What is the significance of the "scapegoat" in Leviticus 16:10 for Israel's sins? Setting the Scene: Israel’s Highest Holy Day • Every year on the tenth day of the seventh month, the high priest entered the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the whole nation (Leviticus 16:29-30). • Two goats were selected by lot—one for the LORD and one “for Azazel,” the scapegoat (Leviticus 16:8). • Leviticus 16:10: “But the goat chosen by lot for the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the LORD to make atonement and be sent away into the wilderness as a scapegoat.” Two Goats, One Complete Atonement 1. The first goat was sacrificed and its blood sprinkled inside the veil (Leviticus 16:15-16). 2. The second goat remained alive, received the nation’s confessed sins, and carried them far away (Leviticus 16:20-22). • Together they provided a full picture: – Death satisfied God’s justice. – Removal assured Israel that guilt was gone. Key Actions That Highlight the Scapegoat’s Role • “Presented alive before the LORD” – the goat stood in God’s presence, affirming divine acceptance. • “To make atonement” – even without shedding its blood, the scapegoat helped complete reconciliation. • “Sent away into the wilderness” – out of sight, never to return; Israel’s sins were irretrievably removed. Layers of Significance for Israel • Visible Transfer of Guilt – The high priest laid both hands on the goat’s head, “confessing over it all the iniquities of the Israelites” (Leviticus 16:21). – The nation watched their sins pass to another. • Complete Removal of Sin – “The goat will carry on itself all their iniquities to a solitary place” (Leviticus 16:22). – Psalm 103:12 echoes the same truth: “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” • Ongoing Assurance – Year after year the ritual drove home two truths: sin is deadly serious, and God graciously provides a way to be clean. Foreshadowing the Greater Sin-Bearer • Isaiah 53:6 – “The LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” • John 1:29 – “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” • Hebrews 13:11-12 – Just as the scapegoat was led outside the camp, Jesus “suffered outside the gate to sanctify the people through His own blood.” • 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.” Living Implications Today • Confidence in Full Forgiveness – Hebrews 10:14: “By one offering He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.” • Freedom from Lingering Guilt – Romans 8:1: “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” • Call to Walk in Purity – 1 Peter 2:24: “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.” The scapegoat dramatically assured Israel that God not only covers sin but removes it completely—a promise fulfilled perfectly in Jesus Christ, who bears our iniquities and carries them away forever. |
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