Topical Encyclopedia In the study of typology within the Bible, the concept of the "scapegoat" emerges as a profound prefiguration of Jesus Christ's redemptive work. The term "scapegoat" originates from the Hebrew word "Azazel," which appears in the context of the Day of Atonement rituals described in Leviticus 16. This ceremony, instituted by God, was a critical component of the Old Testament sacrificial system, designed to atone for the sins of the Israelites.Biblical Context and Ritual On the Day of Atonement, the high priest was instructed to take two goats and present them before the LORD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. According to Leviticus 16:8-10 , "He is to cast lots for the two goats—one lot for the LORD and the other for the scapegoat. Aaron shall present the goat chosen by lot for the LORD and sacrifice it as a sin offering. But the goat chosen by lot for the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the LORD to make atonement by sending it into the wilderness as a scapegoat." The first goat, sacrificed as a sin offering, symbolized the payment for sin, while the second goat, the scapegoat, was to bear the iniquities of the people. Leviticus 16:21-22 further explains, "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—all their sins. He shall put them on the goat’s head 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." Typological Significance The scapegoat serves as a type of Christ in several significant ways. First, it embodies the concept of substitutionary atonement. Just as the scapegoat bore the sins of Israel and was sent away, Jesus Christ bore the sins of humanity on the cross. Isaiah 53:6 prophetically speaks of this, stating, "We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Second, the scapegoat's removal into the wilderness symbolizes the complete removal of sin. In Christ, believers find the fulfillment of this typology, as their sins are not only forgiven but also removed as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). The wilderness, a place of desolation and separation, underscores the totality of sin's removal through Christ's sacrifice. Christ's Fulfillment of the Scapegoat In the New Testament, the Epistle to the Hebrews elaborates on how Christ fulfills the typology of the Old Testament sacrifices, including the scapegoat. Hebrews 9:11-12 states, "But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is 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." Christ's atoning work surpasses the temporary and repetitive sacrifices of the Old Covenant. As the ultimate scapegoat, He bore the sins of the world, providing a once-for-all sacrifice that brings eternal redemption to those who believe. The imagery of the scapegoat, therefore, finds its ultimate expression in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who, through His death and resurrection, reconciles humanity to God and removes the burden of sin forever. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 16:20-22And when he has made an end of reconciling the holy place, and the tabernacle of the congregation, and the altar, he shall bring the live goat: Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 53:6,12 Library Prophecy Sets Forth Two Different Conditions of Christ, one Lowly ... Scriptural Types. "And for Sin Condemned Sin in the Flesh. " Index of Subjects. Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the ... The Prophetic Theme. Rev. Gervase Smith. The Doctrine Resources Why does the Bible speak against wearing clothing made of different types of fabric? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the different types of psalms? | GotQuestions.org What are the different types of prayer? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Types of Christ: Ark of the Covenant Types of Christ: Atonement, Sacrifices offered on the Day of Types of Christ: Brazen Serpent Types of Christ: Burnt offering Types of Christ: Cities of Refuge Types of Christ: Golden Candlestick Types of Christ: Jacob's Ladder Types of Christ: Laver of Brass Types of Christ: Leper's offering Types of Christ: Morning and Evening Sacrifices Types of Christ: Peace offerings Types of Christ: Rock of Horeb Types of Christ: Table and Show Bread Types of Christ: Trespass offering Types of Christ: Vail of the Tabernacle and Temple Types of the Saviour: High Priest, Typical of the Mediatorship Types of the Saviour: Melchizedek Types of the Saviour: The Bronze Altar Types of the Saviour: The Bronze Laver Types of the Saviour: The Bronze Serpent Types of the Saviour: The Cities of Refuge Types of the Saviour: The Curtain Types of the Saviour: The Institutions Ordained by Moses Types of the Saviour: The Mercy-Seat Types of the Saviour: The Morning and Evening Sacrifice Types of the Saviour: The Paschal Lamb Types of the Saviour: The Red Heifer Types of the Saviour: The Sacrifices Types of the Saviour: The Tree of Life Types: Miscellaneous: Bride, a Type of the Body of Christ Types: Miscellaneous: The Sanctuary a Type of the Heavenly Sanctuary Types: Miscellaneous: The Saving of Noah and his Family, of the Salvation Through the Gospel Related Terms |
    |