The Day of Atonement 1Now the LORD spoke to Moses after the death of two of Aaron’s sons when they approached the presence of the LORD. 2And the LORD said to Moses: “Tell your brother Aaron not to enter freely into the Most Holy Placea behind the veil in front of the mercy seatb on the ark, or else he will die, because I appear in the cloud above the mercy seat. 3This is how Aaron is to enter the Holy Place: with a young bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering. 4He is to wear the sacred linen tunic, with linen undergarments. He must tie a linen sash around him and put on the linen turban. These are holy garments, and he must bathe himself with water before he wears them. 5And he shall take from the congregation of Israel two male goats for a sin offering and one ram for a burnt offering. 6Aaron is to present the bull for his sin offering and make atonement for himself and his household. 7Then he shall take the two goats and present them before the LORD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. 8After Aaron casts lots for the two goats, one for the LORD and the other for the scapegoat,c 9he shall present the goat chosen by lot for the LORD and sacrifice it as a sin offering. 10But 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 the scapegoat. 11When Aaron presents the bull for his sin offering and makes atonement for himself and his household, he is to slaughter the bull for his own sin offering. 12Then he must take a censer full of burning coals from the altar before the LORD, and two handfuls of finely ground fragrant incense, and take them inside the veil. 13He is to put the incense on the fire before the LORD, and the cloud of incense will cover the mercy seat above the Testimony,d so that he will not die. 14And he is to take some of the bull’s blood and sprinkle it with his finger on the east side of the mercy seat; then he shall sprinkle some of it with his finger seven times before the mercy seat. 15Aaron shall then slaughter the goat for the sin offering for the people and bring its blood behind the veil, and with its blood he must do as he did with the bull’s blood: He is to sprinkle it against the mercy seat and in front of it. 16So he shall make atonement for the Most Holy Place because of the impurities and rebellious acts of the Israelites in regard to all their sins. He is to do the same for the Tent of Meeting which abides among them in the midst of their impurities. 17No one may be in the Tent of Meeting from the time Aaron goes in to make atonement in the Most Holy Place until he leaves, after he has made atonement for himself, his household, and the whole assembly of Israel. 18Then he shall go out to the altar that is before the LORD and make atonement for it. He is to take some of the bull’s blood and some of the goat’s blood and put it on all the horns of the altar. 19He is to sprinkle some of the blood on it with his finger seven times to cleanse it and consecrate it from the uncleanness of the Israelites. 20When Aaron has finished purifying the Most Holy Place, the Tent of Meeting, and the altar, he is to bring forward the live goat. 21Then he is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the iniquities and rebellious acts of the Israelites in regard to all their sins. He is to put them on the goat’s head and send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a man appointed for the task. 22The goat will carry on itself all their iniquities into a solitary place, and the man will release it into the wilderness. 23Then Aaron is to enter the Tent of Meeting, take off the linen garments he put on before entering the Most Holy Place, and leave them there. 24He is to bathe himself with water in a holy place and put on his own clothes. Then he must go out and sacrifice his burnt offering and the people’s burnt offering to make atonement for himself and for the people. 25He is also to burn the fat of the sin offering on the altar. 26The man who released the goat as the scapegoat must wash his clothes and bathe himself with water; afterward he may reenter the camp. 27The 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. 28The one who burns them must wash his clothes and bathe himself with water, and afterward he may reenter the camp. 29This is to be a permanent statute for you: On the tenth day of the seventh month, you shall humble yourselvese and not do any work—whether the native or the foreigner who resides among you— 30because on this day atonement will be made for you to cleanse you, and you will be clean from all your sins before the LORD. 31It is a Sabbath of complete rest for you, that you may humble yourselves; it is a permanent statute. 