How does Leviticus 16:20 illustrate the concept of atonement in the Old Testament? Verse in focus “ ‘When Aaron has finished purifying the Most Holy Place, the Tent of Meeting, and the altar, he is to bring forward the live goat.’ ” (Leviticus 16:20) Setting the Scene of Atonement • The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) is Israel’s annual, God-ordained reset button (Leviticus 16:29-34). • Throughout the day, the high priest works from the inner sanctuary outward: first the Most Holy Place, then the Tent of Meeting, then the altar—moving symbolically from God’s throne toward the people. • By the time we reach verse 20, the inner cleansing is complete; only the “live goat” remains to carry away the people’s sins. Key Actions and Symbols 1. Purifying the sanctuary • Blood has already been sprinkled to “cover” (atone for) the defilement caused by Israel’s sins (Leviticus 16:14-19). • Leviticus 17:11 explains why: “For the life of the flesh is in the blood … it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.” 2. Presenting the live goat • Immediately after cleansing the holy spaces, Aaron “is to bring forward the live goat.” • In verses 21-22 he will lay his hands on it and confess “all the iniquities of the Israelites,” transferring guilt onto the animal. 3. Sending it away • The goat is led into the wilderness, never to return—a vivid picture of sin’s removal: “as far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12). Two Directions of Atonement: Covering and Removal • Covering (expiation): Blood on the mercy seat covers sin before God, satisfying His justice. • Removal (propitiation): The live goat bears sin away, granting the people release from guilt. • Together, these complementary acts form one divine answer to human rebellion. Foreshadows of Greater Atonement • Isaiah 53:4-6 prophesies a Servant who will carry (“bear”) the people’s iniquities. • Hebrews 9:11-14 points back to Leviticus 16, declaring that Christ entered “the greater and more perfect tabernacle … by His own blood,” securing eternal redemption. • Just as the high priest finished inside work before sending away the goat, Jesus completed His sacrifice in heaven’s sanctuary before applying its benefits to us (Hebrews 9:24-26). Takeaways for Today • God deals with sin thoroughly—first cleansing His dwelling, then removing our guilt. • Atonement is both substitutionary and sufficient: blood shed in our place, guilt carried far away. • The pattern established in Leviticus 16:20 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the once-for-all work of Christ, assuring believers that no trace of confessed sin remains before a holy God. |
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