The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

Leviticus 23:32—Ninth or Tenth? Solving Yom Kippur’s Calendar Puzzle

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Episode 199 unpacks an apparent contradiction in Leviticus about whether the Day of Atonement starts on the ninth or the tenth day. Lance Smith explains the biblical sunset-to-sunset reckoning, shows how the evening of the ninth begins the tenth, and cites scholars and commentaries that clarify the timing.

The episode also explores the rituals of Yom Kippur—fasting, atonement, and priestly action—and connects the observance to Jesus as the ultimate high priest, inviting listeners to trade confusion for confidence in Scripture.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

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  1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
  2. Gordon, Nehemia. "Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement)." Nehemia's Wall. https://www.nehemiaswall.com/yom-kippur-day-atonement
  3. Yeo, Bibianna. "Day of Atonement (Lev 23:26-32)." The Fellowship. https://www.thefellowship.site/archives/leviticuspart4/day-of-atonement
  4. Banas, Cliff. "Leviticus 23:26-32 (The Feasts of the Lord, The Day of Atonement)." Superior Word. https://superiorword.org/leviticus-23-26-32-the-feasts-of-the-lord-the-day-of-atonement/
  5. Risk, Kenneth. "Atonement in Leviticus and Hebrews: Convergences and Divergences." Tyndale University, 2022. https://digitalcollections.tyndale.ca/server/api/core/bitstreams/142a60e3-4b20-4c61-a085-dd2c728fb637/content
  6. Bodien, Bryan. "Sacrifice and Covenant: A Study of the Early Development of Atonement Theology." Boston College, 2010. https://ur.bc.edu/system/files/2025-04/bc-ir101512.pdf
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