Then he shall go out to the altar that is before the LORD and make atonement for it. He is to take some of the bull's blood and some of the goat's blood and put it on all the horns of the altar. Then he shall go out to the altar that is before the LORDThe high priest left the Most Holy Place and entered the Holy Place to cleanse the altar of incense, which stood before the veil and before the LORD’s dwelling presence. Although this altar was holy, the accumulated uncleanness and rebellion of Israel had defiled the sanctuary where God met with His people. Atonement moved outward from the mercy seat to purify the places of worship used by the nation. Exo 40:6 Place the altar of burnt offering in front of the entrance… and make atonement for it. The altar required cleansing so that Israel’s prayers and incense might continue to rise before God through an undefiled sanctuary. Sin affects more than the individual sinner; it corrupts the fellowship, worship, and holy places of the covenant community. The cleansing of the altar displayed God’s provision for sinners to remain near Him without diminishing His holiness. Exo 29:36-37 Sacrifice a bull as a sin offering each day for atonement.… He is to take some of the bull’s blood and some of the goat’s blood The bull’s blood had provided atonement for Aaron and his household, while the goat’s blood provided atonement for the people. Both were brought together at the altar, showing that priest and people alike needed cleansing before the holy God. Blood represented life given in sacrifice, anticipating the once-for-all offering of Christ, whose blood secures forgiveness and access to God for all who belong to Him. Heb 9:13-14 For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes… and put it on all the horns of the altar. The horns marked the four corners of the altar and represented its consecrated strength as a place of intercession before God. Blood applied to every horn cleansed the altar completely and restored it for its sacred service. Through the sacrifice of Christ, believers are cleansed and may draw near to God with confidence, not through an earthly altar, but through the true High Priest who has entered heaven itself. Exo 29:12 Take some of the blood of the bull and put it on the horns of the altar… Persons / Places / Events 1. The High PriestThe central figure in this passage, responsible for performing the atonement rituals on the Day of Atonement. 2. The Altar Located before the LORD, it is the place where sacrifices are made and atonement is sought. 3. The LORD (Yahweh) The covenant God of Israel, who prescribes the means of atonement and forgiveness. 4. The Bull and the Goat Sacrificial animals whose blood is used for atonement, symbolizing purification and forgiveness. 5. The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) A significant annual event in the Jewish calendar focused on repentance and reconciliation with God. Teaching Points The Necessity of AtonementThe passage underscores the need for atonement to approach a holy God. It reminds us of the seriousness of sin and the provision God has made for reconciliation. Symbolism of Blood Blood is a powerful symbol of life and purification. In the Old Testament, it foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, whose blood cleanses us from all sin. The Role of the Mediator The high priest acts as a mediator between God and the people, pointing to Jesus Christ, our ultimate High Priest, who intercedes on our behalf. Holiness of God The detailed instructions for atonement highlight God's holiness and the need for purity in worship. It calls believers to live lives set apart for God. Community and Individual Responsibility The Day of Atonement was a communal event, yet it required individual repentance. This balance is essential in our spiritual lives today. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the role of the high priest in Leviticus 16:18 foreshadow the work of Jesus Christ as described in Hebrews 9?2. What does the use of blood in the atonement process teach us about the seriousness of sin and the cost of forgiveness? 3. In what ways can we apply the principles of atonement and purification in our personal spiritual practices today? 4. How does the communal aspect of the Day of Atonement inform our understanding of corporate worship and repentance in the church? 5. Reflect on the holiness of God as depicted in Leviticus 16:18. How does this understanding impact your daily walk with God and your approach to worship? Connections to Other Scriptures Hebrews 9This chapter in the New Testament discusses the limitations of the old sacrificial system and how it points to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who entered the heavenly sanctuary once for all. Exodus 30:10 This verse describes the annual atonement for the altar, connecting the ritual purity of the altar with the broader system of atonement. Romans 3:25 Paul speaks of Jesus as the propitiation by His blood, drawing a parallel to the sacrificial system and its fulfillment in Christ. People Aaron, Israelites, MosesPlaces TemanTopics Altar, Atonement, Blood, Bull, Bullock, Bull's, Free, Goat, Goat's, Horns, Ox, Round, Sides, SinDictionary of Bible Themes Leviticus 16:18 6648 expiation 6750 sin-bearer Library August 9. "He Shall Lay Both his Hands Upon the Head of the Live Goat, and Confess Over Him all the Iniquities of the Children of Israel; Transgressions and Sins" (Lev. xvi. 21). "He shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel; transgressions and sins" (Lev. xvi. 21). As any evil comes up, and the consciousness of any unholy thing touches our inner senses, it is our privilege at once to hand it over to the Holy Ghost and to lay it upon Jesus, as something already crucified with Him, and as of old, in the case of the sin offering, it will be carried without the camp and burned to ashes. There may … Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth The Day of Atonement The Day of Atonement The Fact of the Redeemer's Return was Foreshadowed in the Ritual on the Annual Day of Israel's Atonement. The Great High-Priest. Fifth Sunday in Lent Parable of the Pharisee and Publican. The Intercession of Christ The Call of Matthew - the Saviour's Welcome to Sinners - Rabbinic Theology as Regards the Doctrine of Forgiveness in Contrast to the Gospel of Christ Sundry Exhortations. The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the Teaching of the Lord Concerning Purity - the Traditions Concerning Hand-Washing' and Vows. 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