After Aaron casts lots for the two goats, one for the LORD and the other for the scapegoat, He is to cast lotsThe phrase "He is to cast lots" refers to the ancient practice of determining God's will or making decisions by casting lots, which were similar to dice or small stones. In Hebrew, the word for "lots" is "goral," which signifies a portion or destiny. This practice underscores the belief in divine sovereignty, where God is seen as actively guiding the outcomes of such decisions. Casting lots was a common biblical method for discerning God's will, as seen in other scriptures like Joshua 18:10 and Acts 1:26. It reflects a deep trust in God's providence and His control over seemingly random events. for the two goats
The "two goats" are central to the Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, a significant and solemn day in the Jewish calendar. These goats symbolize the dual aspects of atonement: one for sacrifice and the other for removal of sin. Historically, goats were common sacrificial animals in ancient Israel, representing purity and substitution. The use of two goats highlights the completeness of the atonement process, addressing both the need for sacrifice and the removal of sin from the community. one for the LORD
The phrase "one for the LORD" indicates that one of the goats is designated as a sin offering to Yahweh. In Hebrew, "for the LORD" is "laYHWH," signifying dedication to God. This goat is sacrificed, symbolizing the payment for sin and the appeasement of God's righteous judgment. The act of sacrifice is a central theme in the Old Testament, pointing to the necessity of bloodshed for the forgiveness of sins, as later fulfilled in the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. and the other for the scapegoat
The term "scapegoat" is derived from the Hebrew word "Azazel," which has been interpreted in various ways, including as a name for a wilderness demon or as a symbolic representation of the removal of sin. The scapegoat is not sacrificed but is sent into the wilderness, carrying the sins of the people away from the camp. This act of sending the goat away symbolizes the complete removal and forgiveness of sin, illustrating God's mercy and the cleansing of His people. The concept of the scapegoat foreshadows the redemptive work of Christ, who bore our sins and removed them as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). Persons / Places / Events 1. AaronThe high priest who performs the ritual of casting lots for the two goats as part of the Day of Atonement ceremony. 2. Two GoatsCentral to the ritual, one goat is designated for the LORD and the other as the scapegoat (Azazel). 3. The LORDThe recipient of the sacrificial goat, symbolizing atonement for the people's sins. 4. Scapegoat (Azazel)The goat that is sent into the wilderness, symbolically carrying away the sins of the people. 5. Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)A significant annual event in the Israelite calendar for the atonement of sins. Teaching Points Understanding AtonementThe ritual of the two goats illustrates the dual aspects of atonement—sacrifice and removal of sin. This foreshadows Christ's work on the cross. Symbolism of the ScapegoatThe scapegoat represents the complete removal of sin from the community, pointing to the comprehensive forgiveness available through Christ. Role of the High PriestAaron's role as the mediator between God and the people prefigures Christ's role as our eternal high priest. Divine Sovereignty and Human ResponsibilityThe casting of lots signifies God's sovereign choice, yet it requires human obedience to carry out His commands. Living in ForgivenessJust as the scapegoat carried away the sins of Israel, believers are called to live in the freedom and forgiveness that Christ provides. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the ritual of the two goats on the Day of Atonement help us understand the concept of atonement in the Old Testament? 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 the symbolism of the scapegoat inform our understanding of forgiveness and the removal of sin in our lives today? 4. What does the casting of lots teach us about God's sovereignty and our responsibility in following His will? 5. How can we apply the principles of atonement and forgiveness from Leviticus 16 in our relationships with others? Connections to Other Scriptures Hebrews 9Discusses the role of Christ as the ultimate high priest and the fulfillment of the sacrificial system, including the Day of Atonement. Isaiah 53Describes the suffering servant who bears the sins of many, paralleling the role of the scapegoat. John 1:29John the Baptist refers to Jesus as the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world," connecting to the sacrificial system. Psalm 103:12Speaks of God removing our transgressions as far as the east is from the west, similar to the scapegoat carrying away sins. Romans 3:25Discusses Jesus as a propitiation for our sins, fulfilling the atonement role of the sacrificial goat. | The Climax of Sacrificial Worship: the Day of Atonement | R.M. Edgar | Leviticus 16:1-34 | | The Great Day of Atonement | R.A. Redford | Leviticus 16:1-34 | | Type and Antitype - the Priest | W. Clarkson | Leviticus 16:2-17 | | A Proffered Substitute | W. Thompson. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | Christ Typified by the Two Goats | J. Burns, D. D. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | Christian's Confession of Sin | Spurgeon, Charles Haddon | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | Christ's Anesthesia for the Remembrance of Sin | | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | Hindrances to Repentance Removed | J. Spencer. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | Intercession of Christ | S. Thodey. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | Lessons | A. Willet, D. D. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | Moral Observations | A. Willet, D. D. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | Moses and Christ; the Day of Atonement | W. Clarkson, B. A. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | Need for the Great Atonement | J. Hamilton, D. D. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | Sinners Always Ready to Conceal Their Sin | T. Adams. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | Spiritual Significance of the Ceremonies on the Day of Atonement | T. M. Morris. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | The Annual Atonement | Spurgeon, Charles Haddon | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | The Ceremonies of the Day of Atonement | F. E. Clark. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | The Climax of Sacrificial Worship | R. M.,Edgar, M. A. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | The Day of Atonement | Spurgeon, Charles Haddon | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | The Day of Atonement | D. O. Mears. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | The Day of Atonement | D. C. Hughes, M. A. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | The Day of Atonement | H. Melvill, B. D. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | The Day of Atonement | J. A. Seiss, D. D. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | The Garments of the Priest | F. E. Clark. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | The Two Goats | F. E. Clark. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | The Two Goats -- Various Interpretations | J. Cumming, D. D. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | There Shalt be no Man in the Tabernacle | H. C. Trumbull. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | True Repentance | H. W. Beecher. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | Trusting in the Substitute | | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | Value of Repentance | J. Spencer. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | The Sacrifices of the Day of Atonement | J.A. Macdonald | Leviticus 16:5-28 | | Type and Antitype - the Offering | W. Clarkson | Leviticus 16:7-10, 15, 21, 22 |
People Aaron, Israelites, MosesPlaces TemanTopics Aaron, Azazel, Aza'zel, Cast, Decision, Departure, Goat, Goats, Lot, Lots, Scapegoat, Scape-goat, SelectionDictionary of Bible Themes 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 Leviticus 16:6-19 7308 Atonement, Day of Leviticus 16:7-10 7440 scapegoat Leviticus 16:8-10 6750 sin-bearer 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 Links Leviticus 16:8 NIVLeviticus 16:8 NLTLeviticus 16:8 ESVLeviticus 16:8 NASBLeviticus 16:8 KJV
Leviticus 16:8 Commentaries
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