◄ Leviticus 16:6 ►
Aaron is to present the bull for his sin offering and make atonement for himself and his household.
Study Bible
Aaron is to present the bull
The role of Aaron, the high priest, is central in the Day of Atonement rituals. The Hebrew word for "present" is "qarab," which means to bring near or to offer. This act of presenting the bull signifies Aaron's responsibility to approach God on behalf of the people. The bull, a valuable and significant animal, underscores the seriousness of sin and the costliness of atonement. Historically, bulls were considered symbols of strength and power, and their use in sacrifices highlights the need for a powerful atonement for sin.

for his sin offering
The Hebrew term for "sin offering" is "chattat," which refers to a sacrifice made to atone for sin. This offering is not just a ritualistic act but a profound acknowledgment of human sinfulness and the need for divine forgiveness. The sin offering for Aaron himself emphasizes the holiness required of those who serve in God's presence. It reminds us that even the high priest, a mediator between God and the people, is not exempt from sin and must seek atonement.

and make atonement
The concept of "atonement" is central to the theology of Leviticus. The Hebrew word "kaphar" means to cover or to purge. Atonement involves the covering of sin, allowing for reconciliation between God and humanity. This act of atonement is a precursor to the ultimate atonement made by Jesus Christ, who, as the perfect high priest, offered Himself as the final sacrifice for sin. The Day of Atonement foreshadows the complete and perfect atonement achieved through Christ's death and resurrection.

for himself and his household
Aaron's need to make atonement "for himself and his household" highlights the communal aspect of sin and redemption. The high priest's household likely includes his immediate family and possibly the priestly clan. This requirement underscores the biblical principle that leaders bear a significant responsibility for their own spiritual state and that of those under their care. It serves as a reminder that spiritual leaders must first be right with God before they can effectively intercede for others. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where leaders are called to be above reproach and to lead by example.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Aaron
The brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. He is responsible for performing the rituals of atonement for himself and the people.

2. The Bull
A sacrificial animal used for the sin offering. It symbolizes the need for atonement and purification from sin.

3. Sin Offering
A specific type of sacrifice in the Levitical system designed to atone for sins and cleanse the individual or community.

4. Atonement
The process of reconciling with God, often through sacrifice, to cleanse from sin and restore a right relationship with Him.

5. Household
Refers to Aaron's family, indicating that the high priest's personal purification is necessary before he can intercede for the people.
Teaching Points
The Necessity of Personal Purity
Before Aaron could intercede for the people, he had to be cleansed himself. This underscores the importance of personal holiness for those in spiritual leadership.

The Role of the High Priest
Aaron's role as a mediator foreshadows Christ's ultimate role as our High Priest, who offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice.

The Seriousness of Sin
The need for a sin offering highlights the gravity of sin and the necessity of atonement to maintain a relationship with God.

Family and Spiritual Leadership
Aaron's responsibility to make atonement for his household emphasizes the importance of spiritual leadership within the family.

The Continuity of God's Plan
The sacrificial system in Leviticus points forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, showing the continuity and fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Aaron's need to make atonement for himself before interceding for others apply to spiritual leaders today?

2. In what ways does the role of the high priest in Leviticus 16 point to the work of Jesus Christ as described in the book of Hebrews?

3. How can understanding the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement impact our daily walk with God?

4. What lessons can we learn from Aaron's responsibility to make atonement for his household regarding our own roles within our families?

5. How does the concept of atonement in Leviticus 16 enhance our understanding of the sacrifice of Jesus as described in Romans 3?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Hebrews 9
This chapter discusses the role of Christ as the ultimate high priest, drawing parallels between the Old Testament sacrificial system and Jesus' sacrifice.

Exodus 28-29
These chapters provide background on the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests, establishing the priestly duties and the importance of purity.

Romans 3
Paul explains the concept of atonement through faith in Jesus Christ, highlighting the fulfillment of the sacrificial system in the New Testament.
Sermons
A Solemn CeremonyS.R. Aldridge Leviticus 16:6
The Climax of Sacrificial Worship: the Day of AtonementR.M. Edgar Leviticus 16:1-34
The Great Day of AtonementR.A. Redford Leviticus 16:1-34
Type and Antitype - the PriestW. Clarkson Leviticus 16:2-17
A Proffered SubstituteW. Thompson.Leviticus 16:3-34
Christ Typified by the Two GoatsJ. Burns, D. D.Leviticus 16:3-34
Christian's Confession of SinSpurgeon, Charles HaddonLeviticus 16:3-34
Christ's Anesthesia for the Remembrance of SinLeviticus 16:3-34
Hindrances to Repentance RemovedJ. Spencer.Leviticus 16:3-34
Intercession of ChristS. Thodey.Leviticus 16:3-34
LessonsA. Willet, D. D.Leviticus 16:3-34
Moral ObservationsA. Willet, D. D.Leviticus 16:3-34
Moses and Christ; the Day of AtonementW. Clarkson, B. A.Leviticus 16:3-34
Need for the Great AtonementJ. Hamilton, D. D.Leviticus 16:3-34
Sinners Always Ready to Conceal Their SinT. Adams.Leviticus 16:3-34
Spiritual Significance of the Ceremonies on the Day of AtonementT. M. Morris.Leviticus 16:3-34
The Annual AtonementSpurgeon, Charles HaddonLeviticus 16:3-34
The Ceremonies of the Day of AtonementF. E. Clark.Leviticus 16:3-34
The Climax of Sacrificial WorshipR. M.,Edgar, M. A.Leviticus 16:3-34
The Day of AtonementSpurgeon, Charles HaddonLeviticus 16:3-34
The Day of AtonementD. O. Mears.Leviticus 16:3-34
The Day of AtonementD. C. Hughes, M. A.Leviticus 16:3-34
The Day of AtonementH. Melvill, B. D.Leviticus 16:3-34
The Day of AtonementJ. A. Seiss, D. D.Leviticus 16:3-34
The Garments of the PriestF. E. Clark.Leviticus 16:3-34
The Two GoatsF. E. Clark.Leviticus 16:3-34
The Two Goats -- Various InterpretationsJ. Cumming, D. D.Leviticus 16:3-34
There Shalt be no Man in the TabernacleH. C. Trumbull.Leviticus 16:3-34
True RepentanceH. W. Beecher.Leviticus 16:3-34
Trusting in the SubstituteLeviticus 16:3-34
Value of RepentanceJ. Spencer.Leviticus 16:3-34
The Sacrifices of the Day of AtonementJ.A. Macdonald Leviticus 16:5-28
People
Aaron, Israelites, Moses
Places
Teman
Topics
Aaron, Atonement, Bull, Bullock, Free, Household, Offer, Offering, Ox, Present, Sin, Sin-offering
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Leviticus 16:6

     5340   house

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 16:3-34

     6648   expiation
     8629   worship, times

Leviticus 16:5-10

     8272   holiness, growth in

Leviticus 16:6-10

     7392   lots, casting of
     7435   sacrifice, in OT

Leviticus 16:6-19

     7308   Atonement, Day of

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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