Leviticus 16 describes the Day of Atonement, a significant occasion in the Israelite calendar. The chapter begins with the account of Aaron’s two sons who died when they approached God in an unauthorized manner. God instructs Moses to inform Aaron that only once a year, on the Day of Atonement, he may enter the Most Holy Place in the tabernacle. Aaron is to take a bull as a sin offering for himself and his family, as well as two goats for the sins of the people.
Aaron casts lots to determine which goat will be sacrificed to the Lord and which will become the scapegoat, symbolically carrying away the sins of the people. After sacrificing the bull and offering incense, Aaron enters the Most Holy Place with the blood of the bull and sprinkles it on the mercy seat, making atonement for himself and his household.
Next, Aaron lays his hands on the live goat, confessing over it the sins of the people. The goat is then sent away into the wilderness, bearing the iniquities of the Israelites. This ritual serves as a way for the Israelites to be cleansed of their sins and reconciled with God.
Each verse of Leviticus 16 contains deep significance and details that unfold the intricacies of this important ceremony. Click the links below to explore the context and meaning behind each verse.