Leviticus 23:23-44
Q.1. Why was humility such an important aspect of the Day of Atonement? What made it a crucial annual celebration? – (Lev.23:26-32)
Ten days prior to the Day of Atonement, was the Feast of Trumpets. This called on the nation to humbly prepare for the annual Day of Atonement (Lev.23:23-25, 27). We have already been introduced to the Day of Atonement in Leviticus (c.f. Lev.16:29-34). It involved the selection of two goats, the slaying of the one upon which the lot fell, and the transfer of the sins of the Israelites onto the scapegoat – it is on this day that atonement shall be made for you to cleanse you; you will be clean from all your sins before the Lord (Lev.16:30). The blood sacrifice of the Day of Atonement was brought into the Tabernacle and sprinkled on the Mercy Seat. It was crucial, for a sinful people’s ability to continue to relate to their holy God (Lev.23:26-28). It required honesty and humility, because there was nothing that a sinner could do to remove the stain of sin. It was entirely God’s kindness that provided the humble, penitent Israelite a way in which he could once more be right with God – You shall have this as a permanent statute to make atonement for the sons of Israel once every year (Lev.16:34).
Q.2. What was the significance of the Feast of Booths for the people who settled in the Promised Land? – (Lev.23:33-44)
In the same month, Israel was to celebrate the Feast of Booths for seven days – For seven days you shall present an offering by fire to the Lord. On the eighth day you shall have a holy convocation and present an offering by fire to the Lord; it is an assembly … (Lev.23:36). It would no doubt be a fun time for the children of the families, as they gathered – the foliage of beautiful trees, palm branches and boughs of leafy trees and willows of the brook, and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God for seven days … and made booths or tents to dwell in (Lev.23:40). This was a very demonstrable way which would help the people to not forget their history – so that your generations may know that I had the sons of Israel live in booths when I brought them out from the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God (Lev.23:43). All these festivals underscored the Covenant relationship that Israel had with God, and her dependence upon Him.