Leviticus 16:21

Then he is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the iniquities and rebellious acts of the Israelites in regard to all their sins. He is to put them on the goat's head and send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a man appointed for the task.

Study Bible

Then he is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat
This act of laying hands symbolizes the transfer of sin from the people to the goat. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the laying on of hands was a common practice to confer blessing, authority, or in this case, the symbolic transfer of guilt. This ritual is part of the Day of Atonement, a significant event in the Jewish calendar, emphasizing the need for purification and reconciliation with God.

and confess over it all the iniquities and rebellious acts of the Israelites in regard to all their sins.
Confession here involves acknowledging specific sins, which underscores the comprehensive nature of atonement. The terms "iniquities," "rebellious acts," and "sins" cover a wide range of moral failings, indicating that no sin is too great to be confessed and atoned for. This practice highlights the importance of repentance and the acknowledgment of wrongdoing as prerequisites for forgiveness.

He is to put them on the goat’s head
The act of placing sins on the goat's head signifies the complete removal of sin from the community. This is a vivid illustration of substitutionary atonement, where the goat bears the sins of the people. This concept foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who bore the sins of humanity on the cross, as seen in passages like Isaiah 53:6 and 2 Corinthians 5:21.

and send it away into the wilderness
The wilderness represents a place of desolation and separation, symbolizing the removal of sin from the community. This act ensures that the sins are not only forgiven but also forgotten, as they are carried far away from the people. The wilderness is often depicted in Scripture as a place of testing and purification, further emphasizing the cleansing aspect of this ritual.

by the hand of a man appointed for the task.
The selection of a specific individual to lead the goat into the wilderness ensures that the task is carried out with precision and care. This appointed man acts as a mediator, ensuring the complete removal of sin. This role can be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate mediator between God and humanity, as described in 1 Timothy 2:5.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Aaron
The high priest who performs the ritual of atonement for the Israelites. He is responsible for confessing the sins of the people over the scapegoat.

2. The Scapegoat
A goat designated to symbolically carry the sins of the Israelites into the wilderness, representing the removal of sin from the community.

3. The Wilderness
The desolate area where the scapegoat is sent, symbolizing the complete removal and isolation of sin from the people.

Teaching Points

The Role of Confession
Aaron's act of confessing the sins of the Israelites over the scapegoat highlights the importance of acknowledging our sins before God. Confession is a crucial step in the process of repentance and forgiveness.

Symbolism of the Scapegoat
The scapegoat represents the complete removal of sin. In Christ, we see the ultimate fulfillment of this symbolism, as He takes away our sins permanently.

The Wilderness as Separation
The wilderness signifies the separation of sin from the people. In our lives, we must strive to separate ourselves from sin, seeking holiness and purity.

Christ as Our High Priest
Just as Aaron mediated for the Israelites, Christ mediates for us. We can approach God with confidence, knowing that Jesus intercedes on our behalf.

The Importance of Atonement
The Day of Atonement was a pivotal event for Israel, reminding us of the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement. In Christ, we have a once-for-all atonement that assures us of our standing before God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the scapegoat in Leviticus 16:21 help us understand the concept of sin and forgiveness in the New Testament?

2. In what ways does the wilderness setting for the scapegoat's release symbolize our need to separate from sin in our daily lives?

3. How can we apply the principle of confession, as demonstrated by Aaron, in our personal spiritual practices today?

4. What parallels can we draw between the Day of Atonement rituals and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as described in the book of Hebrews?

5. How does understanding the role of the high priest in Leviticus enhance our appreciation of Jesus' role as our high priest in the New Testament?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 53
This passage describes the Suffering Servant who bears the iniquities of others, paralleling the scapegoat's role in carrying away the sins of the people.

Hebrews 9
Discusses Christ as the ultimate high priest who enters the heavenly sanctuary once for all, offering His own blood for eternal redemption, fulfilling the Day of Atonement rituals.

John 1:29
John the Baptist refers to Jesus as the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world," connecting Jesus' sacrificial role to the scapegoat's function.