32The priest who is anointed and ordained to succeed his father as high priest shall make atonement. He will put on the sacred linen garments 33and make atonement for the Most Holy Place,f the Tent of Meeting, and the altar, and for the priests and all the people of the assembly. 34This is to be a permanent statute for you, to make atonement once a year for the Israelites because of all their sins.” And all this was done as the LORD had commanded Moses. Footnotes: 2 a Or the Holy Place; also in verses 16, 17, 20, 23, and 27 2 b Or atonement cover; here and throughout this chapter 8 c Literally the other to Azazel; similarly twice in verse 10 and once in verse 26 13 d The Testimony refers to the stone tablets in the ark of the covenant inscribed with the Ten Commandments. 29 e Or afflict your souls or deny yourselves; also in verse 31 33 f Or the Holy Sanctuary Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Leviticus 16 Summary The Day of AtonementVerses 1–2 – The Warning and the Veil Verses 3–5 – Required Offerings and Garments Verses 6–10 – Lots for the Two Goats Verses 11–14 – Incense and the Mercy Seat Verses 15–19 – Purifying the Holy Places Verses 20–22 – The Scapegoat Sent Away Verses 23–28 – Cleanup and Disposal Verses 29–34 – Everlasting Statute This chapter narrates a critical divine decree delivered by the Lord to Moses following the death of Aaron's sons. It articulates the intricate process of atonement, detailing the rigorous rituals that Aaron must undertake to enter the sacred Most Holy Place without perishing. It emphasizes the sanctity of the rituals and the significant role of atonement in maintaining spiritual purity. Historical Context: Israel’s Most Solemn Day • Took place once a year (later called Yom Kippur). • Occurred in the wilderness period, likely c. 1446–1406 BC, then fixed in Israel’s calendar. • Only the high priest entered the Most Holy Place, emphasizing God’s holiness and human sin. Priestly Garments and Ritual Purity • Ordinary high-priestly garments were ornate (Exodus 28), but on this day Aaron wore white linen, symbolizing humility. • Multiple baths (v. 4, 24, 26, 28) underscored personal cleansing before representing the nation. Compare Hebrews 10:22. • Archaeological parallels: Assyrian and Egyptian priests also washed before rituals, yet Israel’s routine was uniquely tied to sin removal. The Bull and Two Goats Bull: covered Aaron and his household. Goat “for the LORD”: its blood cleansed sacred space. Goat “for Azazel”: removed guilt from camp. Scripture links: Isaiah 53:6 “the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all” echoes the scapegoat’s transfer. John 1:29 calls Jesus “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” Incense and the Cloud Verse 13: “the cloud of the incense will cover the mercy seat”. The fragrant cloud shielded Aaron from direct vision of God, preventing death (v. 2). Revelation 8:4 portrays prayers as incense, showing enduring symbolism. Blood on the Mercy Seat Sevenfold sprinkling (v. 14) signified complete cleansing. Hebrews 9 explains that Christ entered heaven “not with the blood of goats and calves but with His own blood” (v. 12), fulfilling the pattern. Azazel in the Wilderness • “Azazel” likely denotes a remote, rugged place—symbolizing total removal. • A strong man escorted the goat, preventing it from wandering back (v. 21). • Dead Sea Scrolls describe a steep cliff used in later times to ensure the goat could not return, illustrating evolving practice while retaining the core idea. Calendar and Sabbath-Like Rest • Occurred ten days after the Feast of Trumpets (Leviticus 23:23-32). • The people “afflicted their souls” (fasted) and ceased work, paralleling Sabbath rest (Isaiah 58:3-6). • Rabbis later added a 25-hour fast, beginning sundown the evening before. Jesus and the Day of Atonement • Gospels hint at fulfillment: curtain torn (Matthew 27:51) signifies open access. • Hebrews 4:14-16 invites believers to “approach the throne of grace” boldly—privilege unheard of in Aaron’s day. • Christ combines roles: He is High Priest, sacrificial victim, and scapegoat who bears sin outside the camp (Hebrews 13:11-13). Archaeological Notes • Tabernacle dimensions (Exodus 26) match Egyptian royal campaign tents, showing God’s “dwelling” among His people in culturally familiar form yet with distinct holiness. • Early Second-Temple period incense shovel fragments found south of the Temple Mount resemble descriptions in Mishnah Yoma, confirming continuity of practice. Practical Takeaways • Holiness: God’s presence is pure; approach requires cleansing (1 John 1:9). • Substitution: sin is confessed and transferred; an innocent life is given (2 Corinthians 5:21). • Community: the entire nation shared a day of humility, reminding believers today of corporate responsibility (James 5:16). • Rest: stopping regular work highlights dependence on God, encouraging rhythms of worship and repentance. Lasting Statute and Future Hope Leviticus 16 ends: “This is to be an everlasting statute for you” (v. 34). While the ritual ended with the Temple, its essence continues in Messiah’s finished work and points toward the final cleansing of heaven and earth in Revelation 21:27, where nothing unclean will ever enter God’s city. Connections to Additional Scriptures Hebrews 9:11-12Connects the Day of Atonement rituals to Christ's work as our High Priest. Isaiah 53:6 Describes the Messiah as bearing the iniquities of us all, similar to the scapegoat. 