Bible Dictionary
Atonement, The Day Of
The Day of Atonement was the central annual day of national humiliation and expiation under the Mosaic law. Through the high priest’s sacrifices and the sending away of the scapegoat, Israel’s uncleanness and guilt were symbolically dealt with before God.
Biblical Usage
The people kept it as a solemn Sabbath with fasting and rest. The high priest alone entered the Holy of Holies, offered a bullock for himself and his family, and offered goats and rams for the people. One goat was sacrificed and its blood used in purification; the other, after the people’s sins were confessed over it, was sent into the wilderness.
Scripture References