DAY 40 | YOM KIPPUR

Shalom beloved of the King,

Since we only sighted the New Moon on the evening of September 23rd, that moment marked Tishri 1 and the Feast of Yom Teruah. From that day, we have been counting ten days to reach Tishri 10, the appointed time of Yom Kippur.

According to Scripture, this means that Yom Kippur begins tonight—at sunset, October 2nd, 2025. Let us remember, we are not following Judaism or Rabbinical calendars, but we are seeking to walk in Abba YAHUAH’s Biblical instructions. Our desire is to remain in HIS TRUTH and to return (Teshuvah) to His Ancient Paths.

Yahuah commanded in Leviticus 23:27–28:“On the tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. It shall be a holy convocation for you, and you shall afflict your souls and present an offering made by fire to Yahuah. And you shall do no work on that same day, for it is the Day of Atonement, to make atonement for you before Yahuah your Elohim.”

Therefore, our fasting will begin tonight at sunset (October 2nd) and continue until sunset tomorrow evening (October 3rd). This is a holy convocation, a set-apart time, as we humble ourselves before Yahuah, aligning our hearts with His will and seeking His covering.

Beloved, let us also be mindful that this is a back-to-back appointed time—Yom Kippur flowing directly into Shabbat. One holy day rolls into the next, reminding us of the double portion of rest and sanctification Yahuah has given us.

Therefore, let us prepare in advance, making sure our meals for Shabbat are ready ahead of time. In this way, we can keep both days holy without distraction. And if you feel led, you may even choose to extend your devotion by making Shabbat a second day of fasting, voluntarily, as an offering of love and worship unto Yahuah.

Discover the Significance of Yom Kippur – The Holiest Day of the Year!

YOM KIPPUR IN ISRAEL

Israel is the only nation on earth that comes to a complete standstill one day a year to fast, pray and seek the face of YAHUAH!

A Nation at Rest

To dedicate this day fully to repentance, reflection, and seeking forgiveness from YAHUAH and others, the people of Israel observe a complete fast. Phones are turned off, television broadcasts stop, businesses and restaurants close, and public transportation comes to a halt.

On Yom Kippur, Israel’s roads and highways fall completely silent—no cars, no buses—only stillness.

What is the Meaning of Yom Kippur?

The Hebrew word for atonement is kapparah (כַּפָּרָה). “Yom” means day, and “Kippur” comes from the root kapar (כפר), meaning “to atone” or “to cover.”

Yom Kippur occurs on the tenth day of the seventh month, Tishrei, and is called the Sabbath of Sabbaths—a solemn day of rest, fasting, and humbling our souls before YAHUAH.

This day is not only for the Jewish people but also for all who are in Messiah Yahushua. Through Him, we are one new man, fully included in the commonwealth of Israel. (Ephesians 2:11-22)

Forty Days in the Field with the King.

Beloved, as we approach Yom Kippur, it is essential to understand not only the ritual of the day but the heart posture Yahuah desires from us. This past weeks, we have spent 40 days in the field with the King—a season of walking closely with Him, listening, learning, and allowing our hearts to be refined. I want to honor everyone of you that walked this beautiful road with me together with our KING in the Field.

1. The Purpose of the 40 Days.

The 40-day period mirrors biblical patterns of preparation, testing, and refinement:

Just as Moses spent 40 days on Mount Sinai before receiving the Torah, and Yahushua spent 40 days in the wilderness in preparation for His ministry, these days in the field were a time to strip away distractions, confront the hidden areas of the heart, and align our will with Yahuah’s.
It was a spiritual rehearsal for Yom Kippur, preparing us to enter the day of atonement with purity, humility, and awareness of our dependence on Yahushua.

2. Yom Kippur: A Holy and Fasting Day

Yom Kippur is commanded in the Torah, and Leviticus makes this clear:

Leviticus 23:27-32 – “On the tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. It shall be a holy convocation for you; you shall afflict your souls and present an offering by fire to Yahuah. You shall do no work at all on this day, for it is the Day of Atonement, to make atonement for you before Yahuah your Elohim. It is a sabbath of solemn rest, and you shall afflict your souls; it is a statute forever.”
Notice: this is not just a holy day, but a day of fasting and affliction of the soul, a time to humble ourselves, examine our hearts, and seek Yahuah’s cleansing.

3. Spiritual Significance

Yom Kippur points forward to the ultimate atonement through Yahushua the Messiah:

Leviticus 16 describes the High Priest entering the Holy of Holies once a year to make atonement. Yahushua, our Great High Priest (Hebrews 9:11-12), entered once for all, offering His blood to cleanse us eternally.
The scapegoat symbolizes removal of sin (Leviticus 16:20-22). Spiritually, Yahushua carried our sins away—our ultimate scapegoat.

4. Living Yom Kippur Today

Even if we are not performing Levitical rituals, the spirit of the day is alive in our hearts:

Fast from distractions and worldly indulgences to focus on spiritual nourishment.
Engage in intentional prayer and confession, asking Yahuah to cleanse your thoughts, words, and deeds.
Meditate on Yahushua’s sacrifice, the ultimate fulfillment of the day of atonement.
Release and Reconciliation: If there are unresolved conflicts, pray for the courage to reconcile or release offenses. Yom Kippur calls for restoration in relationships, reflecting the inner cleansing you receive from Yahuah.
Scripture: Matthew 5:23-24 – “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there… first be reconciled.”

5. Devotional Worship and Thanksgiving

The 40 days in the field were not just a spiritual exercise—they were a preparation for intimacy and alignment with Yahuah on Yom Kippur. We step into this day not in fear, but in confidence that our sins have been covered, our hearts purified, and our spirits refined.

6. Remember Yahushua’s Atonement

Meditate on Hebrews 9:12: Yahushua entered the Holy of Holies once for all, offering His blood for eternal redemption. Visualize your sins being covered, removed, and carried away, just as the scapegoat carried the sins of Israel. Declare His victory over guilt and shame in your life.

7. Confession and Teshuvah

Write down areas in your life where you need repentance, both to Yahuah and, if needed, to others. Speak honestly in prayer, asking Yahuah to search your heart and reveal hidden sins. Scripture for guidance: Psalm 139:23-24 – “Search me, O Yahuah, and know my heart… Lead me in the way everlasting.”

End your day in worship, thanking Yahuah for mercy, forgiveness, and renewal. Praise Him for the 40 days of preparation, for the insight gained, and for the cleansing of your soul.

Scripture: Lamentations 3:22-23 – “The steadfast love of Yahuah never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning.”

Key Scriptures for Reflection:

Leviticus 23:27-32 – The Day of Atonement, a holy convocation and fasting day.

Hebrews 9:12 – Yahushua’s blood obtained eternal redemption for us.

Isaiah 1:18 – “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”

Yom Kippur is the day to turn around and head in the right direction through T’shuvah (repentance). Return to YAHUAH and He will return to you. He has already made provision for our atonement – now all we need to do is to receive this free gift of salvation provided through Yahushua our Messiah.

Let us enter Yom Kippur with hearts wide open, embracing Yahushua’s atonement, walking in Teshuvah, and living fully in the freedom of reconciliation and restoration.