Question 1

What does it mean to "afflict your souls" on the tenth day?

Accepted Answer

In this passage, “afflict your souls” means that the people were to humble themselves before God. This mainly involved fasting, turning from normal comfort and food for the day. It also pointed to inner sorrow for sin and real repentance, not just an empty ritual. This was a set time when the whole community admitted their guilt and came before God with low and honest hearts. The outer acts of fasting and stopping work were meant to match an inner brokenness over sin and a desire to be made right with God.

Question 2

What is the purpose of the burnt offerings on the Day of Atonement?

Accepted Answer

The burnt offerings on this day were given “for a sweet savour” to the Lord. They were not mainly about the people’s needs, but about honouring God. A young bull, one ram, and seven lambs without blemish showed that God deserved the best. Even on a day focused on confession and cleansing, the people were reminded to worship God, give Him glory, and come to Him through sacrifice. Their faith and repentance were joined with offerings that pointed to God’s worth and holiness.

Question 3

Why is there an extra goat for a sin offering besides the atonement sacrifice?

Accepted Answer

This passage says there is “one kid of the goats for a sin offering, beside the sin offering of atonement.” This shows that, even on the very day when a great sin offering was made, another sin offering was still needed. It points to how deep sin runs and how even our repentant acts are not perfect. The people needed cleansing not only for their open sins, but also for the weakness and defects in their own repentance and worship. It also shows the limits of those sacrifices and the need for a better, complete atonement.

Question 4

How were these offerings arranged with the other daily sacrifices?

Accepted Answer

These offerings did not replace the regular ones. The passage says they were given beside “the continual burnt offering, and the meat offering of it, and their drink offerings.” That means the daily morning and evening offerings still went on as usual. On top of that, the special Day of Atonement sacrifices were added. This shows that special holy days did not cancel the regular worship of God. Instead, they increased it. God’s people were not to look for reasons to do less in worship, but to gladly do more when He called them to.

Question 5

What does this passage teach about repentance and our need for atonement?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that repentance is serious. The people stopped work, gathered, fasted, and brought many offerings. Yet even with all that, there had to be more than one sin offering. That tells us our hearts and actions are always mixed and need cleansing. It also shows that God provides what is needed for forgiveness. He does not just ask the people to feel sorry, He gives them a way to come near Him through sacrifice. The day joined deep sorrow for sin with real hope of reconciliation.

Question 6

Why were the animals required to be without blemish?

Accepted Answer

The young bull, the ram, and the seven lambs all had to be “without blemish.” This means they had to be healthy and without defect. Bringing perfect animals showed respect for God. He is holy and deserves what is whole and best, not what is damaged or unwanted. It also pictured the kind of purity needed to stand before Him. The people could not offer themselves as pure, so they brought faultless animals in their place. This constant requirement reminded Israel of God’s holiness and their need for a pure sacrifice.

Question 7

What does this passage show about God’s character and mercy?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows God as holy and just, since sin must be faced with confession, fasting, and blood sacrifices. At the same time, it shows His mercy. He sets a specific day, gives clear instructions, and provides a path for guilty people to draw near instead of being cast off. The extra offerings, even after the main atonement sacrifice, show that God knows the depth of human weakness and still makes room for forgiveness. He does not leave His people stuck in guilt, but calls them to repent and promises atonement.

Question 8

How can the pattern of this day guide believers’ attitudes today?

Accepted Answer

This passage points to an attitude more than a ritual to copy. God’s people set aside regular work, humbled themselves, and took sin seriously. They did not rush into God’s presence lightly; they came with confession and with the offerings He required. Today, while these exact sacrifices are not repeated, the pattern can still shape us. When we think about our sin, we should be honest and humble, not casual. We should remember that even our repentance is imperfect and that we depend fully on the atonement God has provided.

Numbers 29:7

¶ 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:

The Day of Atonement

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Numbers 29:7

¶ 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:

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The Day of Atonement

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