In the context of the Old Testament, the concept of the scapegoat is intricately linked to the Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, as described in Leviticus 16. This sacred day was a time for the Israelites to seek atonement for their sins and to purify themselves before the Lord. Central to this ritual was the selection of two goats, one to be sacrificed to the Lord and the other to serve as the scapegoat.

Biblical Account

The procedure for selecting the scapegoat is detailed in Leviticus 16:7-10 : "Then he shall take the two goats and present them before the LORD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. And Aaron shall cast lots for the two goats—one lot for the LORD and the other for the scapegoat. Aaron shall present the goat chosen by lot for the LORD and sacrifice it as a sin offering. But the goat chosen by lot as the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the LORD to make atonement by sending it into the wilderness as a scapegoat."

The casting of lots was a divinely sanctioned method used to discern God's will in various situations, ensuring that the choice was not influenced by human bias. In this ritual, the lot determined which goat would be sacrificed and which would carry the sins of the people into the wilderness.

Symbolism and Significance

The scapegoat, or "Azazel" as it is referred to in some translations, symbolized the removal of sin from the community. After the high priest laid his hands on the head of the scapegoat, confessing over it all the iniquities and transgressions of the Israelites, the goat was sent away into the wilderness. This act represented the complete removal of sin, as stated in Leviticus 16:21-22 : "He is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the iniquities and transgressions of the Israelites, regarding all their sins. He shall place them on the head of the goat and send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a man appointed for the task. The goat will carry on itself all their iniquities into a solitary place, and the man will release it into the wilderness."

Theological Implications

The ritual of the scapegoat foreshadows the ultimate atonement provided by Jesus Christ. In Christian theology, Christ is seen as the fulfillment of the sacrificial system, bearing the sins of humanity and removing them as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). The scapegoat's role in the Day of Atonement prefigures the redemptive work of Christ, who, as the Lamb of God, takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

Historical Context

The practice of casting lots was common in ancient Israel and was used in various contexts, including the division of land (Joshua 18:10) and the selection of individuals for specific tasks (1 Samuel 14:41-42). The use of lots in the Day of Atonement underscores the belief in God's sovereignty and His direct involvement in the affairs of His people.

Conclusion

The selection of the scapegoat by lot on the Day of Atonement is a profound illustration of God's provision for atonement and the removal of sin. It serves as a powerful symbol of divine grace and forgiveness, pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.Leviticus 16:8-10
And Aaron shall cast lots on the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scapegoat.
Nave's Topical Index

Adonijah
... is the butt at school and the scapegoat at home ... David himself had been chosen and
anointed in preference to ... should give us contentment with our lot, and should ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/adonijah.htm

The Investigative Judgment.
... O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee ... The scapegoat, bearing
the sins of Israel, was sent ... every individual must stand in his lot, at the ...
/.../28 the investigative judgment.htm

Facing Life's Record
... O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee ... The scapegoat, bearing
the sins of Israel, was sent ... every individual must stand in his lot, at the ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 28 facing lifes record.htm

The Fourfold Treasure
... "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you." The ... You have a part and lot with
him, and you are herein ... not upon you: it was laid upon the Scapegoat's head of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the fourfold treasure.htm

The Friend of Sinners
... he doth not save the sin-bitten, or how the scapegoat if he ... them, nor that he had
any part or lot in them ... is not one in God's book against his chosen, for Jesus ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/the friend of sinners.htm

On the Interpretation of Scripture
... The Bible is not a book of statutes in which words have been chosen to cover the
multitude of cases, but in the greater portion of it, especially the Gospels ...
/.../on the interpretation of scripture.htm

Who was Lot in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Why did Lot offer up his daughters to be gang raped? Why did God allow Lot's daughters to later have sex with their father? | GotQuestions.org

What is the story of Abraham and Lot? | GotQuestions.org

Lot: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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