Shalom, beloved family,
Yom Kippur—the Day of Atonement—is supremely important for us to observe. But how exactly should we observe it? Below I share several Scripture readings that The Most High YAH placed on my heart this morning. May our collective prayers, words, and meditations be pleasing and acceptable in YAH’s sight (Psalm 19:14).
Before diving into the Scriptures, let me offer a few reflections on three key terms we will encounter in the Yom Kippur commandments: “Atonement,” “Afflict,” and “Celebrate.”
Atonement
Hebrew must be our foundation whenever we discuss The Bible. In English, we translate the Hebrew word kippur קִפּוּר (strong’s #3725) as “atonement.” https://biblehub.com/hebrew/3725.htm
And continuing to look deeper—on BibleHub, the link above—we also see the Hebrew word kaphar כָּפַר (strong’s #3722) and the English word “expiation.” The root behind kippur is kaphar, which means to cover, appease, pacify, or make propitiation. The concept of covering is central: because of sin (Leviticus 4:26-35; 5:6-18; 14:19; 15:15,30; 16:34), a covering is required before restored fellowship is possible.
Now, let’s just for a moment, go back to the English a little bit more. Expiation, which BibleHub listed as a definition, is also more than simple forgiveness: it connotes reparation and restoration. Interestingly, the English “atonement” is derived from atone + –ment, and atone (in its original sense) means “at one” or “to unite.”
Thus, Yom Kippur is, on a foundational level, a day for us to become one again with YAH and with one another—echad (אֶחָד).
Afflict
The word “afflict” in English is often used to translate anah (Hebrew #6031), which carries the idea of being bowed down or humbled. From the same root (anah / #6030), we find notions of responding, giving account, or being made low. Thus, “affliction” is not only external suffering—it is a posture of humility, self-examination, and accountability before YAH.
Celebrate
Lastly, let’s look at the English word “Celebrate”. In The King James Version translation of the Scriptures, we see the English word Celebrate at the end of Leviticus 23:32:
And we will see that even though the translators put “you shall/shall ye celebrate”, the Hebrew word here, is Hebrew word # 7673 “shabath”
And to keep this short & sweet, for now, let us stick with the English (for a point) on this one today. What do you think is the origin of the English word “celebrate”? What comes to mind when you hear the word celebrate? Why & how do you use it? Normally, the word celebrate pertains to fun festivities, parties, happiness, etc… right? Well…let’s quickly check out the etymology:
So family if we must use the English word, let’s use the English word’s original meaning; let us perform the rites of YAH publicly & appropriately. Let us keep His Yom Kippur solemnly, let us gather together, assembling in honor of YAH and the sacrifice of Yahoshua HaMashiach. Let us obey YAH’s righteous Instruction/Torah, to the best of our abilities—HalleluYAH!
“Let us hold fast the confession of our expectation without yielding, for He who promised is trustworthy. And let us be concerned for one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging, and so much more as you see the day coming near. For if we sin purposely after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a slaughter offering for sins, but some fearsome anticipation of judgment, and a fierce fire which is about to consume the opponents. Anyone who has disregarded the Torah of Mosheh dies without compassion on the witness of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment do you think shall he deserve who has trampled the Son of Elohim underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was set apart as common, and insulted the Spirit of favour?”
Iḇ`rim (Hebrews) 10:23-29 TS2009
Scriptures to read on Yom Kippur
Alright… Now here are some readings & prayers that you can begin Yom Kippur with, and continue reading throughout the Yom:
• Exodus 30:10 & Leviticus 16 – Origins of Yom Kippur/Day of Atonement
• Deuteronomy 29:9-15 – We continue in the covenant which YAH made with our ancestors
• Leviticus 23:26-33 & Numbers 29:7-11 – Commands to keep/celebrate Yom Kippur
• Deuteronomy 8:1-3, Matthew 4:4 & Luke 4:4 – We live by the Word of YAH, AND not by bread alone
• Deuteronomy 30 – YAH’s promises to us, His Children, after our affliction & tribulation
• Romans 12:1 – Our reasonable service is our worship & obedience to the Word & Instruction of YAH/Torah… also read exodus 12:25 & Romans 9:4, and Hebrews 9
• Isaiah 58 – Fall moedim/appointments reparation.
• Matthew 6:5-8 & 16-18 – How we are to pray & fast — unto YAH and not man.
• Romans 5:1-11, 6:18-23, 7:14-25, 8:18-39 – Yahoshua is our everything, we can endure through Him!
Pray the Scriptures:
◦ Matthew 6:5-16 – The Masters prayer
◦ Psalm 25
◦ Psalm 51
◦ NehemYah 1:4-11
*And of course there are plenty of other Scriptures to meditate on & pray, continue to go over your favorites (along with those listed above) on your own & together with mishpachah, throughout Yom Kippur.
You can end Yom Kippur with reading & praying:
◦ Daniel 9:3-19
◦ Prayer of Azariah/Azaryahu (the prayer is verses 3-22, but the whole chapter is a great read, and the ending verses can be read as a call-and-response) https://m.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Prayer-of-Azariah-Chapter-1/
2 Chronicles 33:1-20 (more on Manasseh’s (and our ancestors/our) wickedness in 2 Kings 21:1-18)
◦ Prayer of Manasseh https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Prayer-of-Manasseh-Chapter-1/
◦ Tobit 13 https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Tobit-Chapter-13/
◦ Acts 4:23-30 https://m.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Acts-4-23_4-30/
And you can also put this playlist on, and put it on repeat throughout the day: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9f4hVcfNf-so3_HepC6mymNsZHLE1EeY&si=7taT5RcugbepBsnZ
May our time with one another, and most importantly, our time with Our Elohim be meaningful, set apart, pleasing to YAH our strength and redeemer—HalleluYAH! HalleluYAH! HalleluYAH! Amen
Until next time, shalom ✌🏾
~Yahrahn
And for more info on Yom Kippur and YAH’s other appointments & feast days:
https://www.arkcommunity.org/calendar
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeREKjHWypTWtwluom9fUI9h8B6TcauhJ&si=fRLwc1Ypfm2h9UKf
