Leviticus 23:26-41
(NIV, except where indicated)

Lenten concepts of self-denial are reflected in Lev 23:26-43. This passage discusses the Day of Atonement and the Festival of Tabernacles as part of the larger calendar of sacred occasions described in Leviticus 23. The Day of Atonement is designated, somewhat redundantly, a shabbat shabbaton (sabbath of complete rest; v. 32, NRSV) with the corresponding strict prohibition against work stated twice (do not do any work, v. 28; do no work at all, 31). Meanwhile the first and eighth days of the Festival of Tabernacles are designated with the less redundant term shabbaton (day of sabbath rest; v. 39) and a slightly less restrictive prohibition against work (no regular work; vv. 35-36).

The instructions regarding the Day of Atonement also state twice the command to “deny yourselves” (vv. 27, 32). The Hebrew term here carries the meaning of “humble,” “afflict,” or “weaken.” It is often understood as a reference to fasting. Wesley also associated it with repentance. The Festival of Tabernacles was intended to commemorate the time when the Lord “had the Israelites live in temporary shelters when I brought them out of Egypt” (v. 43). This recalled the time in the wilderness when the children of Israel had no property and no homes in which to live.

While cessation of work may be restful and renewing, it can also result in loss of income and, for an agricultural society, a possible loss of produce. Denying oneself through fasting (or other forms of affliction) and living in temporary shelters further reflect exercises in humility and trust, requiring dependence on the Lord’s provision. Such sacrifices correspond with the somber acts of fasting and signs of repentance associated with Lent.

At the same time, the Day of Atonement and the Festival of Tabernacles also express elements of celebration and praise. The Day of Atonement was considered a day of joyous celebration because all of Israel’s sins and impurities were forgiven/cleansed and removed from the entire community. The Festival of Tabernacles was also a celebration of the harvest (“when you have gathered in the produce of the land”; v. 39) during which the children of Israel were instructed “to rejoice before the Lord your God for seven days” (v. 40).

As we earnestly deny ourselves for the sake of spiritual growth, let us also rejoice in God’s provision of salvation in Christ our Lord.

Author: Dr. Thomas J. King

Other Lenten readings for today:

• Leviticus 23:26-4
• Revelation 19:1-8