The Scapegoat Ritual is a significant component of the Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, as described in the Old Testament. This ritual is detailed in Leviticus 16 and serves as a profound symbol of atonement and the removal of sin from the community of Israel.

Biblical Description

The ritual is commanded by God to Moses and Aaron as part of the instructions for the Day of Atonement. Leviticus 16:7-10 states: "Then he shall take the two goats and present them before the LORD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. Aaron shall cast lots for the two goats—one lot for the LORD and the other for the scapegoat. Aaron shall present the goat chosen by lot for the LORD and sacrifice it as a sin offering. But the goat chosen by lot as the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the LORD to make atonement by sending it into the wilderness as a scapegoat."

Symbolism and Function

The ritual involves two goats. One goat is sacrificed as a sin offering to the Lord, symbolizing the payment for the sins of the people. The second goat, known as the scapegoat, is presented alive. Aaron, the high priest, lays both hands on the head of the scapegoat and confesses over it all the iniquities and transgressions of the Israelites. This act symbolically transfers the sins of the people onto the goat. Leviticus 16:21-22 describes this process: "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."

The scapegoat, bearing the sins of the people, is then led away into the wilderness, symbolizing the removal of sin and guilt from the community. This act of sending the goat into the wilderness signifies the complete separation of the people from their sins, as the goat is never to return.

Theological Significance

The Scapegoat Ritual is rich in theological meaning. It underscores the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin, emphasizing the need for atonement and purification. The dual aspect of the ritual—sacrifice and removal—illustrates the comprehensive nature of atonement, involving both the payment for sin and the removal of its presence and effects.

In Christian theology, the scapegoat is often seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, who is believed to be the ultimate atonement for sin. Hebrews 9:11-12 reflects this understanding: "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."

Cultural and Historical Context

The Scapegoat Ritual was part of the broader sacrificial system established by God for the Israelites. It was a communal event, deeply embedded in the religious and cultural life of ancient Israel. The ritual not only provided a means for atonement but also reinforced the identity of the Israelites as a people set apart for God, dependent on His mercy and grace for forgiveness and reconciliation.

The practice of using a scapegoat has also influenced broader cultural and linguistic contexts, with the term "scapegoat" entering common usage to describe someone who is unfairly blamed for the faults or problems of others. However, in its original biblical context, the scapegoat served a divinely ordained purpose, pointing to the profound need for atonement and the gracious provision of God for His people.