THEOLOGICAL AND RHETORICAL FUNCTIONS OF THE ALLUSION TO YOM KIPPUR IN HEBREWS 9:24-25

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this article is to analyze, through an exegetical and bibliographic study, the theological and rhetorical functions of the allusion to the Day of Atonement in Heb 9: 24-25. Why did the author of Hebrews bring up the annual ritual of the Day of Atonement? What role does the Day of Atonement play in the argument? Many interpreters understand that Hebrews uses Yom Kippur as a framework to build the whole argument, making a typological interpretation of this ritual. However, this paper concludes that the Day of Atonement is used as a representative of the sacrifices of the old covenant to demonstrate theologically and rhetorically the ineffectiveness of the old system and the superiority of Christ’s sacrifice.

KEYWORDS: Epistle to the Hebrews. Day of Atonement. Sacrifices.