This is how Aaron is to enter the Holy Place: with a young bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering. Aaron is to enter the Holy PlaceThe phrase "Aaron is to enter the Holy Place" signifies the unique role of Aaron, the high priest, in the sacred rituals of the Day of Atonement. The Hebrew root for "enter" (בּוֹא, bo) implies a deliberate and reverent approach, emphasizing the solemnity and sanctity of the act. The "Holy Place" refers to the innermost part of the Tabernacle, a space set apart for divine encounters. Historically, this was a place where God's presence was believed to dwell, and only the high priest could enter, and only once a year, underscoring the gravity and exclusivity of this divine appointment. with a young bull for a sin offering
The "young bull for a sin offering" highlights the necessity of atonement for sin before approaching God. The Hebrew term for "sin offering" (חַטָּאת, chatat) conveys the idea of purification and reconciliation. The bull, a valuable and significant animal, symbolizes the weight of sin and the costliness of atonement. In the ancient Near Eastern context, offerings were a common practice, but in Israel, they were uniquely tied to covenantal relationship and divine forgiveness. This offering underscores the need for the high priest himself to be cleansed before interceding for the people. and a ram for a burnt offering
The "ram for a burnt offering" represents total dedication and surrender to God. The Hebrew word for "burnt offering" (עוֹלָה, olah) is derived from a root meaning "to ascend," indicating that the offering is wholly consumed and rises to God as a pleasing aroma. The ram, often associated with leadership and strength, signifies the complete devotion required of the high priest. This offering complements the sin offering, moving beyond atonement to express worship and commitment. In the broader scriptural context, burnt offerings are acts of worship that acknowledge God's sovereignty and the worshiper's dependence on Him. Persons / Places / Events 1. AaronThe brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. He is the central figure in this passage, responsible for performing the sacred duties on the Day of Atonement. 2. The Most Holy PlaceAlso known as the Holy of Holies, it is the innermost and most sacred area of the Tabernacle (and later the Temple), where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. Only the high priest could enter, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement. 3. Young Bull for a Sin OfferingThis offering was made to atone for Aaron's own sins and the sins of his household, signifying the need for purification before approaching God. 4. Ram for a Burnt OfferingThis offering symbolized the complete dedication and surrender to God, as the entire animal was consumed by fire. 5. Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)An annual event in the Jewish calendar, it was the most solemn day of the year, dedicated to atonement and repentance. Teaching Points The Necessity of AtonementThe requirement for Aaron to bring a sin offering underscores the holiness of God and the need for atonement before entering His presence. This reminds us of our need for Christ's atoning sacrifice. The Role of the High PriestAaron's role as the high priest foreshadows the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who entered the heavenly Most Holy Place once for all with His own blood. Holiness and PreparationThe detailed preparation for entering the Most Holy Place highlights the importance of approaching God with reverence and purity. In our lives, we should prepare our hearts before coming to God in prayer and worship. Symbolism of SacrificesThe sin offering and burnt offering symbolize atonement and dedication. As believers, we are called to live lives of repentance and complete dedication to God. Annual RemembranceThe Day of Atonement was an annual reminder of the need for forgiveness and reconciliation with God. Similarly, we should regularly examine our lives and seek God's forgiveness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the role of Aaron as high priest in Leviticus 16:3 point to the work of Jesus Christ as our High Priest? 2. What does the requirement of a sin offering and a burnt offering teach us about the nature of sin and the need for atonement? 3. In what ways can we prepare our hearts to enter into God's presence today, drawing from the example of Aaron's preparation? 4. How does the Day of Atonement in the Old Testament connect to the concept of atonement in the New Testament, particularly in the book of Hebrews? 5. Reflect on the symbolism of the Most Holy Place. How does this sacred space relate to our understanding of God's holiness and our relationship with Him? Connections to Other Scriptures Hebrews 9This chapter in the New Testament discusses the limitations of the old covenant sacrifices and the superiority of Christ's sacrifice, drawing a parallel to the Day of Atonement rituals. Exodus 30:10This verse provides instructions for the annual atonement ritual, emphasizing the importance of the Day of Atonement in the life of Israel. Leviticus 4This chapter outlines the sin offering, providing context for the significance of the young bull as a sin offering for Aaron. | The High Priest on the Day of Atonement | J.A. Macdonald | Leviticus 16:1-4 | | The Climax of Sacrificial Worship: the Day of Atonement | R.M. Edgar | Leviticus 16:1-34 | | The Great Day of Atonement | R.A. Redford | Leviticus 16:1-34 | | Jehovah Appearing in a Cloud | J. Irons. | Leviticus 16:2-3 | | The Concealing Cloud | J. Cameron. | Leviticus 16:2-3 | | Type and Antitype - the Priest | W. Clarkson | Leviticus 16:2-17 | | A Proffered Substitute | W. Thompson. