Leviticus 16:29 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

This shall be a statute for ever unto you, &c.— For ever, i.e. while your state and polity shall last: In the seventh month, i.e. of the sacred year, answering to our September: On the tenth day of the month, or, as it is said in ch. Leviticus 23:32 the ninth day at even, because the Jewish day began at the even. This day was thought to be appointed rather than any other, because it is supposed that Adam fell upon it. (see Genesis 3:24.) Maimonides thinks that it was the day on which Moses came down from the mount with the second tables, and proclaimed to the people the remission of their great sin in worshipping the golden calf. The phrase, ye shall afflict your souls, doubtless signifies, that they should not only use all the external marks of humiliation, but also, and especially, truly mortify their souls by sincere repentance; see Isaiah 58:5-7. It was to be a solemn fast. In Leviticus 16:31 the phrase it shall be a sabbath of rest, is, it shall be a rest of rests; i.e. a day of complete rest from all secular and servile employs; and, like the sabbath, wholly dedicated to religious duties.