Definition: And there shall be no man in the tabernacle of the congregation when he goeth in to make an atonement in the holy [place], until he come out, and have made an atonement for himself, and for his household, and for all the congregation of Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Leviticus 16:17. It’s a pretty complex passage, but here’s a simplified explanation: Basically, it says that during the time someone is entering the Tabernacle (a special building for God’s people), they need to make a cleansing or atonement – a way to make things right – before they can even enter. Let's unpack that a little further: “And there shall be no man in the tabernacle of the congregation…” This means people are not allowed to be inside the Tabernacle while it’s being used for God’s purpose. It’s like a temporary, special space. “…when he goeth in to make an atonement in the holy [place]” “Atonement” is a big word! It means making things right – clearing something of a bad or wrong state. The “holy place” refers to a specific area within the Tabernacle, which was considered sacred and used for God’s presence. “…until he come out, and have made an atonement for himself, and for his household, and for all the congregation of Israel.” This is the crucial part. The person must leave the Tabernacle before they can enter. And when they do, they need to: Make an Atonement: This means they need to atone for their sins – they need to wash away their guilt and wrongdoing. For Himself: They’re making it right for themselves , meaning for their own personal situation. For His Household: They’re also making it right for everyone in the group of Israelites who are part of the Tabernacle community. For All the Congregation of Israel: This is a big one – they're apologizing to God and the entire nation of Israel for their sins. In short, this verse describes a ritual that’s about purification and making amends for sin. It’s a significant event in Jewish history because it demonstrates the importance of keeping the Sabbath (a day of rest) and being aware of your actions before entering sacred spaces. Why is this important? This story shows that God is deeply concerned with our relationship with Him and with each other. It emphasizes the need for repentance, atonement, and a focus on righteousness. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Connect this passage to a particular story or event in Jewish history?