1. Leviticus 16:16 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Why was this offering necessary?

Leviticus 16:16 (ESV)

16 Thus he shall make atonement for the Holy Place, because of the uncleannesses of the people of Israel and because of their transgressions, all their sins. And so he shall do for the tent of meeting, which dwells with them in the midst of their uncleannesses.

The primary purpose of this offering was to keep the dwelling place of God ceremonially clean. The Holy of Holiness could easily become contaminated due to the sins of the Hebrew people.