In contrast to chapter 15, which seeks very personal forgiveness, chapter 16 deals with national forgiveness. The Lord gives commands to Moses regarding the Day of Atonement, a day in which the whole nation should stop their work, repent and ask God's forgiveness upon their wickedness. Most of this chapter deals with Aaron the high priest and what he is required to do. He must put on his priestly robes, he appears once a year in the Most Holy Place, and he represents the nation, seeking God's forgiveness. The spiritual leader is critical to the nation's repentance. His personal attitude and reverence for God, his house, and his mission, and his diligence in doing these things directly affect the nation's atonement. We must pray for our spiritual leaders to be equipped with God's spirit of prayer to do so.

These offerings involve a sacrificed goat and a scapegoat. The priest sacrifices the first goat who takes all the punishment the nation's sins deserves. Then he confesses all the sins of the nation on the scapegoat and releases it outside the camp symbolically carrying away the nation's sins. We as a nation need to place our faith in Jesus and ask for his forgiveness from our wickedness.


Application: Father, we confess our sins as a nation. Save us from your judgment and restore us.
One Word: Honoring God through a national day of repentance to be restored in his grace