“And Aaron shall come into the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall put off the linen garments, which he put on when he went into the holy place, and shall leave them there.”
Leviticus 16 describes the Day of Atonement, also known as Yom Kippur, which was an important event in the Old Testament religious calendar. On this day, the high priest, Aaron, would enter the Most Holy Place in the tabernacle or later in the temple, to make atonement for the sins of the people of Israel.
Let’s examine the significance of Leviticus 16:23 in the context of the Day of Atonement and its symbolic meaning:
- The High Priest’s Actions: The verse begins by stating that Aaron, the high priest, is to come into the tabernacle of the congregation. This refers to the innermost area of the tabernacle, the Holy of Holies, where the presence of God dwelled. This area was separated by a veil and could only be entered by the high priest once a year on the Day of Atonement.
- Putting off the Linen Garments: Upon entering the Holy of Holies, Aaron is instructed to remove the linen garments he wore when he entered the holy place. These garments were made of fine white linen and were worn to signify purity and holiness. By taking them off, Aaron symbolically sheds the attire that represents his earthly service and enters the presence of God in a state of humility and dependence.
- Leaving the Linen Garments: After taking off the linen garments, Aaron is to leave them in the tabernacle. This act signifies the separation between the earthly realm and the divine presence. The linen garments are left behind as Aaron transitions from the holy place to the Most Holy Place, where he meets with God.
Symbolically, this verse portrays the high priest, Aaron, humbling himself and entering the presence of God with reverence and awe. By removing his linen garments, he symbolizes the stripping away of human achievements, status, and self-righteousness. This act emphasizes the need for humility and acknowledgment of one’s dependence on God for forgiveness and reconciliation.
Furthermore, the Day of Atonement, of which this verse is a part, foreshadows the work of Jesus Christ as the ultimate High Priest. In the New Testament, we learn that Jesus, through His sacrificial death on the cross, became the atoning sacrifice for the sins of humanity once and for all. The tearing of the veil in the temple when Jesus died (Matthew 27:51) signifies the direct access we now have to God through faith in Christ.
In summary, Leviticus 16:23 portrays the high priest Aaron preparing to enter the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement, emphasizing the importance of humility and dependence on God. This verse, along with the entire ceremony, foreshadows the work of Jesus Christ as the ultimate High Priest, who made atonement for our sins and granted us direct access to God’s presence.
