Leviticus 16:22

The goat will carry on itself all their iniquities into a solitary place, and the man will release it into the wilderness.

Study Bible

The goat will carry on itself all their iniquities
This phrase refers to the scapegoat, one of two goats used in the Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) ritual. The high priest would lay hands on the goat, symbolically transferring the sins of the Israelites onto it. This act signifies the removal of sin from the community, a concept echoed in Psalm 103:12, where God removes transgressions as far as the east is from the west. The scapegoat is a type of Christ, who bore the sins of humanity (Isaiah 53:6, 1 Peter 2:24).

into a solitary place
The solitary place, or wilderness, represents a realm outside the camp, symbolizing separation from the community and from God’s presence. This desolate area underscores the complete removal of sin, as the goat is sent to a place where it cannot return. The wilderness is often depicted in Scripture as a place of testing and purification (e.g., Israel's 40 years of wandering, Jesus' temptation in the desert).

and the man will release it
The man responsible for releasing the goat was chosen for this specific task, ensuring the ritual was carried out properly. This act of release signifies the finality of the sin removal process. The man’s role is crucial, as it ensures the goat does not return, symbolizing the permanent removal of sin. This mirrors the New Testament teaching of Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10).

into the wilderness
The wilderness serves as a symbolic location for the banishment of sin, emphasizing the separation from the holy community. In biblical times, the wilderness was seen as a place of chaos and danger, reinforcing the idea that sin leads to separation from God. This imagery is fulfilled in Christ, who was crucified outside the city (Hebrews 13:12), taking on the role of the scapegoat to remove sin permanently.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The High Priest
The central figure in the Day of Atonement rituals, responsible for performing the sacrifices and the scapegoat ceremony.

2. The Scapegoat (Azazel)
A goat chosen by lot to symbolically carry the sins of the Israelites into the wilderness, representing the removal of sin from the community.

3. The Wilderness
A desolate place where the scapegoat is released, symbolizing the complete removal and isolation of sin from the people.

4. The Israelites
The community of God's chosen people, whose sins are atoned for through the rituals of the Day of Atonement.

5. The Man Appointed
A designated individual responsible for leading the scapegoat into the wilderness, ensuring the sins are carried away from the camp.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Sin
The elaborate rituals of the Day of Atonement highlight the gravity of sin and the need for atonement. Sin separates us from God and requires a divine solution.

The Role of Substitution
The scapegoat serves as a powerful symbol of substitution, where the innocent bears the guilt of others. This foreshadows Christ's substitutionary atonement on the cross.

God's Provision for Forgiveness
The Day of Atonement demonstrates God's desire to forgive and restore His people. It points to the ultimate provision of forgiveness through Jesus Christ.

The Importance of Repentance
The Israelites were required to afflict their souls and repent during the Day of Atonement. True repentance is essential for experiencing God's forgiveness.

Living in Freedom from Sin
Just as the scapegoat carried away the sins of Israel, believers are called to live in the freedom from sin that Christ provides, not returning to the bondage of sin.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the scapegoat in Leviticus 16:22 help us understand the concept of substitutionary atonement in the New Testament?

2. In what ways does the wilderness setting for the scapegoat's release symbolize the separation of sin from the community?

3. How can the rituals of the Day of Atonement deepen our appreciation for Christ's sacrifice as described in Hebrews 9-10?

4. What practical steps can we take to live in the freedom from sin that Christ offers, as symbolized by the scapegoat carrying away iniquities?

5. How does understanding the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement impact our daily walk with God and our relationships with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

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

Hebrews 9-10
These chapters discuss Christ's role as the ultimate High Priest and the perfect sacrifice, fulfilling and surpassing the Old Testament sacrificial system.

Psalm 103:12
This verse speaks of God removing our transgressions as far as the east is from the west, echoing the symbolism of the scapegoat carrying sins away.