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Articles, Bible studies, and sermons that contain Leviticus 23:26:
The Sabbath During the Day of TemptationLeviticus 23:26-32
Excerpted from: Pride, Humility, and FastingThree times in that short span of verses God commands us to afflict our souls, or be afflicted. The word "fast" or "fasting" does not appear there. If we do not afflict our souls we are to be cut off from among our people, and God goes so far as to say, "I will destroy you." Therefore, being afflicted is quite a serious responsibility. So serious is it the Jews consider this day to be the most solemn of the year.
The focus of God's instruction here is on the spirit in which the day is to be observed. You might think that fasting is derived from the same word as "afflict," but it is not. They are not cognate. There is no direct connection between the two words. They are two distinctly different words from different roots.
The word "fast" is derived from a word meaning to cover the mouth. I feel certain that because God used the word "afflict" He is emphasizing the attitude, the spirit of the day rather than the act of fasting, because it is entirely possible for one to fast a day and not be afflicted spiritually.
The word "afflict" comes from the Hebrew anah. Transliterated into English it is awnah. This is an intriguing word, and it gives us insight into God's intention for our use of this day. Its primary meaning according to The Theological Word Book of the Old Testament is, "to force, or try to force into submission, or to punish or afflict pain upon, or to find one's self in a stunted, humble, lowly position." A modern English synonym is cowed. It is used as of what one does to his enemy.
Leviticus 23:26-32
Excerpted from: Isaiah 58 and FastingJust so there is no confusion about that last verse, what God means is that, when the sun is going down on the ninth, that is when you begin your fast. Then it goes from that evening to the next evening, on the tenth. So it covers the entire day of the tenth—which day this is [today].
Having looked at those six or seven verses there, it is no wonder that the Jews consider Yom Kippur—the Day of Atonement—the most solemn day of the year. There are three pronouncements of death in there, if you do not keep it properly. That is pretty solemn, if you ask me. That is pretty serious business.
God goes to great lengths to impress its seriousness on us. We have to afflict our souls. We have to do no work. We will be cut off, if we do. We will be destroyed by God. And it just seems to go on and on. But God says, "You have to do this, this day. And, if you don't, there are dire consequences for it." God takes this day very seriously.
And the whole idea of the Day of Atonement, from this section, all revolves around three basic things. The first thing is fasting. The second thing is doing no work. And the third thing is the offering that was made on this day. That is the ritual that is in Leviticus 16. (This is the one about the two goats that are offered on this day.)
Leviticus 23:26-31
Excerpted from: Passover (Part 3)Did you notice that? "No manner of work. . ." "Cut off from his people. . ." "I will destroy. . ." No manner of work whatsoever could be done on the Day of Atonement, and death and destruction awaited those who would not keep this as it was commanded. And because of the severe punishment that awaited those who broke this commandment, God wanted to be very sure that people understood (1) when it began and (2) when it ended.
ArticlesHow Do We Keep God's Festivals?
Who Fulfills the Azazel Goat—Satan or Christ? (Part One)
Bible StudiesHoly Days: Atonement
EssaysThe Peculiarities of Atonement
The Price of Atonement
SermonsWhy Is Atonement a Fall Festival?
A Day Without Work
A New Beginning
Don't Disregard Satan!
Satan, Division, and Humility
Seeking God's Will (Part Four): Sacrifice
Fast or Famine
The Doctrine of Israel (Part Fourteen): Israel Redeemed
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