What role does the scapegoat play in symbolizing sin removal in Leviticus 16:21? The Day of Atonement Setting • Once a year the high priest entered the Most Holy Place to secure national atonement (Leviticus 16:29-34). • Two goats were selected: one “for the LORD” to be sacrificed, and the other “for Azazel” (the scapegoat) to be released alive (16:8-10). • Leviticus 16:21 focuses on the live goat: “Aaron shall lay both his hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the iniquities of the Israelites and all their transgressions—all their sins. He is to place them on the head of the goat and send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a man appointed for the task.” Hands on the Goat: Transferring Guilt • “Lay both his hands” — an unmistakable act of identification. • “Confess… all the iniquities… transgressions… sins” — every category of moral failure is spoken aloud. • The goat becomes the sin-bearer, taking upon itself what rightly belongs to the people (cf. Isaiah 53:6; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Sent Away: Sin Removed • “Send it away into the wilderness” — a bleak, uninhabitable place, picturing total separation. • The people watch as their sins disappear over the horizon; guilt is not merely covered but removed (Psalm 103:12; Micah 7:19). • No return trip is recorded; the goat’s departure is final, underscoring complete cleansing. A Foreshadow of Christ • Jesus fulfills both goats: His death satisfies God’s justice (the slain goat), and His bearing sin “outside the camp” fulfills the scapegoat role (Hebrews 13:11-13). • John the Baptist echoes the image: “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). • At the cross sin is imputed to Christ (1 Peter 2:24); in resurrection it is forever removed (Hebrews 9:26; 10:12-14). Implications for Us Today • Assurance: our confessed sins are truly gone—never to be dredged up again. • Freedom: release from shame enables joyful service and worship (Romans 8:1). • Call to holiness: as sin has been carried away, we pursue the purity Christ purchased (Titus 2:14). |
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