EXPIATION OR ATONEMENT, DAY OF, among the Jews, is the 10th day of the month Tisri (corresponding to a part of our Sept. and Oct.), observed annually as a day of humiliation and atonement for national sin: the only day of national humiliation which Moses prescribed. The commandment to observe it was three times solemnly given, and the religious ceremonies peculiar to it were definitely ordained. All the people were required to refrain from work as strictly as on the Sabbath, and to afflict their souls in remembrance of their sins. In this humiliation fasting was probably designed to be included, and has been strictly practiced. The chief significance of the observance, as also its heaviest burden, centered in the high-priest as the representative of the nation before God. 1. The seven previous days were spent by him in nearly total separation from all other persons, and in careful preparation for his special duties. 2. " During the whole of the seven days, as well as on the day of atonement" (accord ing to the statements of the rabbins) " the high-priest had to perform the ordinary sacerdotal duties of the daily service. himself." 3. It was the only day of the year in which even he was allowed to enter the most holy place. 4. He was clothed in the
linen priestly vestments instead of the splendid robes which at other times distin guished him. 4. He offered sacrifice first for himself and his house, sprinkling the blood and burning incense before the mercy-seat. 5. He took two goats for the sin offering in behalf of the people, presenting both before the tabernacle, and having cast lots to determine which one should die, sacrificed it on the altar and carried its blood within the veil; then having confessed over the head of the living goat all the sins of the people, lie sent it away under the charge of a trusted man to be set free in an unin habited part of the wilderness. By this double offering as parts of one sacrifice the two great facts of redemption were represented: 1st, that an atonement for sin was made to God; and 2d, that the burden of sin was removed from man In modern times the Jews continue to observe the day, beginning the ceremonies with what can be regarded, at best, as only a mournful parody on the offering of the scape-goat, fasting strictly through the day, and closing the service by reading the Scripture command for sacri fices which they can no longer bring.