Because of the uncleanness of Israel For though the people did not enter into that place, yet their sins entered thither, and would have hindered the effects of the high-priest's mediation on their behalf, if God had not been reconciled to them. In the midst of their uncleanness In the midst of a sinful people, who defile not themselves only, but also God's sanctuary. And God hereby showed them how much their hearts needed to be purified, when even the tabernacle, only by standing in the midst of them, needed this expiation.
Related Commentaries of Leviticus 16:16
Leviticus 16:16
16 And he shall make an atonement for the holy place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions in all their sins: and so shall he do for the tabernacle of the congregation, that remainethc among them in the midst of their uncleanness.