1 John 1:9 Encourages confession of sins, with the promise of forgiveness and cleansing. Romans 5:11 Speaks of the reconciliation we have received through Christ, echoing the atonement theme. Teaching Points The Holiness of GodLeviticus 16:2 states, Tell your brother Aaron that he shall not enter at any time into the Holy Place inside the veil, before the mercy seat which is on the ark, or he will die; for I appear in the cloud over the mercy seat. This emphasizes the holiness of God and the seriousness of approaching Him without proper preparation. The Role of the High Priest Aaron, the high priest, had to follow specific instructions to enter the Holy of Holies, highlighting the mediatory role of the priesthood (Leviticus 16:3-4). The Scapegoat Verses 21-22 describe the ritual of the scapegoat, where Aaron lays hands on the goat, confessing the sins of Israel, and then sends it into the wilderness. This symbolizes the removal of sin from the community. Atonement for All The Day of Atonement was for the entire community, emphasizing the collective need for forgiveness and reconciliation with God (Leviticus 16:29-30). Foreshadowing Christ The rituals and sacrifices point to Jesus Christ, our ultimate High Priest, who entered the heavenly Holy of Holies once for all by His own blood (Hebrews 9:11-12). Practical Applications Reverence for GodApproach God with reverence and awe, recognizing His holiness and our need for purification through Christ. Confession and Repentance Regularly confess and repent of sins, understanding that Jesus is our scapegoat who has borne our iniquities. Community Intercession Pray for the community of believers, recognizing our collective need for God's mercy and grace. Gratitude for Christ's Sacrifice Live in gratitude for the sacrifice of Jesus, who has made a way for us to enter God's presence with confidence. People 1. The LORD (YHWH)The LORD is the one who gives the instructions for the Day of Atonement to Moses. In the Hebrew text, the name used is "YHWH" (יהוה), which is the sacred and personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible. 2. Moses Moses is the prophet and leader of the Israelites who receives the instructions from the LORD. He is responsible for conveying God's commands to Aaron. The Hebrew name is "Moshe" (מֹשֶׁה). 3. Aaron Aaron is the brother of Moses and the high priest. He is the central human figure in this chapter, responsible for performing the rituals of atonement. His Hebrew name is "Aharon" (אַהֲרֹן). 4. Aaron's Sons Although not named individually in this chapter, Aaron's sons are referenced in the context of the priestly duties and the previous incident where two of his sons died for offering unauthorized fire before the LORD (Leviticus 10). The Hebrew term used is "benei Aharon" (בְּנֵי אַהֲרֹן). Places 1. The Holy PlaceThis refers to the inner sanctuary of the Tabernacle where the priest performs specific rituals. In Leviticus 16:2, it is mentioned as the place where Aaron is not to enter at any time, except under specific conditions, to avoid death. The Hebrew term used is "קֹדֶשׁ" (qodesh), meaning a sacred or holy place. 2. The Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies) This is the innermost part of the Tabernacle, where the Ark of the Covenant is kept. In Leviticus 16:2, it is described as the place behind the veil, where God's presence dwells above the mercy seat. The Hebrew term is "קֹדֶשׁ הַקֳּדָשִׁים" (qodesh ha-qodashim), emphasizing its supreme sanctity. 3. The Tent of Meeting This is the larger structure that houses both the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. In Leviticus 16:7, it is mentioned as the location where the two goats are presented before the LORD. The Hebrew term "אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד" (ohel mo'ed) signifies a place of divine-human encounter. 4. The Altar Located in the courtyard of the Tabernacle, the altar is where sacrifices are made. In Leviticus 16:18, it is described as the altar before the LORD, where the blood of the sin offering is applied. The Hebrew word "מִזְבֵּחַ" (mizbeach) refers to a place of sacrifice. 