The ritual of the two goats is a significant component of the Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, as described in the Old Testament. This ceremony is detailed in Leviticus 16 and holds profound theological and symbolic meaning within the context of Israelite worship and the broader narrative of redemption.

Biblical Description

On the Day of Atonement, the high priest was instructed to take two male goats from the Israelite community. These goats were to be presented before the LORD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. The high priest would cast lots for the two goats—one lot for the LORD and the other for the scapegoat (Azazel). Leviticus 16:8-10 states: "He is to cast lots for the two goats—one lot for the LORD and the other for the scapegoat. Aaron shall bring the goat whose lot falls to 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 Goat for the LORD

The goat designated for the LORD was sacrificed as a sin offering. This act symbolized the atonement for the sins of the people, as the blood of the goat was used to purify the sanctuary, the Tent of Meeting, and the altar. The shedding of blood was necessary for the remission of sins, as outlined in Leviticus 17:11 : "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul."

The Scapegoat (Azazel)

The second goat, known as the scapegoat, was presented alive before the LORD. The high priest would lay both hands on the head of the scapegoat and confess over it all the iniquities and transgressions of the Israelites, symbolically transferring the sins of the people onto the goat. The goat was then sent away into the wilderness, signifying the removal of sin from the community. Leviticus 16:21-22 describes this process: "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 Significance

The ritual of the two goats underscores the dual aspects of atonement: propitiation and expiation. The sacrificed goat represents propitiation, where God's wrath against sin is appeased through the shedding of blood. The scapegoat represents expiation, the removal of sin and guilt from the people. Together, these acts foreshadow the ultimate atonement accomplished by Jesus Christ, who is both the sacrificial Lamb and the bearer of sins. Hebrews 9:12 reflects this fulfillment: "He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption."

Cultural and Historical Context

The Day of Atonement was the most solemn day in the Jewish calendar, a time of fasting, repentance, and reflection. The ritual of the two goats was central to this observance, emphasizing the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin. The use of lots to determine the fate of the goats highlights the sovereignty of God in the atonement process. The sending of the scapegoat into the wilderness also reflects ancient Near Eastern practices of symbolically removing impurity from the community.

Symbolism and Typology

The two goats serve as a typology of Christ's redemptive work. The sacrificial goat prefigures Christ's atoning death, while the scapegoat illustrates the removal of sin's guilt and power. This dual symbolism is echoed in the New Testament, where Christ is portrayed as both the atoning sacrifice and the one who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29).

In summary, the ritual of the two goats on the Day of Atonement is a profound illustration of God's provision for sin and His desire for reconciliation with His people. It points forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfills and transcends the Old Testament sacrificial system.