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | Christ Typified by the Two Goats | J. Burns, D. D. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | Christian's Confession of Sin | Spurgeon, Charles Haddon | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | Christ's Anesthesia for the Remembrance of Sin | | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | Hindrances to Repentance Removed | J. Spencer. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | Intercession of Christ | S. Thodey. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | Lessons | A. Willet, D. D. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | Moral Observations | A. Willet, D. D. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | Moses and Christ; the Day of Atonement | W. Clarkson, B. A. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | Need for the Great Atonement | J. Hamilton, D. D. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | Sinners Always Ready to Conceal Their Sin | T. Adams. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | Spiritual Significance of the Ceremonies on the Day of Atonement | T. M. Morris. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | The Annual Atonement | Spurgeon, Charles Haddon | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | The Ceremonies of the Day of Atonement | F. E. Clark. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | The Climax of Sacrificial Worship | R. M.,Edgar, M. A. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | The Day of Atonement | Spurgeon, Charles Haddon | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | The Day of Atonement | D. O. Mears. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | The Day of Atonement | D. C. Hughes, M. A. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | The Day of Atonement | H. Melvill, B. D. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | The Day of Atonement | J. A. Seiss, D. D. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | The Garments of the Priest | F. E. Clark. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | The Two Goats | F. E. Clark. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | The Two Goats -- Various Interpretations | J. Cumming, D. D. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | There Shalt be no Man in the Tabernacle | H. C. Trumbull. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | True Repentance | H. W. Beecher. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | Trusting in the Substitute | | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | Value of Repentance | J. Spencer. | Leviticus 16:3-34 |
People Aaron, Israelites, MosesPlaces TemanTopics Aaron, Area, Bull, Bullock, Burned, Burnt, Burnt-offering, Enter, Herd, Herewith, Holy, Male, Manner, Offering, Ox, Ram, Sanctuary, Sheep, Sin, Sin-offering, ThusDictionary of Bible Themes Leviticus 16:3 7322 burnt offering Leviticus 16:1-4 7377 high priest, OT Leviticus 16:1-22 7316 blood, OT sacrifices Leviticus 16:1-33 6616 atonement, in OT Leviticus 16:1-34 1680 types
7422 ritual Leviticus 16:2-34 5378 law, OT Leviticus 16:3-4 5190 thigh
6750 sin-bearer
8625 worship, acceptable attitudes Leviticus 16:3-5 4681 ram Leviticus 16:3-34 6648 expiation
8629 worship, times Library August 9. "He Shall Lay Both his Hands Upon the Head of the Live Goat, and Confess Over Him all the Iniquities of the Children of Israel; Transgressions and Sins" (Lev. xvi. 21).
"He shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel; transgressions and sins" (Lev. xvi. 21). As any evil comes up, and the consciousness of any unholy thing touches our inner senses, it is our privilege at once to hand it over to the Holy Ghost and to lay it upon Jesus, as something already crucified with Him, and as of old, in the case of the sin offering, it will be carried without the camp and burned to ashes. There may …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth The Day of Atonement
'And the Lord spake unto Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron when they offered before the Lord, and died; 2. And the Lord said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the vail before the mercy-seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy-seat. 3. Thus shall Aaron come into the holy place; with a young bullock for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering. 4. He shall put on the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Day of Atonement
Now, I shall invite your attention to the ceremonies of this solemn day, taking the different parts in detail. First, we shall consider the person who made the atonement; secondly, the sacrifice whereby the atonement was typically made; thirdly, the effects of the atonement; and fourthly, our behaviour on the recollection of the atonement, as well set forth by the conduct prescribed to the Israelites on that day. I. First, THE PERSON WHO WAS TO MAKE THE ATONEMENT. And at the outset, we remark that …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856 The Fact of the Redeemer's Return was Foreshadowed in the Ritual on the Annual Day of Israel's Atonement.
