In the Old Testament, the goat for the sin offering holds significant theological and ritual importance within the sacrificial system established by God for the Israelites. This offering is primarily detailed in the Pentateuch, particularly in the books of Leviticus and Numbers, where it is prescribed as a means of atonement for sin.

Biblical References and Instructions

The sin offering, or "ḥaṭṭā't" in Hebrew, is introduced in Leviticus as part of the broader Levitical sacrificial system. The goat is one of the animals specified for this offering, particularly for the sins of the community or leaders. Leviticus 4:22-24 states, "When a leader sins unintentionally and does what is prohibited by any of the commandments of the LORD his God, he incurs guilt. When he becomes aware of the sin he has committed, he must bring an unblemished male goat as his offering."

For the community, Leviticus 4:13-14 prescribes, "Now if the whole congregation of Israel strays unintentionally and the matter escapes the notice of the assembly, so that they violate any of the LORD’s commandments and incur guilt by doing what is forbidden, then the assembly must present a young bull as a sin offering and bring it before the Tent of Meeting." However, in other instances, a goat is used, as seen in Leviticus 9:3 , where Aaron is instructed to take a goat for a sin offering on behalf of the people.

Ritual Significance

The sin offering, including the use of a goat, served as a means of purification and atonement. The blood of the goat was a crucial element, symbolizing the life of the creature given in exchange for the life of the sinner. Leviticus 17:11 underscores this principle: "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul."

The ritual involved the laying of hands on the goat, symbolically transferring the sin of the individual or community onto the animal. This act of substitution was central to the sacrificial system, prefiguring the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who bore the sins of humanity.

The Day of Atonement

The goat for the sin offering is also prominently featured in the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) rituals, as described in Leviticus 16. Two goats were selected: one for the LORD as a sin offering and the other as the scapegoat (Azazel). Leviticus 16:9 states, "Aaron shall bring the goat on which the lot for the LORD fell and sacrifice it as a sin offering."

The scapegoat, on the other hand, was sent into the wilderness, symbolically carrying away the sins of the people. This dual aspect of the sin offering on the Day of Atonement highlights the comprehensive nature of atonement—both the covering of sin through sacrifice and the removal of sin from the community.

Theological Implications

The goat for the sin offering underscores the gravity of sin and the necessity of atonement. It reflects the holiness of God and His provision for reconciliation with His people. The sacrificial system, with its emphasis on substitution and atonement, foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29).

In the New Testament, the concept of the sin offering is fulfilled in Christ, who, as the perfect and final sacrifice, accomplishes what the blood of goats and bulls could not. Hebrews 10:4 affirms, "It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins." Thus, the goat for the sin offering serves as a vital typological element pointing to the redemptive work of Christ.