The Day of Atonement as a hermeneutical key to the understanding of Christology in Hebrews

Abstract

This study contributes to the discussion of the hermeneutics of Hebrews by considering the book's bachground thought and central theme. Specifically, we attempt to show how the worldview(s) and references to the Israelite cult form the décor against which the book’s Christology acts out a new, supreme story of atonement. Crucial to the Christology of Hebrews is the role of Christ as High Priest, found in Hebrews in the context of the Jewish festival, the Day of Atonement. It is precisely this relationship between the Christology of Hebrews and the Day of Atonement that forms the focus of the study. Focusing on both the background and central theme of the book (its Christology), this study proposes that the priesthood and the day of Atonement define the contours within which the Christology of Hebrews should be interpreted. We argue that the Day of Atonement functions as a hermeneutical key to the Christology of Hebrews and – since this is the book’s central theme – to the book of Hebrews as a whole. We propose, furthermore, that references to the Day of Atonement offer an interpreted religious and liturgical space for Christ to function as the superior High Priest. In this capacity, He is able to bring about a new covenant in which perfect atonement is achieved once and for all.