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These words establish the Day of Atonement as an annual festival in Israel’s calendar. They require that the people completely fast, abstaining from food, drink, sexual activity, and all earthly joys for this entire day. On this day the sins of all the people as a unit are forgiven. In addition, all the furniture for the sanctuary and the sanctuary itself are atoned. Every sin pollutes. This pollution is drawn to the sanctuary and the horns of the altar. The higher the official who sins, the further into the sanctuary the pollution penetrates. If this pollution is not removed, the efficaciousness of the altar, the mercy seat, and the sanctuary itself is lost. Or to state it positively, the blood rites recharge the sanctuary, keeping it as a place where the congregation can meet God.