Day 049- The Bible Recap

16:1 led me to believe that Aaron's sons did more than irreverently burn incense. It sounded like they also attempted to enter the Most Holy Place. We learned earlier in this chapter that the only time a priest was permitted to enter the Most Holy is on the Day of Atonement.

My study Bible explained this day very well..."The Day of Atonement was an annual observance highlighting God's grace. Here God offers forgiveness and renewal for Israel's worship site, priests and people. All sins can be forgiven. This ritual reminds readers that forgiveness comes from God, whose presence is symbolized by the ark in the Most Holy Place." I find it fascinating that the worship site itself needed renewal...it too was impacted by the peoples' sins!

Atonement first began with the priests and then with the people. It was interesting when all the sins were placed on the live goat and then it was sent into the wilderness. Tara Leigh pointed out that this is where we get the word scapegoat.

I felt the heaviness of chapter 16. The reminder of the high price of sin. I've often wondered if the rituals/ceremonies ever became just routine to the people because of the repetitions? But I guess we can be guilty of the same thing.

17:1-9 spoke of sacrifices only being offered at the tent of meeting. This law was established to keep the Israelites from committing idolatry...worshipping other gods was still a temptation to them.

Blood was set aside by the Lord for the role of atonement so to use it in any other way went against what the Lord established.

Chapter 18 began with a warning to the Israelites not to adopt the customs and practices of the land of Egypt (where they came from) nor the land of Canaan (where they were headed). Much of these behaviors were probably happening in those areas and the LORD wanted to address them to keep His people from them.