The concept of the "scape-goat" is rooted in the ancient Israelite Day of Atonement rituals, as detailed in Leviticus 16. This ceremony was a profound expression of atonement and purification for the people of Israel, involving two goats: one for the LORD and the other as the scape-goat. The scape-goat, or "Azazel," played a crucial role in symbolically bearing the sins of the people and removing them from the community.

Biblical Foundation

The instructions for the Day of Atonement are found in 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 as the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the LORD to make atonement by sending it into the wilderness as a scapegoat."

The high priest, Aaron, was to lay both hands on the head of the live goat, confessing over it all the iniquities and transgressions of the Israelites. This act symbolically transferred the sins of the people onto the goat, which was then sent away into the wilderness, signifying the removal of sin from the community (Leviticus 16:21-22).

Communicated Uncleanness

The ritual of the scape-goat was not merely a symbolic act but also a profound theological statement about sin and atonement. The high priest, acting as the mediator between God and the people, bore the responsibility of transferring the collective sins onto the goat. This act of laying hands on the goat was a significant moment, as it communicated the uncleanness of the people to the animal, which then carried these sins away.

The high priest's role in this ritual underscores the gravity of sin and the necessity of a mediator to facilitate atonement. The high priest, though consecrated and set apart for holy service, was not immune to the effects of sin. By transferring the sins of the people onto the scape-goat, the high priest himself became a conduit of uncleanness, highlighting the pervasive nature of sin and the need for divine intervention.

Theological Implications

The scape-goat ritual foreshadows the ultimate atonement provided by Jesus Christ, the true High Priest, who bore the sins of humanity on the cross. Hebrews 9:11-12 states, "But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come, He entered the greater and more perfect tabernacle 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 light, the scape-goat serves as a typological precursor to Christ's redemptive work. While the high priest of the Old Covenant communicated uncleanness to the scape-goat, Christ, the sinless High Priest, took upon Himself the sins of the world, offering a perfect and final atonement.

Cultural and Historical Context

The practice of using a scape-goat was unique to Israelite worship and set them apart from surrounding nations. The wilderness, where the goat was sent, symbolized chaos and separation from the presence of God, further emphasizing the removal of sin from the community. This ritual was a vivid reminder of the holiness required by God and the seriousness with which sin was to be treated.

In summary, the scape-goat ritual on the Day of Atonement was a profound expression of the need for atonement and the role of the high priest in mediating between God and His people. It communicated the uncleanness of sin and pointed forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who bore the sins of the world and provided eternal redemption.Leviticus 16:24
And he shall wash his flesh with water in the holy place, and put on his garments, and come forth, and offer his burnt offering, and the burnt offering of the people, and make an atonement for himself, and for the people.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ancestors of the Blessed virgin
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ritual of the scapegoat, which was to carry away all their iniquities into at ...
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