What role does the "goat chosen by lot" play in God's redemption plan? Setting the Scene: The Day of Atonement • Leviticus 16 describes Israel’s most solemn day, when the high priest entered the Holy of Holies with blood to secure national atonement. • Central to the ritual were two male goats presented before the LORD “at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting” (Leviticus 16:7). • Lots were cast—one “for the LORD” and the other “for Azazel” (Leviticus 16:8)—so that God Himself, not the priest, determined each goat’s role. Drawing Lots: God’s Sovereign Choice • Casting lots underscored that atonement originates with God, not human invention (cf. Proverbs 16:33). • The random-looking process highlighted divine sovereignty: forgiveness is rooted in God’s gracious decision. The First Goat: A Sin Offering of Substitution “Then Aaron is to slaughter the goat of the sin offering for the people… He shall sprinkle it on the atonement cover … Thus he will make atonement for the Most Holy Place because of the uncleanness and rebellion of the Israelites.” Key truths • Substitution—The goat dies in the place of the people (cf. Isaiah 53:5). • Propitiation—Its blood satisfies God’s righteous wrath against sin (Hebrews 9:22). • Access—Blood on the mercy seat opens the way into God’s presence, prefiguring Hebrews 10:19. The Second Goat: Sin Carried Away “Aaron shall lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the iniquities … He shall send the goat away into the wilderness … The goat will carry on itself all their iniquities.” Key truths • Identification—Hands laid on the goat transfer guilt (cf. Numbers 8:10). • Expiation—Sin is removed “as far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12). • Cleansing—The people see their sin borne away, symbolizing total forgiveness (Micah 7:19). Together, a Complete Picture of Redemption The two goats reveal complementary facets: 1. Propitiation—God’s justice satisfied by the slain goat. 2. Expiation—Guilt removed by the released goat. 3. Sovereignty—Lots emphasize God’s initiative in salvation. 4. Substitution—Both goats act as stand-ins for Israel. 5. Holistic cleansing—Sin is both paid for and sent away. Fulfilled in Christ • John 1:29: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”—He is both offering and sin-bearer. • Hebrews 9:11-14—Christ enters the greater sanctuary “with His own blood,” accomplishing eternal redemption. • 2 Corinthians 5:21—“God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us,” echoing the hand-laying on the scapegoat. • Hebrews 13:12—Jesus suffers “outside the camp,” paralleling the scapegoat led outside the city limits. Why This Matters for Us Today • Assurance—Our forgiveness rests on God’s settled choice, not our fluctuating performance. • Complete salvation—In Christ, sin is both punished and removed; we need not carry old guilt. • Worship—Grasping the depth of substitution and expiation fuels grateful devotion and holy living. |
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