What is the significance of the "goat's blood" in Leviticus 16:15? Setting of Leviticus 16 • The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) was the one day each year when the high priest entered the Most Holy Place to secure forgiveness for all Israel (Leviticus 16:1–34). • Two goats were chosen: one “for the LORD” as a sin offering and one to be the scapegoat sent into the wilderness (vv. 7–10). • Our focus is the first goat, whose blood was carried “inside the veil” (v. 15). What Happened to the Goat’s Blood “Then he shall slaughter the goat of the sin offering for the people and bring its blood inside the veil and do with its blood as he did with the bull's blood: He shall sprinkle it against the atonement cover and in front of it.” (Leviticus 16:15) • Slaughtered at the altar in the courtyard. • Blood collected in a basin. • High priest entered the Holy of Holies. • Sprinkled blood on and before the atonement cover (mercy seat) atop the ark of the covenant. Why Blood? • “For the life of the flesh is in the blood” (Leviticus 17:11). • God ordained blood as the means by which sin is covered; life is given in place of life forfeited by sin (Genesis 3:21; Hebrews 9:22). • Blood is tangible proof that death—the penalty for sin—has occurred, satisfying divine justice. What the Goat’s Blood Accomplished that Day • Substitution: The goat died in place of the people, symbolizing “one life for many lives” (Isaiah 53:4–6 anticipated). • Propitiation: God’s righteous wrath against sin was turned aside, allowing fellowship to continue (Romans 3:25). • Purification: The Most Holy Place, defiled by Israel’s sins, was cleansed (Leviticus 16:16). • National Forgiveness: “On this day atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you” (Leviticus 16:30). Foreshadowing a Greater Atonement • The goat’s blood previewed Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice: – “He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood” (Hebrews 9:12). – “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7). • The veil, once a barrier, was torn at Jesus’ death (Matthew 27:51), proving the ultimate efficacy of His blood. • Unlike annual goat offerings, Jesus’ blood “has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified” (Hebrews 10:14). Personal Takeaways Today • Sin is deadly serious; real blood was required. • God graciously provides a substitute, culminating in Jesus. • Trust in Christ’s finished work brings the complete cleansing foreshadowed by the goat’s blood. |
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