On Yom Kippur, Israel witnessed a sacred drama that revealed the weight of sin and the mercy of God. Two goats were brought before the Lord. One was sacrificed — its blood sprinkled on the mercy seat to cover the sins of the people. The other, the scapegoat (azazel), had the sins of the nation confessed over it and was sent into the wilderness, carrying away their iniquities.
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Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day on the biblical calendar. On this day the High Priest entered the Most Holy Place once a year, “not without blood,” to make atonement for the sins of Israel (Leviticus 16:34). Heaven’s books were opened, sins laid bare, and forgiveness sought through sacrifice.
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As the Yamim Nora’im, the Days of Awe, draw toward Yom Kippur, Isaiah’s warning falls with sobering clarity: “There is no peace for the wicked.” The image is striking — the wicked are like the restless sea, unable to be still, churning up mud and mire. Sin never leads to quiet; rebellion can never produce rest. Only those who turn back in repentance find the still waters of God’s peace.
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The Yamim Nora’im, the Days of Awe, are not only a season of reckoning but also of hope. God does not expose sin to condemn us — but rather He reveals it so He can bring healing. In this passage, the Lord declares, “I have seen his ways, but I will heal him.” The God who knows every failure also speaks a word of restoration. He sees us at our worst, yet offers to lead us, comfort us, and place new songs of praise upon our lips.
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The Days of Awe (Yamin Nora’im) remind us of a sobering truth: judgment is real. God is holy and does not overlook sin. Isaiah’s words cut to the heart — iniquity provokes His anger, and rebellion invites His discipline. Israel knew this firsthand, experiencing exile and the pain of God’s hidden face. And yet, this passage does not leave us in despair. For though His anger burns for a moment, His mercy is eternal. He declares, “I will not contend forever.” His discipline is corrective, not destructive; His goal is not to crush but to restore.
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The Yamim Nora’im, the Days of Awe, are designed to awaken us to the greatness of God and the frailty of man. Isaiah’s words capture this tension perfectly: the Holy One is enthroned in eternity, far above all creation — and yet, He chooses to dwell with the humble and contrite. This is the mystery of repentance: the God who is infinitely high draws near to the one who bends low.
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David’s “one thing” is not wishful thinking — it is anchored in God’s promise. He knows that when trouble comes, God Himself will hide him, cover him, and lift him high upon a rock. Notice the language: hide… conceal… cover… lift. These are not the actions of a distant God but of a protective Bridegroom. This is the confidence of Elul: when the shofar sounds, we are not exposed to wrath — we are invited into covering.
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