel because of all their sins once in the year. And he did as Jehovah commanded Moses.

Commentary

Leviticus 16:34 concludes the detailed instructions given to Moses for the annual Day of Atonement, known as Yom Kippur. This verse emphasizes the perpetual nature and purpose of this crucial ritual within the Israelite covenant.

Context

Chapter 16 of Leviticus is entirely dedicated to the regulations for the Day of Atonement, the most solemn day of the year in ancient Israelite worship. It describes the specific sacrifices, purifications, and procedures Aaron (and subsequent high priests) must perform to make atonement for himself, his household, the priesthood, the tabernacle, and the entire congregation of Israel for all their sins committed throughout the year. Verse 34 serves as the concluding statement, affirming its status as a permanent ordinance.

Key Themes

  • Atonement for Sin: The central theme is the necessity of making atonement for the sins of the children of Israel. This annual ritual provided a covering for unintentional sins, restoring the relationship between God and His people.
  • Everlasting Statute: The command is declared an "everlasting statute," indicating its intended permanence within the Old Covenant framework. This highlights the ongoing need for reconciliation due to human sinfulness.
  • Annual Observance: The atonement ritual was to be performed "once a year," underscoring its unique significance and the reminder that sin required a specific, periodic act of covering.
  • Obedience: The final phrase, "And he did as the LORD commanded Moses," confirms that the divine instructions were followed precisely, emphasizing the importance of obedience in worship.

Linguistic Insights

The key Hebrew word translated "atonement" is kaphar (ื›ึธึผืคึทืจ), which literally means "to cover," "to pacify," or "to reconcile." The rituals on the Day of Atonement were designed to "cover" the sins of the people, allowing God's holy presence to remain among them without consuming them because of their impurity. The phrase "everlasting statute" (ื—ึปืงึทึผืช ืขื•ึนืœึธื - chuqqat olam) signifies a perpetual or enduring ordinance.

Reflection and Application

While the Day of Atonement ritual was an "everlasting statute" under the Old Covenant, the New Testament reveals its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The book of Hebrews explains that Christ's single sacrifice on the cross is the perfect and final atonement for sins, superior to the repeated sacrifices of the Levitical system (Hebrews 9:12). He entered the true heavenly sanctuary and made purification for sins once for all. This verse in Leviticus helps us appreciate the gravity of sin, the necessity of atonement, and the profound depth of God's provision, first through the temporary covering of Yom Kippur and ultimately through the complete and eternal redemption offered by Christ. Understanding the Old Testament shadows like the Day of Atonement deepens our gratitude for the substance found in Jesus.

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Cross-References

  • Hebrews 9:7 (7 votes)

    But into the second [went] the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and [for] the errors of the people:

  • Hebrews 9:25 (6 votes)

    Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;

  • Exodus 30:10 (5 votes)

    And Aaron shall make an atonement upon the horns of it once in a year with the blood of the sin offering of atonements: once in the year shall he make atonement upon it throughout your generations: it [is] most holy unto the LORD.

  • Hebrews 10:14 (4 votes)

    For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

  • Hebrews 10:3 (3 votes)

    But in those [sacrifices there is] a remembrance again [made] of sins every year.

  • Leviticus 23:31 (2 votes)

    Ye shall do no manner of work: [it shall be] a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.

  • Numbers 29:7 (2 votes)

    And ye shall have on the tenth [day] of this seventh month an holy convocation; and ye shall afflict your souls: ye shall not do any work [therein]: