Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the scapegoat is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, particularly within the context of the Day of Atonement, a significant ritual in the religious life of ancient Israel. The term "scapegoat" originates from the Hebrew word "Azazel," which appears in the instructions given to Moses regarding the Day of Atonement.Leviticus 16:8-10 : "After Aaron casts lots for the two goats, one for the LORD and the other for the scapegoat, he shall present the goat chosen by lot for the LORD and sacrifice it as a sin offering. But the goat chosen by lot for the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the LORD to make atonement by sending it into the wilderness as a scapegoat." In this passage, the scapegoat is one of two goats used in the atonement ritual. The first goat is sacrificed as a sin offering, symbolizing the payment for the people's sins. The second goat, the scapegoat, is presented alive and sent into the wilderness, symbolically carrying away the sins of the Israelites. This act represents the removal of sin and guilt from the community. Leviticus 16:21-22 : "He is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the iniquities and rebellious acts of the Israelites—all their sins. He shall 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. The goat will carry on itself all their iniquities into a solitary place, and the man will release it into the wilderness." Here, the high priest lays hands on the scapegoat, confessing the sins of the people, thereby transferring their iniquities onto the animal. The goat is then led away into the wilderness, symbolizing the complete removal of sin from the camp. This ritual underscores the themes of substitution and atonement, central to the sacrificial system. The scapegoat serves as a powerful symbol of atonement and forgiveness, prefiguring the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. The New Testament writers draw parallels between the scapegoat and Christ's redemptive work. Hebrews 9:11-12 : "But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made by hands, that is, not of this creation. He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption." In this passage, the author of Hebrews contrasts the temporary and repetitive nature of the Old Testament sacrifices, including the scapegoat, with the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ. Jesus, as the ultimate high priest, offers His own blood, securing eternal redemption and fulfilling the symbolic role of the scapegoat by bearing the sins of humanity. The scapegoat ritual, therefore, is a profound foreshadowing of the redemptive work of Christ, illustrating the transfer and removal of sin, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 16:7-10,20-34And he shall take the two goats, and present them before the LORD at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. Nave's Topical Index Library General Index. What did Moses Write? On the Interpretation of Scripture Resources What is the doctrine of substitution? | GotQuestions.orgIs gambling a sin? What does the Bible say about gambling? | GotQuestions.org What is Seventh-day Adventism (SDA), and what do Seventh-day Adventists believe? | GotQuestions.org Scapegoat: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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