Leviticus 16:20

And when he hath made an end of reconciling the holy place, and the tabernacle of the congregation, and the altar, he shall bring the live goat:

Leviticus 16:20 (KJV)

Context

Leviticus 16 gives the rules for the Day of Atonement, also called Yom Kippur. This was the most important day in the Israelite year. On this day, the high priest made atonement for the sins of the people and purified the sanctuary. The verse before us marks a turning point. The high priest has finished the blood rituals for the holy place, the tabernacle, and the altar. Now he must bring the live goat.

The holy place here means the Most Holy Place, the innermost room of the tabernacle. The high priest entered it only once a year, on this day. He sprinkled blood there to cleanse it from the uncleanness of the Israelites. The tabernacle of the congregation is the outer tent where the people gathered to meet God. The altar is the altar of incense, which stood in the holy place. All these parts needed cleansing because the sins of the people had defiled them.

Meaning

The order of events is important. The high priest first completes the cleansing of the sanctuary. Only then does he bring the live goat. This shows that atonement is thorough and complete. God does not forgive sin in a careless or partial way. Every part of the dwelling place must be reconciled before the sins can be sent away.

The live goat is different from the goat that was killed as a sin offering. The sacrificed goat provided blood for cleansing. The live goat, often called the scapegoat, was presented alive. In the next verses, the high priest would lay his hands on its head, confess the sins of the people, and send it into the wilderness. This act pictured the removal of sin. The people could see their guilt carried away and gone.

This verse also shows the high priest as mediator. He alone could enter the holy places and perform this work. His role points to a greater mediator who would come later. The careful sequence of the ritual teaches that God’s salvation is orderly and complete, not partial.

Biblical connections

The rituals of Leviticus 16 look forward to the work of Jesus Christ. The writer of Hebrews explains that Christ entered the true sanctuary, not made with hands, and secured eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:11-12). Unlike the earthly high priest, Christ did not need to offer sacrifices again and again. His one sacrifice was enough.

The live goat also points to Christ. Jesus not only cleanses believers from sin but also removes sin entirely. As the Lamb of God, He takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). The order matters: reconciliation first, then removal. Christ’s death accomplished both. He purified His people and carried their sins away forever.

Application

This verse calls us to recognise the seriousness of sin. Sin defiles not only the person but also the place where God dwells. In the Old Testament, the sanctuary needed cleansing. Today, believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). We should examine our hearts and confess our sins, knowing that God is faithful and just to forgive us (1 John 1:9).

We can also trust in the completeness of Christ’s work. He has reconciled us to God and removed our sins. We do not need to add anything to His finished work. Our part is to receive His grace with faith and gratitude.

Reflection

Consider the thoroughness of God’s provision. Every part of the sanctuary was cleansed, and every sin was carried away. Nothing was left unfinished. In Christ, believers have a full atonement. We can live in freedom, knowing that our sins are not only forgiven but also removed from us.

Let this truth shape your daily life. Because Christ has done all this, you can approach God with confidence. You can confess your sins without fear, knowing that He is merciful. And you can live in gratitude, allowing His love to transform your thoughts, words, and actions.