The Hebrew root of Yom Kippur means “to cover.” On this day the blood of the sin offerings is brought into the Holy of Holies and placed on the kapporet—the mercy seat that covers the Ark of the Covenant. The same root appears when Noah is instructed to cover the ark with pitch (Genesis 6:14) and in the construction of the mercy seat itself (Exodus 25:17–22).
Psalm 32:1–2 celebrates the blessedness of the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered, and against whom the Lord counts no iniquity. Paul quotes this psalm in Romans 4:7–8 in the context of justification by faith. The ultimate covering is the righteousness of the Messiah imputed to all who believe (Romans 3:21–26; 2 Corinthians 5:21). On Yom Kippur we remember both the ancient covering effected by sacrificial blood and the greater covering provided by the blood of the Lamb.
We also look toward the day when a fountain will be opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to cleanse them from sin and uncleanness (Zechariah 13:1). That day is linked with the mourning for the One who was pierced (Zechariah 12:10). The final, national Yom Kippur will see the House of Israel look upon the Messiah and find complete covering and restoration. Until that day we live in the good of the atonement already accomplished.
Covering is not hiding. The blood on the mercy seat does not conceal sin from God’s sight in the sense of pretense; it satisfies the requirements of justice so that the relationship can be restored. In the Messiah the covering is perfect and permanent. We live under that covering even as we long for the day when the entire House of Israel will experience it in the fullness of national cleansing.
Practice for Day 37:
Thank God that in Messiah your sins are covered and that you stand accepted in the Beloved. Pray that the same covering would be applied to the entire House of Israel in the great day of national atonement still to come. Rest in the finished work while continuing to intercede for its full application to the people.