The order of events on the Day of Atonement are described in Leviticus 16, a chapter which is exceedingly rich in its typical signification. The Day of Atonement had to do with the putting away of Israel's sins, therefore, its dispensational application refers mainly to Israel though, as we shall see, the Church was also typically represented. We shall not now attempt anything more than a bare outline of the happenings of that most memorable day on Israel's sacred calendar. The order of its ritual …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return The Great High-Priest.
"Having then a great High-priest, Who hath passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high-priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but One that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help us in time of need. For every high-priest, being taken from among men, is appointed for …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews Fifth Sunday in Lent
Text: Hebrews 9, 11-15. 11 But Christ having come a high priest of the good things to come, through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation, 12 nor yet through the blood of goats and calves, but through his own blood, entered in once for all into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling them that have been defiled, sanctify unto the cleanness of the flesh: …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II Parable of the Pharisee and Publican.
^C Luke XVIII. 9-14. ^c 9 And he spake also this parable unto certain who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and set all others at nought [It is commonly said that this parable teaches humility in prayer, but the preface and conclusion (see verse 14) show that it is indeed to set forth generally the difference between self-righteousness and humility, and that an occasion of prayer is chosen because it best illustrates the point which the Lord desired to teach. The parable shows that …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Intercession of Christ
Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us! T he Redemption of the soul is precious. Fools make mock of sin (Proverbs 14:9) . But they will not think lightly of it, who duly consider the majesty, authority, and goodness of Him, against whom it is committed; and who are taught, by what God actually has done, what sin rendered necessary to be done, before a sinner could have a well-grounded …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 The Call of Matthew - the Saviour's Welcome to Sinners - Rabbinic Theology as Regards the Doctrine of Forgiveness in Contrast to the Gospel of Christ
In two things chiefly does the fundamental difference appear between Christianity and all other religious systems, notably Rabbinism. And in these two things, therefore, lies the main characteristic of Christ's work; or, taking a wider view, the fundamental idea of all religions. Subjectively, they concern sin and the sinner; or, to put it objectively, the forgiveness of sin and the welcome to the sinner. But Rabbinism, and every other system down to modern humanitarianism - if it rises so high in …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Sundry Exhortations.
HEBREWS xiii. Let love of the brethren continue. Forget not to shew love unto strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; them that are evil entreated, as being yourselves also in the body. Let marriage be had in honour among all, and let the bed be undefiled: for fornicators and adulterers God will judge. Be ye free from the love of money; content with such things as ye have: for Himself hath said, I will in no wise fail thee, …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the Teaching of the Lord Concerning Purity - the Traditions Concerning Hand-Washing' and Vows. '
As we follow the narrative, confirmatory evidence of what had preceded springs up at almost every step. It is quite in accordance with the abrupt departure of Jesus from Capernaum, and its motives, that when, so far from finding rest and privacy at Bethsaida (east of the Jordan), a greater multitude than ever had there gathered around Him, which would fain have proclaimed Him King, He resolved on immediate return to the western shore, with the view of seeking a quieter retreat, even though it were …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Christ a Complete Saviour:
OR, THE INTERCESSION OF CHRIST, AND WHO ARE PRIVILEGED IN IT. BY JOHN BUNYAN Advertisement by the Editor. However strange it may appear, it is a solemn fact, that the heart of man, unless prepared by a sense of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, rejects Christ as a complete Saviour. The pride of human nature will not suffer it to fall, as helpless and utterly undone, into the arms of Divine mercy. Man prefers a partial Saviour; one who had done so much, that, with the sinner's aid, the work might be …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Leviticus
The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Leviticus 16:3 NIVLeviticus 16:3 NLTLeviticus 16:3 ESVLeviticus 16:3 NASBLeviticus 16:3 KJV
Leviticus 16:3 Commentaries
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