5. The Camp This refers to the encampment of the Israelites surrounding the Tabernacle. In Leviticus 16:26, it is mentioned in the context of the man who releases the scapegoat needing to wash before re-entering the camp. The Hebrew term "מַחֲנֶה" (machaneh) denotes a temporary dwelling place or encampment. Events 1. Instructions to AaronThe LORD speaks to Moses after the death of Aaron's two sons and instructs him on how Aaron should enter the Most Holy Place. Aaron is warned not to enter at any time, lest he die, because the LORD appears in the cloud over the atonement cover (Leviticus 16:1-2). 2. Aaron's Preparations Aaron is to bring a young bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering. He must bathe and put on the sacred linen garments (Leviticus 16:3-4). 3. Community Offerings The Israelite community is to provide two male goats for a sin offering and one ram for a burnt offering (Leviticus 16:5). 4. Sin Offering for Aaron Aaron is to offer the bull for his own sin offering to make atonement for himself and his household (Leviticus 16:6). 5. Casting Lots for the Goats Aaron is to cast lots for the two goats—one lot for the LORD and the other for the scapegoat (Azazel) (Leviticus 16:7-8). 6. Sacrifice of the LORD's Goat The goat chosen by lot for the LORD is to be sacrificed as a sin offering for the people (Leviticus 16:9). 7. Scapegoat Ritual The goat chosen for Azazel is to be presented alive before the LORD to make atonement and then sent into the wilderness (Leviticus 16:10). 8. Atonement for the Most Holy Place Aaron is to take some of the bull's blood and sprinkle it on the atonement cover and in front of it, to cleanse the Most Holy Place from the uncleanness of the Israelites (Leviticus 16:11-14). 9. Atonement for the Tent of Meeting Aaron is to make atonement for the Tent of Meeting, sprinkling the blood of the goat on the atonement cover and in front of it (Leviticus 16:15-16). 10. Atonement for the Altar Aaron is to make atonement for the altar by applying the blood of the bull and the goat to its horns and sprinkling it seven times (Leviticus 16:18-19). 11. Confession over the Scapegoat Aaron is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat, confess over it all the iniquities of the Israelites, and send it away into the wilderness (Leviticus 16:20-22). 12. Burnt Offerings Aaron is to offer the burnt offerings for himself and the people to make atonement (Leviticus 16:23-25). 13. Disposal of the Sin Offerings The bull and the goat for the sin offerings, whose blood was brought into the Most Holy Place, are to be taken outside the camp and burned (Leviticus 16:27). 14. Cleansing Rituals Those who handle the scapegoat and the remains of the sin offerings must wash their clothes and bathe before returning to the camp (Leviticus 16:26, 28). 15. Establishment of the Day of Atonement The Day of Atonement is established as a lasting ordinance, a Sabbath of rest, and a day of fasting and humility (Leviticus 16:29-31). 16. Annual Observance The Day of Atonement is to be observed annually on the tenth day of the seventh month, with the high priest making atonement for the Israelites (Leviticus 16:32-34). Topics 1. Instructions for Aaron (Leviticus 16:1-2)God gives Moses specific instructions for Aaron, the high priest, regarding how he should enter the Most Holy Place. This is to prevent him from dying, emphasizing the holiness and reverence required in approaching God. The Hebrew term "kodesh" (קֹדֶשׁ) underscores the sacredness of the space. 2. Preparations for the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:3-5) Aaron is instructed to bring a young bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering. He must also bathe and wear sacred garments. The Hebrew word "kohen" (כֹּהֵן) refers to his role as a priest, highlighting the need for purity and sanctity. 3. The Sin Offering for Aaron and His Household (Leviticus 16:6-10) Aaron is to offer the bull as a sin offering for himself and his household. Two goats are presented, one for the Lord and the other as the scapegoat (Azazel). The term "Azazel" (עֲזָאזֵל) is debated but generally understood as a symbol of removal of sin. 4. The Atonement Ritual (Leviticus 16:11-14) Aaron makes atonement for himself by sacrificing the bull and sprinkling its blood on the atonement cover and before it. This act signifies purification and reconciliation with God. 5. The Sin Offering for the People (Leviticus 16:15-19) The goat for the Lord is sacrificed as a sin offering for the people. Its blood is used similarly to the bull's, to cleanse the Most Holy Place from the impurities of the Israelites. 