The term "scape-goat" originates from the ancient Hebrew ritual described in the Book of Leviticus, specifically in Leviticus 16, which outlines the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) ceremonies. This ritual was a significant aspect of the Israelite sacrificial system, serving as a means for the atonement of the sins of the people of Israel.

Biblical Context and Ritual Description

On the Day of Atonement, the high priest was required to perform a series of sacrifices and rituals to atone for his own sins, the sins of his household, and the sins of the entire congregation of Israel. Central to this ceremony was the selection of two male goats. These goats were presented before the LORD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.

The high priest, Aaron, was instructed to cast lots over the two goats, determining their respective roles. As recorded in Leviticus 16:8 , "After Aaron casts lots for the two goats, one for the LORD and the other for the scapegoat." The goat chosen by lot for the LORD was to be sacrificed as a sin offering, while the other, designated as the scapegoat, was to be kept alive and used for a unique purpose.

The Role of the Scape-Goat

The scapegoat, also known as "Azazel" in some translations, played a crucial role in symbolically carrying away the sins of the people. After the high priest had made atonement for the sanctuary, the Tent of Meeting, and the altar, he was to lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the iniquities and transgressions of the Israelites. Leviticus 16:21 states, "He is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the iniquities and transgressions of the Israelites, regarding 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 scapegoat, bearing the sins of the people, was then led into the wilderness, symbolizing the removal of sin from the community. This act of sending the goat away was a powerful representation of God's forgiveness and the cleansing of the people from their sins.

Theological Significance

The ritual of the scapegoat holds deep theological significance within the framework of the Old Testament sacrificial system. It underscores the gravity of sin and the necessity of atonement. The casting of lots to choose the scapegoat emphasizes the divine selection and the sovereignty of God in the process of atonement. The removal of sins through the scapegoat prefigures the ultimate atonement accomplished through Jesus Christ, who, according to Christian belief, bore the sins of humanity and provided a means for reconciliation with God.

The concept of the scapegoat also highlights the communal aspect of sin and atonement, as the entire community's sins were symbolically transferred onto the goat. This communal dimension underscores the collective responsibility and the need for corporate repentance and forgiveness.

Cultural and Historical Impact

The imagery of the scapegoat has permeated various aspects of culture and language, often used metaphorically to describe someone who is unfairly burdened with the blame for others. However, its roots in the biblical narrative provide a profound understanding of the nature of sin, atonement, and divine grace.

In summary, the scapegoat ritual, as described in Leviticus 16, serves as a vivid illustration of the process of atonement in ancient Israel, pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who fulfills and transcends the Old Testament sacrificial system.Leviticus 16:8
And Aaron shall cast lots on the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scapegoat.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Adonijah
... is the butt at school and the scapegoat at home ... David himself had been chosen and
anointed in preference to ... should give us contentment with our lot, and should ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/adonijah.htm

The Friend of Sinners
... not save the sin-bitten, or how the scapegoat if he ... world." Sin being on his head,
the scape-goat took it ... not one in God's book against his chosen, for Jesus ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/the friend of sinners.htm

The Investigative Judgment.
... O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee ... The scapegoat, bearing
the sins of Israel, was sent ... every individual must stand in his lot, at the ...
/.../28 the investigative judgment.htm

Facing Life's Record
... O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee ... The scapegoat, bearing
the sins of Israel, was sent ... every individual must stand in his lot, at the ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 28 facing lifes record.htm

The Fourfold Treasure
... "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you." The ... You have a part and lot with
him, and you are herein ... not upon you: it was laid upon the Scapegoat's head of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the fourfold treasure.htm

"And for Sin Condemned Sin in the Flesh. "
... among the rest, even the elect and chosen of God ... undivided, that you have not one
common lot for ever ... He is that true scape goat, who, notwithstanding that he ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xiii and for sin.htm

Scriptural Types.
... And as this earthly sanctuary was God's chosen dwelling-place ... for a sin-offering,
the other for a scape-goat, the office of each being determined by lot. ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvii scriptural types.htm

Sin Laid on Jesus
... the high priest of old laid upon the scape-goat all the ... trust him not, ye have no
part nor lot in this ... the chief of sinners; those whom he has chosen have not ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 12 1866/sin laid on jesus.htm

On the Interpretation of Scripture
... The Bible is not a book of statutes in which words have been chosen to cover the
multitude of cases, but in the greater portion of it, especially the Gospels ...
/.../on the interpretation of scripture.htm

The Doctrine
... 21:9,10). The sons-in-law of Lot for slighting their father perish in the
overthrow of Sodom (Genesis 19:14). The Sixth Commandment ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the doctrine.htm

What is the meaning of Azazel / the scapegoat? | GotQuestions.org

What is a rite? | GotQuestions.org

What is a sin offering? | GotQuestions.org

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