Leviticus Chapter 16 — The Day of Atonement
This chapter describes the annual Day of Atonement rituals, including the high priest's entry into the Most Holy Place and the use of two goats to cleanse the people.
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Notable Verses
Leviticus 16:8
“Aaron shall cast lots for the two goats: one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scapegoat.”
This verse introduces the unique ritual of the scapegoat which symbolically carries the sins of the community away.
Leviticus 16:30
“for on this day shall atonement be made for you, to cleanse you. You shall be clean from all your sins before the LORD.”
This verse summarizes the central purpose and promise of the Day of Atonement.
Chapter Summary
Leviticus 16 provides the instructions for the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), the most sacred day in the Israelite year. Following the death of Aaron's sons, God instructs Moses that Aaron must follow specific protocols to enter the Most Holy Place safely. The high priest must wash, wear holy linen garments, and offer a bull for his own sins. Two goats are chosen for the people; one is sacrificed to the Lord, and the other, the scapegoat, is sent into the wilderness after the high priest confesses the nation's sins over it. This yearly statute is established to purify the sanctuary and the people from their uncleanness and transgressions. It is marked as a Sabbath of solemn rest, requiring the people to afflict their souls and cease all work to acknowledge their cleansing before God.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Day of Atonement was established as a yearly ritual to cleanse the sanctuary, the altar, the priests, and the entire assembly of Israel from their sins and uncleanness. It ensured that the holy space where God dwelt remained pure despite human transgressions.
After the high priest confessed the sins of the people over its head, the scapegoat was sent alive into the wilderness. This act symbolized the total removal of the community's iniquities to a solitary place, away from the presence of God and the camp.
The high priest was only permitted to enter the Most Holy Place behind the veil once a year, specifically on the Day of Atonement. He had to follow strict purification steps, including wearing simple linen garments and using a cloud of incense, to ensure he did not die.
Study Note
The Hebrew word translated as 'scapegoat' is Azazel, a term that has various interpretations including 'the goat that departs' or a reference to a specific place in the wilderness.
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