1. Leviticus 16:19 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What did this ceremony represent?

Leviticus 16:19 (ESV)

19 And he shall sprinkle some of the blood on it with his finger seven times, and cleanse it and consecrate it from the uncleannesses of the people of Israel.

On the day of Atonement, the defilement of the nation was purged. In this way the Holy of Holies was purified from the uncleanness of Israel. As a result, the people would not be judged by God. According to Wenham, by cleansing the sanctuary they permit the holy God to dwell among an unholy people.1