Leviticus 16:15

Aaron shall then slaughter the goat for the sin offering for the people and bring its blood behind the veil, and with its blood he must do as he did with the bull's blood: He is to sprinkle it against the mercy seat and in front of it.

Study Bible

Then he shall slaughter the goat
The act of slaughtering the goat is a significant ritual in the Day of Atonement, known as Yom Kippur. The Hebrew word for "slaughter" is "shachat," which implies a deliberate and sacred act of sacrifice. This ritual underscores the gravity of sin and the necessity of atonement. Historically, the goat represents the collective sins of the people, and its death symbolizes the transfer and removal of those sins. This act prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who bore the sins of humanity.

for the sin offering for the people
The "sin offering" is a critical component of the sacrificial system, known in Hebrew as "chattat." It is a means of purification and reconciliation with God. The phrase "for the people" emphasizes the communal aspect of this offering, highlighting the collective responsibility and need for atonement. This reflects the biblical principle that sin affects not just the individual but the entire community, necessitating a communal act of repentance and forgiveness.

bring its blood inside the veil
The "veil" refers to the curtain separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place in the Tabernacle, symbolizing the barrier between God and humanity due to sin. The act of bringing the blood inside the veil signifies the mediation between God and His people. In the New Testament, this act is fulfilled in Christ, whose sacrifice tore the veil, granting believers direct access to God (Matthew 27:51).

and do with it as he did with the bull’s blood
This phrase indicates the continuity and consistency in the sacrificial process. The bull's blood was previously used for the high priest's atonement, and now the goat's blood is used for the people's atonement. This parallelism highlights the comprehensive nature of atonement, covering both the priesthood and the laity, and pointing to the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice for all.

He is to sprinkle it against the mercy seat
The "mercy seat," or "kapporet" in Hebrew, is the cover of the Ark of the Covenant, representing God's throne and His presence among His people. Sprinkling the blood on the mercy seat signifies the appeasement of God's wrath and the granting of mercy. This act foreshadows the ultimate mercy seat, Jesus Christ, through whom believers receive grace and forgiveness.

and in front of it
Sprinkling the blood "in front of it" ensures that the entire area is consecrated and purified. This action symbolizes the thoroughness of atonement, ensuring that nothing is left untouched by the sacrificial blood. It serves as a reminder of the pervasive nature of sin and the comprehensive cleansing required, ultimately fulfilled in the redemptive work of Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Aaron
The high priest who performs the rituals on the Day of Atonement, including the sacrifice of the goat for the sin offering.

2. The Goat for the Sin Offering
One of two goats used on the Day of Atonement; this goat is sacrificed for the sins of the people.

3. The Mercy Seat
The cover of the Ark of the Covenant, located in the Most Holy Place, where the blood is sprinkled as an atonement for the people.

4. The Veil
The curtain separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place in the Tabernacle, symbolizing the separation between God and humanity.

5. The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)
An annual event in the Jewish calendar where the high priest makes atonement for the sins of Israel.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Sin
The elaborate rituals and sacrifices underscore the gravity of sin and the need for atonement. Sin separates us from God, and only through a divinely appointed means can reconciliation occur.

The Role of the High Priest
Aaron's role as the mediator between God and the people foreshadows Christ's ultimate priesthood. Jesus, our High Priest, entered the heavenly sanctuary once for all, securing eternal redemption.

The Mercy Seat as a Symbol of God's Presence and Forgiveness
The mercy seat represents God's throne of grace. Through the blood of the sacrifice, God provides a way for His people to be forgiven and restored to fellowship with Him.

The Fulfillment in Christ
The sacrificial system points to Jesus, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. His sacrifice is perfect and complete, rendering the old system obsolete.

Living in Light of Atonement
Understanding the depth of Christ's sacrifice should lead us to live lives of gratitude, holiness, and service, reflecting the transformative power of His atonement.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the high priest in Leviticus 16:15 help us understand the work of Jesus as described in Hebrews 9?

2. In what ways does the concept of the mercy seat in the Old Testament enhance our understanding of God's grace and forgiveness?

3. How can the seriousness of sin, as depicted in the Day of Atonement rituals, influence our daily walk with God?

4. What are some practical ways we can live out the reality of Christ's atonement in our relationships and communities?

5. How does the fulfillment of the sacrificial system in Christ encourage us to approach God with confidence, as mentioned in Hebrews 4:16?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 9
This chapter discusses the role of Christ as the ultimate high priest and His sacrifice, which fulfills and surpasses the Old Testament sacrificial system, including the Day of Atonement.

Isaiah 53
The suffering servant passage, which prophetically describes the atoning work of Christ, paralleling the sacrificial system in Leviticus.

Romans 3:25
Paul speaks of Jesus as the propitiation by His blood, connecting to the concept of atonement and the mercy seat.

Exodus 25:17-22
Describes the construction of the Ark of the Covenant and the mercy seat, providing context for its significance in the atonement ritual.