Leviticus 16:21

Then he is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the iniquities and rebellious acts of the Israelites in regard to all their sins. He is to put them on the goat's head and send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a man appointed for the task.

Study Bible

He is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat
The act of laying hands is deeply symbolic in the Hebrew tradition, signifying the transfer of sin and guilt. The Hebrew word for "lay" is "samakh," which means to support or lean upon. This gesture represents the high priest's role as a mediator between God and the people, physically transferring the collective sins of Israel onto the goat. The use of "both hands" emphasizes the completeness and totality of this transfer, ensuring that no sin is left unconfessed or unaccounted for.

and confess over it all the iniquities and rebellious acts of the Israelites
The Hebrew word for "confess" is "yadah," which means to acknowledge or make known. This confession is not just a ritualistic act but a profound acknowledgment of the people's sins before God. "Iniquities" (Hebrew: "avon") refers to moral perversity or guilt, while "rebellious acts" (Hebrew: "pesha") denote willful transgressions against God's law. This comprehensive confession underscores the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement.

all their sins
The term "sins" (Hebrew: "chatta'ah") encompasses all forms of moral failure and disobedience. By confessing "all their sins," the high priest ensures that nothing is hidden from God, highlighting the importance of transparency and repentance in the process of atonement. This act serves as a reminder of God's holiness and the need for His people to be cleansed from all unrighteousness.

He is to place them on the head of the goat
The phrase "place them" (Hebrew: "natan") signifies the deliberate and intentional act of transferring the sins onto the goat. This act symbolizes the removal of sin from the community, as the goat becomes the bearer of the people's iniquities. The "head of the goat" serves as the focal point for this transfer, representing the totality of the burden it carries.

and send it away into the wilderness
The wilderness, or "midbar" in Hebrew, is often depicted as a place of desolation and separation. Sending the goat into the wilderness symbolizes the removal of sin from the camp, illustrating God's desire to separate His people from their transgressions. This act of sending away signifies a fresh start and the hope of renewal for the Israelites.

by the hand of a man appointed for the task
The "man appointed" (Hebrew: "ish itti") is chosen specifically for this sacred duty, emphasizing the importance of obedience and faithfulness in carrying out God's commands. This appointed individual ensures that the goat, now bearing the sins of the people, is taken far away, never to return. This act of faithfulness reflects the community's trust in God's provision for atonement and forgiveness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Aaron
The high priest who performs the ritual of atonement for the Israelites. He is responsible for confessing the sins of the people over the scapegoat.

2. The Scapegoat
A goat designated to symbolically carry the sins of the Israelites into the wilderness, representing the removal of sin from the community.

3. The Wilderness
The desolate area where the scapegoat is sent, symbolizing the complete removal and isolation of sin from the people.

Teaching Points

The Role of Confession
Aaron's act of confessing the sins of the Israelites over the scapegoat highlights the importance of acknowledging our sins before God. Confession is a crucial step in the process of repentance and forgiveness.

Symbolism of the Scapegoat
The scapegoat represents the complete removal of sin. In Christ, we see the ultimate fulfillment of this symbolism, as He takes away our sins permanently.

The Wilderness as Separation
The wilderness signifies the separation of sin from the people. In our lives, we must strive to separate ourselves from sin, seeking holiness and purity.

Christ as Our High Priest
Just as Aaron mediated for the Israelites, Christ mediates for us. We can approach God with confidence, knowing that Jesus intercedes on our behalf.

The Importance of Atonement
The Day of Atonement was a pivotal event for Israel, reminding us of the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement. In Christ, we have a once-for-all atonement that assures us of our standing before God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the scapegoat in Leviticus 16:21 help us understand the concept of sin and forgiveness in the New Testament?

2. In what ways does the wilderness setting for the scapegoat's release symbolize our need to separate from sin in our daily lives?

3. How can we apply the principle of confession, as demonstrated by Aaron, in our personal spiritual practices today?

4. What parallels can we draw between the Day of Atonement rituals and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as described in the book of Hebrews?

5. How does understanding the role of the high priest in Leviticus enhance our appreciation of Jesus' role as our high priest in the New Testament?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 53
This passage describes the Suffering Servant who bears the iniquities of others, paralleling the scapegoat's role in carrying away the sins of the people.

Hebrews 9
Discusses Christ as the ultimate high priest who enters the heavenly sanctuary once for all, offering His own blood for eternal redemption, fulfilling the Day of Atonement rituals.

John 1:29
John the Baptist refers to Jesus as the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world," connecting Jesus' sacrificial role to the scapegoat's function.