Leviticus 16:5 Study Bible: He shall take from the congregation of the children of Israel two male goats for a sin offering, and one ram for a burnt offering.

Bible > Leviticus > Chapter 16 > Verse 5

◄ Leviticus 16:5 ►

And he shall take from the congregation of Israel two male goats for a sin offering and one ram for a burnt offering.

And he shall take
This phrase indicates a direct command, emphasizing the role of the high priest in the sacrificial system. The Hebrew root for "take" is "laqach," which implies receiving or acquiring with intention. This action is not passive but a deliberate act of obedience to God's instructions, highlighting the priest's responsibility in mediating between God and the people.

from the congregation of the Israelites
The term "congregation" refers to the collective body of the Israelites, God's chosen people. The Hebrew word "edah" signifies an assembly or gathering, underscoring the communal aspect of the atonement process. This phrase reminds us that the Day of Atonement was not just a personal ritual but a corporate act of repentance and purification for the entire nation.

two male goats
The specification of "two male goats" is significant in the context of the Day of Atonement. In Hebrew, "sa'ir" refers to a male goat, an animal often associated with sin offerings. These goats play a crucial role in the ritual, with one being sacrificed and the other, the scapegoat, symbolically carrying the sins of the people into the wilderness. This duality represents both the payment for sin and the removal of sin from the community.

for a sin offering
The "sin offering" is a central element of the sacrificial system, designed to atone for unintentional sins and restore the relationship between God and His people. The Hebrew term "chatta'ah" denotes both sin and the offering made for it, reflecting the seriousness with which God views sin and His provision for its atonement. This offering points forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who fulfills and perfects the sin offering once and for all.

and one ram
The "ram" is another significant animal in the sacrificial system, often associated with consecration and dedication. The Hebrew word "ayil" refers to a mature male sheep, symbolizing strength and leadership. In this context, the ram serves as a burnt offering, representing total surrender and devotion to God. It signifies the people's commitment to live in obedience to God's covenant.

for a burnt offering
The "burnt offering," or "olah" in Hebrew, is a sacrifice that is completely consumed by fire, symbolizing complete submission and atonement. Unlike the sin offering, which addresses specific transgressions, the burnt offering represents a broader act of worship and dedication. It serves as a reminder of the need for holiness and the desire to be wholly pleasing to God, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who offered Himself entirely for the redemption of humanity.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Aaron
The high priest who performs the atonement rituals on the Day of Atonement.

2. The Congregation of the Israelites
The community of Israel from whom the offerings are taken.

3. Two Male Goats
Used for the sin offering, one of which is sacrificed, and the other is sent into the wilderness as the scapegoat.

4. One Ram
Used for the burnt offering, symbolizing complete dedication to God.

5. The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)
A significant annual event for the Israelites, focusing on atonement and reconciliation with God.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Sin
The need for a sin offering highlights the gravity of sin and the necessity of atonement.

Substitutionary Atonement
The two goats represent the concept of substitution, where one bears the sin and the other carries it away, prefiguring Christ's work.

Community Responsibility
The offerings are taken from the congregation, emphasizing communal involvement in atonement and worship.

Complete Dedication
The burnt offering symbolizes total surrender and dedication to God, a call for believers to offer themselves wholly to God.

Christ as Fulfillment
Jesus fulfills the roles of both the sin offering and the scapegoat, providing complete atonement for humanity.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the high priest in Leviticus 16:5 foreshadow the work of Jesus as described in Hebrews 9?

2. In what ways does the concept of the scapegoat in Leviticus 16 relate to the prophecy in Isaiah 53?

3. How can the communal aspect of the offerings in Leviticus 16:5 inform our understanding of corporate worship and responsibility in the church today?

4. What does the burnt offering in Leviticus 16:5 teach us about the nature of true worship and dedication to God?

5. How can understanding the Day of Atonement deepen our appreciation for the sacrifice of Christ as the "Lamb of God" in John 1:29?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 9
Discusses the role of Christ as the ultimate high priest and the fulfillment of the sacrificial system, including the Day of Atonement.

Isaiah 53
The suffering servant is likened to a sacrificial offering, drawing parallels to the sin offerings in Leviticus.

John 1:29
John the Baptist refers to Jesus as the "Lamb of God," connecting to the sacrificial system and the concept of atonement.

Sermons

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
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
The Sacrifices of the Day of Atonement	J.A. Macdonald	Leviticus 16:5-28

People

Aaron, Israelites, Moses

Places

Teman

Topics

Assembly, Bucks, Burned, Burnt, Burnt-offering, Community, Company, Congregation, Goats, He-goats, Kids, Male, Offering, Ram, Sheep, Sin, Sin-offering, Sons, Taketh

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Leviticus 16:5

7206 community

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 16:3-5

4681 ram

Leviticus 16:3-34

6648 expiation
8629 worship, times

Leviticus 16:5-10

8272 holiness, growth in

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

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