The Day of Atonement

Choice 2: Leviticus 16. The Day of Atonement

Leviticus 16 explains the details of what is referred to as the Day of Atonement (see Leviticus 23:27-28). Write a definition for the primary purpose of this special day.

Day of Atonement Definition: A holy convocation unto you due to the affliction you cause your soul through sin. This is a day when an offering is made by fire unto the lord (symbolic verbage for us in the latter–days dealing with receiving the Spirit of God). This is a day when atonement is made on your behalf

Read Leviticus 16:1-28 as well as the Institute Student Manual commentary for Leviticus 16, “The Day of Atonement and Israel’s Forgiveness” (pgs. 176-77; see also Bible Dictionary, “Fasts,” 671, which describes the Day of Atonement). Then answer the following questions:

Why do you think Aaron needed to make atonement for himself before making atonement for the people?

It was important for Aaron to be right before the Lord before helping others so that hypocrisy is not an issue.  It is like when you are on an airplane and they teach you to breath through your oxygen mask first before helping other people. 

Why did Aaron need two goats?

Two goats were chosen by lot. One was designated as the goat of the Lord, and one was designated as the scapegoat, or in Hebrew, the goat of Azazel. The goat of Jehovah was offered as a sin offering, and the high priest took its blood into the holy of holies of the tabernacle and sprinkled it on the lid of the ark of the covenant (called the ‘mercy seat’), thus making atonement for the sins of Israel. “4. The other goat, Azazel, was brought before the high priest, who laid his hands upon its head and symbolically transferred all of the sins of Israel to it. Then it was taken out into the wilderness and released where it would never be seen again.

How could both goats represent Jesus Christ and His Atonement?

Jesus Christ was offered as a sacrifice for our sins. He literally was the sacrifice, which was worthy of the Lord. He also was literally the Atoning One who took on the sins of the world

What do Aaron’s responsibilities and the responsibilities of the man who led the scapegoat into the wilderness symbolize?

Aaron’s responsibilities represent Christ. Christ is the highest priest and officiates for all mankind. He provides a way for us to be forgiven. The man who leads the scapegoat away represents us. We must lead our sins away and loose them forever.

Read the Institute Student Manual commentary by Elder James E. Talmage (1862-1933), a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (pg. 177). Define the word vicarious as it applied to the ancient Day of Atonement. Include in your statement the personal factor necessary for an individual’s sins to be forgiven. Explain in writing how the Savior’s work of the Atonement was a vicarious work.

Vicarious Definition: Experienced in and through the feelings or actions of another person often times through symbolism. (example: proxy work)

The personal factor necessary for an individual’s sins to be forgiven comes from the individual’s willingness to repent and follow Christ. The Saviors work of the atonement was a vicarious work because even though he did not personally commit the sin, he took upon him the sins, weaknesses and infirmities of the world so that he could better understand how to succor his people and judge them in righteousness.