Leviticus 16:27

The bull for the sin offering and the goat for the sin offering, whose blood was brought into the Most Holy Place to make atonement, must be taken outside the camp; and their hides, flesh, and dung must be burned up.

Study Bible

The bull for the sin offering
The Hebrew word for "bull" is "par," which signifies a young bull or steer. In the context of Leviticus, the bull represents a significant sacrifice, often associated with the priestly atonement for sin. The sin offering, or "chattat" in Hebrew, is a crucial element of the sacrificial system, symbolizing the removal of sin and impurity. The bull's role in this offering underscores the gravity of sin and the need for a substantial sacrifice to restore the relationship between God and His people.

and the goat for the sin offering
The "goat" or "sa'ir" in Hebrew, is another key animal in the sin offering, particularly on the Day of Atonement. The goat represents the community's sins, and its sacrifice is a vivid reminder of the need for communal repentance and purification. The dual mention of the bull and the goat highlights the comprehensive nature of atonement, covering both individual and collective transgressions.

whose blood was brought into the Most Holy Place
The "Most Holy Place," or "Kodesh HaKodashim" in Hebrew, is the innermost sanctuary of the Tabernacle, where God's presence dwelt. The act of bringing the blood into this sacred space signifies the direct appeal to God for forgiveness and cleansing. Blood, representing life, is the means by which atonement is made, emphasizing the seriousness of sin and the cost of reconciliation with God.

to make atonement
The Hebrew term "kaphar" means to cover or to make atonement. This concept is central to the sacrificial system, where the blood of the sacrifice covers the sins of the people, allowing them to be reconciled with God. Atonement is not merely a ritualistic act but a profound spiritual transaction that restores the covenant relationship between God and His people.

must be taken outside the camp
The requirement to take the remains "outside the camp" reflects the removal of sin and impurity from the community. In ancient Israel, the camp represented the dwelling place of God's people, and anything unclean or sinful was to be removed to maintain holiness. This act prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who suffered outside the city gates to sanctify His people (Hebrews 13:12).

their hides, flesh, and dung are to be burned up
The complete burning of the animal's remains signifies the total eradication of sin. The "hides, flesh, and dung" represent all aspects of the sin offering, and their destruction outside the camp underscores the thoroughness of God's cleansing process. This act of burning is a powerful symbol of purification, illustrating that sin, once atoned for, is entirely consumed and removed from God's sight.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Bull and the Goat
These animals were used as sin offerings during the Day of Atonement, a significant event in the Israelite calendar for the atonement of sins.

2. The Most Holy Place
Also known as the Holy of Holies, this was the innermost and most sacred area of the tabernacle where the high priest would enter once a year to make atonement.

3. Outside the Camp
This refers to the area outside the Israelite encampment where the remains of the sin offerings were burned, symbolizing the removal of sin from the community.

4. The High Priest
The individual responsible for performing the rituals of the Day of Atonement, including the offering of the bull and goat.

5. The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)
An annual event in the Jewish calendar dedicated to atonement and repentance, central to the sacrificial system described in Leviticus.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Sin
The requirement to burn the sin offerings outside the camp underscores the gravity of sin and the need for its complete removal from the community.

Christ as Our Sin Offering
Just as the sin offerings were taken outside the camp, Jesus was crucified outside the city, symbolizing the ultimate atonement for our sins.

Holiness and Separation
The act of taking the remains outside the camp illustrates the call for believers to live lives set apart from sin, pursuing holiness.

The Cost of Atonement
The detailed and costly process of atonement in the Old Testament points to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, reminding us of the price paid for our redemption.

Community and Purity
The communal aspect of the Day of Atonement highlights the importance of maintaining purity within the body of believers, encouraging accountability and repentance.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the requirement to burn the sin offerings outside the camp reflect the nature of sin and its impact on the community?

2. In what ways does the sacrificial system in Leviticus point to the work of Christ as described in the New Testament?

3. How can understanding the rituals of the Day of Atonement deepen our appreciation for the sacrifice of Jesus?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure that we are living lives set apart from sin, in light of the call to holiness?

5. How does the concept of community purity in Leviticus 16:27 apply to the modern church, and what role do we play in maintaining it?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 13:11-12
This passage draws a parallel between the sin offerings taken outside the camp and Jesus' crucifixion outside the city gates, highlighting the fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrificial system in Christ.

Exodus 29:14
This verse describes the burning of the sin offering outside the camp, establishing a precedent for the practice described in Leviticus 16:27.

John 19:17-18
The account of Jesus carrying His cross to Golgotha, outside Jerusalem, connects to the concept of taking the sin offering outside the camp.