6. The Scapegoat Ritual (Leviticus 16:20-22) Aaron lays hands on the scapegoat, confessing the sins of Israel, and sends it into the wilderness. This symbolizes the removal of sin from the community, with the Hebrew root "nasa" (נָשָׂא) meaning to bear or carry away. 7. Completion of the Atonement Process (Leviticus 16:23-28) Aaron changes his garments, bathes, and offers burnt offerings for himself and the people. The remains of the sin offerings are taken outside the camp and burned, signifying the complete removal of sin. 8. The Lasting Ordinance (Leviticus 16:29-34) The Day of Atonement is established as a lasting ordinance, a Sabbath of solemn rest and fasting. The Hebrew term "yom kippur" (יוֹם כִּפּוּר) is used, meaning "day of atonement," highlighting its enduring significance in the Israelite calendar. Themes 1. The Holiness of GodLeviticus 16 emphasizes the holiness of God and the need for reverence when approaching Him. The chapter begins with a reminder of the deaths of Aaron's sons, Nadab and Abihu, for offering unauthorized fire before the Lord (Leviticus 16:1-2). This underscores the importance of approaching God according to His instructions. 2. The Role of the High Priest The chapter outlines the specific duties of the high priest, Aaron, on the Day of Atonement. He is to enter the Most Holy Place only once a year, after making atonement for himself and the people (Leviticus 16:3-4). The Hebrew term "kohen gadol" (כֹּהֵן גָּדוֹל) refers to the high priest, highlighting his unique role in mediating between God and the Israelites. 3. Atonement for Sin A central theme is the atonement for the sins of the people. The high priest makes atonement for himself, his household, and the entire assembly of Israel through a series of sacrifices (Leviticus 16:6, 11, 15-16). The Hebrew word "kippur" (כִּפֻּר) means "atonement" or "covering," signifying the removal or covering of sin. 4. The Scapegoat Ritual The ritual of the scapegoat is a unique aspect of the Day of Atonement. Aaron is to lay hands on the head of a live goat, confessing over it all the iniquities of the Israelites, and then send it into the wilderness (Leviticus 16:21-22). This symbolizes the removal of sin from the community. 5. Purification and Cleansing The chapter emphasizes purification and cleansing, not only of the people but also of the sanctuary and altar (Leviticus 16:16, 19). This reflects the need for holiness in all aspects of worship and community life. 6. The Significance of Blood Blood plays a crucial role in the atonement process, as it is used to purify the sanctuary and make atonement for the people (Leviticus 16:14-15). The Hebrew word "dam" (דָּם) means "blood," and it signifies life and the seriousness of sin. 7. The Solemnity of the Day of Atonement The Day of Atonement is described as a solemn and sacred occasion, a Sabbath of rest and a time for self-denial (Leviticus 16:29-31). This highlights the gravity of sin and the need for repentance and reconciliation with God. Answering Tough Questions 1. How can Leviticus 16:8–10 justify transferring a community’s sins onto a literal goat to be set free? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What do the intricate rituals for atonement signify in this passage? 2. How does the concept of a scapegoat apply to our modern understanding of responsibility and forgiveness? 3. Why is Aaron required to make atonement for himself before the people? 4. How does the role of the high priest evolve throughout the passage? 5. What does the process of atonement reveal about the nature of God as depicted in this text? 6. What might be the psychological impact on Aaron, having to perform these rituals? 7. What role do the specific garments play in the atonement process? 8. Why is the sin offering taken outside the camp to be burned? 9. How can the instruction of complete rest and humbleness on the day of atonement be practiced in today's world? 10. In what ways can the concept of personal atonement apply in contemporary life? 11. How might the rituals of atonement foster a sense of community among the Israelites? 12. What is the symbolism of blood in the atonement process? 13. How does this passage highlight the sanctity of the Most Holy Place? 14. In what ways does the ritual of atonement emphasize the severity of sin? 15. What implications does the scapegoat carry for understanding collective guilt and innocence? 16. How could these rituals of atonement influence the moral behavior of the Israelites? 17. How can we interpret the Lord's command that both natives and foreigners observe this ritual? 18. In what ways can we seek spiritual purification in our daily lives, reflecting the essence of these ancient rituals? 19. How does the role of the high priest in this passage compare to religious leaders today? 20. What does the phrase "you will be clean from all your sins before the LORD" mean to you in a modern context? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
    |