The concept of the "scape-goat" is rooted in the Old Testament, specifically in the Day of Atonement rituals described in Leviticus 16. This ceremony, instituted by God, was a profound expression of atonement and forgiveness for the Israelites, and it serves as a typological foreshadowing of the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.

Biblical Background

In Leviticus 16, the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) is detailed as a sacred occasion for the Israelites, during which the high priest would make atonement for the sins of the people. Two goats were central to this ritual. One goat was sacrificed as a sin offering, and its blood was used to purify the sanctuary. The other goat, known as the "scape-goat" or "Azazel," was presented alive before the LORD.

Leviticus 16:21-22 describes the ritual: "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 goat will carry on itself all their iniquities into a solitary place, and the man will release it into the wilderness."

Typology of Christ

The scape-goat serves as a powerful typology of Christ in several ways:

1. Substitutionary Atonement: Just as the scape-goat bore the sins of the Israelites, Jesus Christ bore the sins of humanity. Isaiah 53:6 prophetically speaks of this substitution: "We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all." Christ, the ultimate sin-bearer, took upon Himself the sins of the world, providing a means for reconciliation with God.

2. Removal of Sin: The scape-goat was sent into the wilderness, symbolizing the removal of sin from the community. Similarly, through Christ's atoning sacrifice, believers' sins are removed and remembered no more. Psalm 103:12 affirms this: "As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us."

3. Isolation and Rejection: The scape-goat was led into a solitary place, reflecting the isolation and rejection Christ experienced. Hebrews 13:12 states, "And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate, to sanctify the people by His own blood." Christ's crucifixion outside Jerusalem signifies His bearing of sin and separation from the community, fulfilling the typology of the scape-goat.

4. Divine Appointment: The selection of the scape-goat was determined by casting lots, indicating divine choice. Similarly, Christ's role as the Savior was divinely appointed. Acts 2:23 speaks of Jesus being "delivered up by God’s set plan and foreknowledge."

Theological Significance

The scape-goat ritual underscores the gravity of sin and the necessity of atonement. It highlights God's provision for dealing with sin and prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. Through the lens of the New Testament, believers understand that the scape-goat points to the comprehensive and final atonement accomplished by Jesus. As the Lamb of God, He fulfills the dual role of both the sacrificial offering and the bearer of sin, providing eternal redemption for all who believe.Isaiah 53:6,11,12
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Index of Subjects.
... S. Sacrifices, typical of Christ, 591, seq.; their essential character, 597 ... structure,
divisions, and furniture, 586, seq.; typical character, 587 ... Scape-goat, 603 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barrows/companion to the bible/index of subjects.htm

Scriptural Types.
... in our version "for a scape-goat" (Hebrew, la-azazel), the typical meaning of the
transaction is clear, and it has its fulfilment only in Christ, who has ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvii scriptural types.htm

What is the Sanctuary?
... Placing his hands upon the head of the scapegoat, he confessed ... As in the typical
service there was a work of ... the close of the year, so before Christ's work for ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /23 what is the sanctuary.htm

What is the Sanctuary?
... Placing his hands upon the head of the scapegoat, he confessed ... As in the typical
service there was a work of ... the close of the year, so before Christ's work for ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 23 what is the.htm

The Fact of the Redeemer's Return was Foreshadowed in the Ritual ...
... a chapter which is exceedingly rich in its typical signification. ... Lord, and the other
lot for the scapegoat" (vss.7 ... us the two great sides of Christ's cross-work ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/5 the fact of the.htm

Facing Life's Record
... In the typical service the high priest, having made the ... So Christ, at the close of
His work as mediator ... confessed them upon the head of the scapegoat, so Christ ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 28 facing lifes record.htm

The Investigative Judgment.
... In the typical service the high priest, having made the ... So Christ, at the close of
His work as mediator ... confessed them upon the head of the scapegoat, so Christ ...
/.../28 the investigative judgment.htm

The Day of Atonement
... many for the remission of sins as a type of Christ, but that ... and on all the censers
of this tabernacle, typical of your ... This was set forth by the scapegoat. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the day of atonement.htm

Christ Our Passover
... you find this the case with the typical parts of ... these walls to-night who cannot
say "Christ our Passover ... laid their hands upon the glorious Scapegoat; and now ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/christ our passover.htm

The Influence of the King James Version on English Literature
... familiar with Milton will recognize that as a typical instance of ... coming of the new
day of the birth of Christ. ... The Scapegoat is the story of Eli and his sons ...
/.../mcafee/study of the king james bible/lecture iv the influence of.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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