will carry on itself
The Hebrew verb "נשא" (nasa) means "to bear" or "to carry." This action signifies the complete transfer of the people's sins onto the goat. It is a vivid illustration of the burden of sin and the need for it to be removed from the community. This act of carrying away sin is a precursor to the New Testament teaching of Christ bearing our sins on the cross (1 Peter 2:24). It emphasizes the seriousness of sin and the grace of God in providing a means for its removal.

all their iniquities
The term "iniquities" in Hebrew is "עֲוֹנוֹת" (avonot), which refers to moral perversity or guilt. This phrase highlights the comprehensive nature of the atonement being performed. It is not just some sins, but "all" iniquities that are being addressed. This totality points to the sufficiency of God's provision for sin, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture, culminating in the complete and perfect atonement made by Christ.

to a solitary place
The Hebrew phrase "אֶרֶץ גְּזֵרָה" (eretz gezerah) translates to "a land cut off" or "a solitary place." This indicates a place that is uninhabited and separate from the community. Theologically, it represents the removal of sin from the presence of God and His people. This separation is crucial, as it signifies the cleansing and purification necessary for the people to remain in covenant relationship with God. It foreshadows the ultimate separation of sin from believers through Christ's redemptive work.

and the man
The "man" here refers to the individual appointed to lead the goat into the wilderness. This role is significant, as it requires obedience and faithfulness to God's command. The man acts as an intermediary, ensuring that the ritual is completed as prescribed. This reflects the importance of human agency in the divine plan, where God often works through individuals to accomplish His purposes.

will release it
The act of releasing the goat signifies the finality of the sin removal process. The Hebrew verb "שִׁלַּח" (shilach) means "to send away" or "to let go." This release is a powerful symbol of liberation from sin's bondage. It is a tangible demonstration of God's mercy and forgiveness, offering hope and renewal to the people. In the New Testament, this release is mirrored in the freedom believers have in Christ, who has set us free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2).

into the wilderness
The "wilderness" in Hebrew is "מִדְבָּר" (midbar), a place of desolation and barrenness. It is often associated with testing and purification in the Bible. By sending the goat into the wilderness, the sins of the people are taken to a place where they can no longer affect the community. This act symbolizes the complete removal and isolation of sin, ensuring that it does not return. It is a powerful image of God's ability to cleanse and renew, preparing His people for a holy and righteous life in His presence.

In the wilderness.--Where no human beings dwell, but which is the abode of evil spirits. It will be seen that the directions here are simply to conduct the goat into the wilderness, where it is apparently to be let loose to pursue its own course. During the second Temple, however, the authorities decreed that the animal must be destroyed. Accordingly one of the priests who was appointed to execute this mission led the goat to a rock called Zuck, in the wilderness, situate about twelve miles, or ninety furlongs, from Jerusalem. Between the holy city and this steep rock, ten booths were erected at intervals of one mile, and persons were located in every booth to accompany the messenger to the next tent, which was distant a Sabbath day's journey. From the last booth to the rock, which was double this distance, the messenger had no companion, but he was carefully watched by the occupants of the last booth to see that he performed the ritual according to the prescribed order. On his arrival at the mountain he divided the crimson thread, which was the badge of the goat, into two; one half he fastened to the rock, and the other he tied between the two horns of the victim, and then pushed the animal down the projecting ledge of the rock, when it was dashed to pieces before it reached the bottom. Hereupon the persons stationed at the last booth to watch the proceedings waved linen cloths or white flags, thus signalling from station to station to the priests in the court of the Temple the arrival of the goat at its proper destination.