What other Scriptures connect to the theme of atonement in Leviticus 16:8? The Setting: Leviticus 16:8 in Context “ And Aaron is to cast lots for the two goats—one lot for the LORD and the other for the scapegoat.” Leviticus 16:8 introduces the dramatic centerpiece of the Day of Atonement: two goats, one sacrificed “for the LORD,” the other released alive to bear away the people’s sins. This single verse opens a door to a rich thread of atonement woven through the rest of Scripture. Echoes in the Old Testament • Exodus 12:13 – Passover blood on the doorposts: “When I see the blood, I will pass over you.” • Leviticus 17:11 – “For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for your souls on the altar.” • Numbers 29:7–11 – Yearly Day of Atonement sacrifices reinforce Leviticus 16. • Psalm 103:12 – “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” • Micah 7:19 – “You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.” • Isaiah 53:5-6 – “The LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all.” (The Servant carries sin the way the scapegoat carried Israel’s guilt.) Prophetic Foreshadows • Isaiah 52:15 – “So He will sprinkle many nations.” Sprinkling imagery links back to priestly blood-sprinkling. • Zechariah 3:8-9 – “I will remove the iniquity of this land in a single day,” anticipating a once-for-all atonement. Fulfillment in the New Testament • John 1:29 – “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” • Romans 3:25 – “God presented Him as a propitiation through faith in His blood.” • Hebrews 9:12 – “He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption.” • Hebrews 9:13-14 – Christ’s blood far surpasses “the blood of goats and bulls.” • Hebrews 10:4 – “It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.” • 1 John 2:2 – “He Himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” Together these passages reveal Jesus as both sacrificial goat and scapegoat—offering His life and carrying our sins away forever. Personal Takeaways • Atonement is God’s gracious initiative; humanity supplies only confession and faith. • Blood sacrifice in Leviticus pointed forward to the perfect blood of Christ—sufficient, final, and effective. • Just as the scapegoat was led outside the camp, Jesus was crucified “outside the gate” (Hebrews 13:12), bearing sin’s shame so believers can draw near in confidence. |
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