⁷… but into the second, only the high priest enters once a year, not without taking blood, which he offers for himself and for the sins of the people committed in ignorance.

Repetition brings emphasis. The idea of the Day of Atonement is frequently referred to in Scripture, firstly in Exodus 30:10, and most recently in Hebrews 5:3. For some the repetition renders the reading of Hebrews filled with redundancies (as it seems for other themes also). However such reiteration is not boorish—unless one considers someone like the prolific 18^th century musician Johann Sebastian Bach to be ignorantly trite in taking a simple tune and providing endless variations. Such uncovers his genius as a musical artist, but also as a mind compelled by the beauty of the sound into exploring a broader appreciation and enjoyment when experienced through different prisms of sound. So also, the beauties of the Lord Jesus Christ. There are an infinite number of variations on the theme of His superiority over the Levitical worship system with its priests and daily and yearly sacrifices.

The high priest (Aaron and his descendants) had a unique role in the worship of Israel. This needs to be said again, but in a slightly different hue. Succinctly, we discover the place where he performs his unique duty—namely the inner (“second”) sanctuary, the Most Holy Place. The sacrifice of atonement was presented in the innermost portion of the tabernacle, where God’s presence was represented, the most intimate place on earth for meeting God.

This sacrifice occurred once and only once per year, and it had to be accompanied by blood, symbolic of death. The high priest had to offer sacrifice first for himself, then for the people. The Day of Atonement was a sort of “catch all,” as it dealt with the complete issue of sin, not just individual sins. It was a wiping clean of the slate. But even this was limited.

The atonement offering was for things committed “in ignorance.” Willful, defiant transgressions were not covered by the atonement sacrifice. That is why David said, “For You do not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it; you are not pleased with burnt offering” (Ps 51:16–17a). His sin with Uriah and Bathsheba was pre-meditated and deliberate. For that kind of sin, there was no sacrifice. But for all others the Levitical sacrificial system applied. In the end, David needed mercy, for the Law provided no other recourse, and that is why he prayed, “Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your steadfast love; according to Your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions” (Ps 51:1).

Lord, the law exposes my need of Your mercy. Thank You again for Jesus’ being my High Priest who provided atonement for ALL of my sins.