Following the Feast of Pentecost, there was a four-month gap in God’s calendar before the next feast. This gap may represent the age we are living in now, the age of the church, when we should be devoted to sharing the gospel and gathering people into God’s kingdom (Matthew 9:36-38). The Feast of Trumpets was held on the first day of the seventh month and marked the beginning of the new civil year (vv. 23-25). The Jews used this day for prayer, meditation, and confession as they sought to make a fresh start with the Lord. On the tenth day of the seventh month, the Day of Atonement was observed. All work stopped, and the people gathered for a holy assembly before God.

This passage emphasizes how ordinary Israelites were to observe the Day of Atonement (vv. 26-29). They were to hold a sacred assembly, present an offering made by fire to the Lord, and do no work. This command to stop working was absolute (vv. 30-31). Unlike restrictions on regular employment, this rule appears to have forbidden even small household tasks (Exodus 16:23-30). It was a time of complete rest, like the Sabbath. Everyone was also required to deny themselves, from the evening of the ninth day until the evening of the tenth day (v. 32).

The command to deny himself probably included fasting and possibly other acts of humility, such as wearing sackcloth and ashes. Anyone who refused to observe this day and its complete rest faced the penalty of being cut off from God’s people. The Day of Atonement also points to a future prophetic fulfillment. When Israel is gathered back into her land, the Jewish people will recognize their Messiah, repent of their sins, and be cleansed. What a wonderful day that will be!

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