What is the meaning of Leviticus 16:26? The man who released the goat as the scapegoat - In the Day of Atonement ceremony, two goats were chosen (Leviticus 16:7–10). One was sacrificed; the other—“the scapegoat”—was led into the wilderness, symbolically bearing Israel’s sins “to a solitary place” (v. 22). - The unnamed “man” had a sacred task: physically removing sin from the camp. His anonymity reminds us that the focus is on God’s provision, not human prestige. - Cross references: Leviticus 16:21-22 shows the sins placed on the goat; Isaiah 53:6 foretells the Lord laying our iniquity on His Servant; Hebrews 13:11-12 points to Jesus suffering “outside the camp” for our cleansing. must wash his clothes - Garments in Scripture often picture one’s outward condition before God. After handling the sin-laden goat, the man’s clothes were deemed ceremonially defiled. - Washing pictured removal of contamination, not mere hygiene (Leviticus 14:8-9; Numbers 19:7). - This outward act signified an inward reality—that sin demands cleansing before restored fellowship. Compare Psalm 51:7, “Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.” and bathe himself with water - Total bathing underlined complete purification (Exodus 29:4 when priests were consecrated; Leviticus 15:13 for bodily discharges). - Water imagery looks ahead to the cleansing accomplished by Christ (Ephesians 5:26) and the believer’s baptismal identification with Him (Acts 22:16). - The literal water removed ritual uncleanness; the greater application points to Christ’s blood that “purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). afterward he may reenter the camp - Only after washing could the man return to normal community life, highlighting God’s holiness within the camp (Deuteronomy 23:14). - The sequence—atonement, cleansing, restored fellowship—mirrors the gospel pattern: Christ bears sin, believers are cleansed, fellowship with God is enjoyed (Hebrews 10:19-22). - Practical takeaway: dealing with sin is not optional; cleansing precedes communion. summary Leviticus 16:26 underscores God’s unchanging demand for holiness and His gracious provision to meet it. The scapegoat carried Israel’s sins away; the handler’s required washing showed that contact with sin still defiles and must be cleansed before rejoining God’s people. Ultimately this ritual foreshadows Jesus, who bore our sins outside the camp and provides the true, final cleansing that brings us into unhindered fellowship with God. |
    |