The Day of Atonement and Fasting
“Also the tenth day of this seventh month shall be the Day of Atonement. It shall be a holy convocation for you; you shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire to the LORD.”
The Day of Atonement is a unique holy day. It is the only holy day on which God commands His people to “afflict” their souls. This means His people are to fast (go without food and drink) for the entire 24 hours of this day.
Fasting is a spiritual tool that is designed to help us draw closer to God by developing humility and reliance on God and by realizing our absolute dependence on Him. Read our article on fasting to learn more about the spiritual benefits of fasting.
Over the next few days, we will be covering scriptures that explain the meaning of the Day of Atonement. This is a day to solemnly seek reconciliation with God and to focus on the portion of His plan that will lead to reconciliation between God and all of mankind. This can only happen through the binding of Satan the devil.
To read more about the part that this day has in God’s plan, read “Day of Atonement: Removing the Enemy, Reconciling All to God.”
