Day of Atonement

The next unfulfilled feast (that is, in its typical meaning) is the day of atonement, which took place on the “tenth day of this seventh month.” This feast prefigures the day of Israel’s mourning when they look on Him “whom they have pierced,” and “shall mourn for Him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for Him.... In that day there shall be a great mourning in Jerusalem.... And the land shall mourn, every family apart” (Zech. 12:10-12). Thus our chapter says, “For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people.” This was also typified in Joseph’s dealing with his brethren when he had them recall their sin “concerning” their “brother.” It will be a solemn time for Israel when they go through in reality the fulfillment of the type of the day of atonement. After it is over they will say in the language of Isaiah 53, “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities.” (Lev. 16 gives the details of the day of atonement and the offerings to be offered). Then the repentant remnant of Israel will be ready to fulfill the type of the next feast.