Atonement in the Old Testament

From the Old Testament’s perspective, atonement refers to making amends for wrongdoing. The Israelites had often been damaged by iniquity, hence, they sought to make reparations for their transgressions by performing rituals and sacrifices. It is only through the atonement that people would maintain their covenant relationship with God through this process. Therefore, by scouring through different facets of atonement in the Old Testament such as the importance of sacrifice during the process, the role of the high priest and the tabernacle, and the prophetic understanding of the atonement, this paper brings an in-depth analysis of the significance of the process.
The Sacrificial System
Atonement through sacrifice was a way of seeking forgiveness and restoring a people’s relationship with God. Different types of sacrifices were aimed at this endeavor, including burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt offerings. These offerings were particularly offered to fulfill a specific purpose. Sacrifices would be offered during the Day of Atonement. The high priest would enter the Holy of Holies and make reparations for the sins of the entire nation by performing various sacrifices. For the other citizens, this day could be marked by fasting, prayer, and sacrifices. The sacrificial system offered a mode for the people to seek forgiveness and be reconciled with God.[Garrett (2014)]
The Role of the High Priest and the Tabernacle
The high priest, on the Day of Atonement, served as a mediator between God and the people, offering sacrifices on their behalf. He entered the Holy of Holies to make penitence on behalf of the entire nation, and his garments, including a breastplate with twelve stones, a turban with a gold plate, and a robe with bells and pomegranates, which embodied the role of a mediator and people’s representative before God. The tabernacle was the designated place for sacrifices and was where the presence of God dwelt. The Holy of Holies was only accessible to the high priest once a year. The Ark of the Covenant was housed in the Holy of Holies, representing the presence of God. It was also a reminder of the covenant between God and the Israelite...