Leviticus 16:24

And he shall wash his flesh with water in the holy place, and put on his garments, and come forth, and offer his burnt offering, and the burnt offering of the people, and make an atonement for himself, and for the people.

Leviticus 16:24 (KJV)

Context

Leviticus 16 gives the instructions for the Day of Atonement, the most solemn day in Israel’s calendar. On this day the high priest made atonement for his own sins and for the sins of the people. Verse 24 describes the final part of his duties: after completing the atoning work inside the sanctuary, he washed, changed his clothes, and came out to offer burnt offerings.

Meaning

The washing with water in the holy place was not merely for physical cleanliness. It was a symbol of purification from impurity. Even the high priest, who served as mediator, needed cleansing before he could offer sacrifices. This shows that no one is holy by himself; everyone needs God’s cleansing to approach Him.

The change of garments marks a transition. The high priest had worn special linen clothes while making atonement inside the sanctuary. After washing, he put on his regular priestly garments, which included the ephod, breastplate, robe, and turban. These garments set him apart for his public ministry. The order of washing, changing, and then offering shows that purity must come before service.

Biblical connections

The burnt offering was a sacrifice of total surrender and dedication to God. The high priest offered one for himself and one for the people, making atonement for both. Atonement means reconciliation, making amends for sin. The blood of these sacrifices pointed forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself once for all. Hebrews 9 explains that Christ entered the holy place with His own blood, securing eternal redemption. Unlike the high priest, who had to offer sacrifices repeatedly, Jesus was sinless and needed no cleansing for Himself.

Application

This verse teaches that approaching God requires purity. The high priest washed before he served; believers today are cleansed by the blood of Christ. Because of His sacrifice, we can come before God with confidence, but we must still examine our hearts and turn from sin. The principle of purity before service applies to all who worship and serve God.

The high priest’s role as mediator foreshadows Jesus, our great High Priest. Jesus identifies with our weaknesses, yet He is without sin. He made atonement for us and now intercedes for us. We do not need another human mediator; we have direct access to God through Him.

• Cleansing is essential when approaching God, highlighting the need for a pure heart and sincere worship.

• Appropriate attire demonstrates reverence and respect for God.

• The burnt offerings symbolised surrender and dedication to God, ultimately fulfilled by Jesus’ sacrifice.

• Jesus is the ultimate High Priest and Mediator, providing complete atonement for our sins.

Reflection

Leviticus 16:24 reminds us of the seriousness of sin and the gracious provision of atonement. The high priest needed cleansing, and so do we. Yet we have a better hope: Christ’s perfect righteousness is credited to believers. Because He was washed, we are made clean. Because He offered Himself, we are forgiven. This truth calls us to live holy lives, grateful for the finished work of our great High Priest.