Humble Yourself

The Day of Atonement, in Leviticus chapter 16, verses 29 through 31, is a lengthy chapter detailing the ordinances for this sacred day. It is the most sacred day in the Jewish calendar, describing the way that God ordained the sacrifice to make atonement for Israel’s sins. Everything depended on that sacrifice.

God also requires a response from His people. The response He requires is that they shall “afflict their souls.” That’s the usual translation. However, the word translated “afflict” is frequently translated “humble.” So God requires His people to humble their souls. This is a very significant truth.

The sacrifice was something they could not arrange. It was outside their power to provide. It came entirely from God’s grace. But they could not benefit from the sacrifice unless they met God’s conditions and humbled their souls.