What does Leviticus 16:9 teach about God's holiness and justice? Setting the Scene Leviticus 16 describes the Day of Atonement—a single, sacred day when Israel’s sins were dealt with through two goats: one to be sacrificed “for the LORD,” the other sent away as the scapegoat. Verse 9 focuses on the goat offered to God. Text: Leviticus 16:9 “Aaron shall bring the goat whose lot falls to the LORD and sacrifice it as a sin offering.” Key Observations About God’s Holiness • God alone determines what is acceptable for approaching Him; the goat is chosen “whose lot falls to the LORD.” • Sin cannot be ignored—death is required. Romans 6:23 echoes this: “For the wages of sin is death…” • Holiness demands separation from uncleanness (1 Peter 1:16, “Be holy, because I am holy”). The sacrificial goat underscores that sinful people cannot enter God’s presence without cleansing. Key Observations About God’s Justice • Justice requires payment. The goat dies in the place of the people, satisfying divine law (Hebrews 9:22, “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness”). • The offering is not random or symbolic only; it is a literal, substitutionary act displaying that sin’s penalty must be borne by someone or something (Isaiah 53:5-6 anticipates this in the Servant). • Casting lots shows God’s impartiality. Justice is not manipulated by human preference; it rests on God’s decision (Proverbs 16:33). The Dual Emphasis: Holiness and Justice Together • Holiness reveals God’s perfect character—He is utterly separate from sin. • Justice enforces the moral order—sin earns judgment. • In verse 9 both meet: the holy God justly requires death, yet provides a substitute so His people may live. Christ Foreshadowed • The sacrificed goat points to Jesus, “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). • 2 Corinthians 5:21: “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” • Hebrews 10:12-14 affirms that Christ’s single offering perfects believers forever, fulfilling the pattern set in Leviticus 16:9. Takeaway Leviticus 16:9 teaches that God’s holiness exposes sin’s seriousness, while His justice demands a penalty sinners cannot pay themselves. In mercy, He provides a substitute—the goat then, and ultimately Christ—so that His people can stand forgiven before a holy, just God. |
    |