The Scapegoat by William Holman Hunt (1827-1910) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
By Bob Barney- The Plain Truth
Today is the Day of Atonement, a day in Old Testament times with great symbolism and ceremony about the forgiveness of sin, and restoration to God's presence for all mankind. In Leviticus 16, we read about the Day of Atonement, and learn some fascinating facts often overlooked. For one thing, we read that the Day of Atonement is a 24 hour period covering two days of the week. Contrary to the Jewish practice of beginning the day in the evening, God's Day begins in the morning, at sunrise. In Leviticus 23:32 we can clearly read that the day of fasting and prayer starts at sundown on the 9th day of the 7th month, and ends 24 hours later on sundown on the 10th of the month. 32 This will be a Sabbath day of complete rest for you, and on that day you must deny yourselves. This day of rest will begin at sundown on the ninth day of the month and extend until sundown on the tenth day.”