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Book of Leviticus - Chapter 16 - Verse 33

16:33
And he shall make an atonement for the holy sanctuary, and he shall make an atonement for the tabernacle of the congregation, and for the altar, and he shall make an atonement for the priests, and for all the people of the congregation.

Meaning

In this verse, we see the importance of atonement in the context of the holy sanctuary, the tabernacle of the congregation, the altar, the priests, and the people of the congregation. Atonement, in the biblical sense, refers to the reconciliation between humans and God through the forgiveness of sins. It is a process of cleansing, purifying, and making right the relationship between God and his people. The atonement mentioned in this verse is a symbolic act of restoring harmony and peace within the religious community. By making atonement for the holy sanctuary, the tabernacle, the altar, the priests, and the people, the high priest is ensuring that all aspects of the community are purified and sanctified before God. This ritual serves as a way to acknowledge the sins of the people, seek forgiveness, and renew their commitment to God. Ultimately, the atonement process is a way to maintain the purity and holiness of the community and strengthen their faith in God.

Theological Overview

The verse you are referring to is from Leviticus 16:33 and it speaks about the atonement ritual that the high priest was required to perform on the Day of Atonement. The word "atonement" refers to the act of reconciliation or reparation for sins committed. In this context, the atonement was necessary to cleanse and purify the holy sanctuary, tabernacle, altar, priests, and the congregation from their sins. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement to restore the relationship between the people and God. The atonement ritual symbolized the removal of sin and the restoration of holiness. By carefully following the prescribed rituals, the people were able to seek forgiveness and reconciliation with God. Overall, this verse highlights the significance of atonement in the Old Testament sacrificial system and the importance of seeking forgiveness for sins committed.

American Standard Version

and he shall make atonement for the holy sanctuary; and he shall make atonement for the tent of meeting and for the altar; and he shall make atonement for the priests and for all the people of the assembly.
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