Leviticus 23:27. Also on the tenth day— See the notes on ch. 16:
REFLECTIONS.—The day of atonement was to be observed as a day of sacred rest, to be spent wholly in reflection upon and humiliation for the sins of the preceding year. A day of fasting: the body, as well as soul, must be afflicted, as both share in guilt; and the whole day, from even unto even, must be spent in those exercises of deep abasement, which answered the institution. Note; (1.) They who feel the burden of sin, will be careful to beat down the body, as well as to humble the soul. (2.) Solemn seasons for the review of past transgressions, cannot but have a blessed effect upon the heart. (3.) When we would afflict our bodies with fasting, there should be real abstinence in respect to all kinds of meat. To keep a fast on rich fish, and high sauces, is ridiculous mockery, instead of a holy fast.