On the Day of Atonement, God commands us to afflict our souls, a directive repeated three times in six verses in Leviticus 23, emphasizing its importance as a hallmark of this solemn Sabbath. This affliction, also mentioned twice in Leviticus 16, is central to the day's observance, alongside refraining from work and attending holy convocation. The purpose of afflicting our souls is to humble ourselves, to deny our inner self—both physically and mentally—as a means of spiritual growth. In Isaiah 58:3, there is a direct correlation between fasting and afflicting our souls, showing that to afflict the soul is to fast completely, abstaining from food and water. This act is meant to be more than physical denial; it involves humbling, oppressing, or denying the life force or inner self, affecting both body and mind. The Hebrew term for afflict, "ana," means to humble or deny, while "nephesh" refers to the soul or inner self, indicating a deep internal impact. This affliction extends to our thoughts and emotions, as fasting can cloud the mind and reveal our physical frailty, reminding us of our dependence on God for sustenance and life. Afflicting the soul through fasting is intended to produce humility, piety, grief, repentance, and a seeking of God's will through prayer. It is a tool to draw us closer to Him, to motivate change, and to prevent His wrath by fostering submission and growth in character. However, as seen in Isaiah 58, fasting can become an empty ritual if done hypocritically, without true internal change. God rejects such fasting, as it fails to affect the heart or produce genuine repentance and humility. Jesus Christ, in Matthew 6, teaches that fasting should be a private, spiritual act between the individual and God, not a public display for human praise. It is an internal good work, done by and for the inner self, to build character and deepen one's relationship with the Father and with Him. In Luke 5, He explains that fasting was unnecessary for His disciples while He was physically present, likening His ministry to a wedding feast of joy and abundance. Yet, after His departure, fasting becomes necessary to overcome the disadvantage of His physical absence, helping believers maintain a close relationship with Him and the Father. Jesus also introduces a renewed understanding of fasting, returning it to its original purpose as hinted in Isaiah 58:6-12. This godly fast is not about outward show but about breaking the bonds of wickedness within oneself, leading to a change in attitude toward others—promoting humility, sacrifice, and a willingness to help. Such fasting acknowledges the reality of our human nature and sinfulness, fostering deep repentance and gratitude toward God for His calling and aid. It spurs us to work with Him to repair breaches in character and relationships, ultimately bringing blessings to ourselves and future generations through humble submission.

On the Day of Atonement, Christians fast to afflict their souls, demonstrating that only by seeing themselves in proper comparison to God can they adopt the right attitude to submit to Him. This holy day, the most solemn of the seven festivals, emphasizes the importance of humility before God, as He threatens death to those who fail to afflict their souls or who do any work on this day. Fasting, as a means to afflict the soul, puts us in a proper attitude of dependence on God's providence by depriving ourselves of life's necessities for the full twenty-four hours. God desires such a humble spirit so we can walk in harmony with Him. When we fast, we aim to free others from their sins, intercede for their healing, provide for their needs, and understand His will, using fasting as a tool of godly love for the good of others. On the Day of Atonement, we fast to implore God to bring the greatest blessing of unity and oneness with Him upon ourselves and the world.

Fasting holds a significant place in drawing close to God and transforming our character from self-centeredness to outgoing concern for others. The Bible illustrates that afflicting the soul through fasting, by abstaining from both food and water for at least 24 hours, is a standard practice for seeking God's guidance and sanctifying time before Him. This act of afflicting oneself, as seen in various scriptural examples, should be treated as holy, spent in prayer and study. God promises remarkable rewards for those who fast properly, including healing, guidance, and strength, ensuring that their light rises in darkness and their needs are met even in drought. These blessings underscore the importance of afflicting the soul through fasting as a vital spiritual discipline.

The Day of Atonement stands out as the most unusual holy day, marked by the distinctive practice of fasting, or afflicting our souls. This act of abstaining from food and drink for an entire day carries profound spiritual instruction. Through fasting, we come to understand our deep dependence on God, recognizing that every moment of our lives is sustained by Him. If He were to withdraw His provision, we would perish swiftly. This realization extends to our spiritual lives, revealing how much He supplies throughout our conversion—revealing Himself, calling us, forgiving us, and granting eternal life. Such understanding humbles us, fills us with awe, and stirs eternal gratitude for His boundless care. As a response, we are moved to treat others with greater kindness, sacrificing for them and showing outgoing concern, mirroring the generosity God extends to us.