“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 describes the rituals of the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) in the Israelite sacrificial system. This chapter outlines the specific procedures the high priest was to follow in order to make atonement for the sins of the people and purify the sanctuary.
Explanation and Analysis:
- Reconciliation of the Holy Place: The high priest was responsible for reconciling or making atonement for the Holy Place, which symbolized the presence of God among the Israelites. The Holy Place was the inner part of the tabernacle, and its reconciliation was necessary because of the defilement caused by the sins of the people.
- Reconciliation of the Tabernacle of the Congregation: In addition to the Holy Place, the high priest was also required to reconcile the entire tabernacle of the congregation. This included the outer court and all the elements associated with it. The tabernacle served as the central place of worship and symbolized the dwelling place of God among His people.
- Reconciliation of the Altar: The altar mentioned here refers to the bronze altar of burnt offering located in the outer court. This altar was used for the sacrificial offerings made by the Israelites. The high priest was instructed to make atonement for the altar, indicating the need for its purification due to the sins of the people.
- The Live Goat: After completing the process of reconciling the holy place, the tabernacle, and the altar, the high priest was to bring a live goat. This goat was used in a symbolic ritual known as the “scapegoat.” The high priest would lay his hands on the head of the goat, confess the sins of the people, and then send it away into the wilderness. This action represented the removal of the sins of the people, signifying the complete atonement achieved through the sacrificial system.
Spiritual Significance:
The rituals described in Leviticus 16 foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice and atonement provided by Jesus Christ in the New Testament. The high priest’s reconciliation of the holy place, tabernacle, and altar emphasized the need for purification and forgiveness of sins to restore the relationship between God and His people.
The live goat, or the scapegoat, points to Jesus Christ as the ultimate sacrificial Lamb who takes away the sins of the world. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus fulfilled the requirements of the Old Testament sacrificial system, providing complete and eternal atonement for the sins of humanity.
Furthermore, Leviticus 16:20 highlights the importance of confession and repentance. The high priest confessing the sins of the people over the goat symbolizes the acknowledgment and repentance of sin. Similarly, we are called to confess our sins to God, seeking His forgiveness and turning away from sinful ways.
Application:
- Recognize the need for reconciliation: Just as the Israelites needed reconciliation for the Holy Place, tabernacle, and altar, we also need reconciliation with God. Through Jesus Christ, we can find forgiveness and restoration in our relationship with Him.
- Embrace the sacrifice of Jesus: Reflect on the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who took upon Himself the sins of the world. Through faith in Him, we can experience the fullness of God’s forgiveness and salvation.
- Practice confession and repentance: Regularly examine your heart and confess your sins before God. Humbly seek His forgiveness and turn away from sinful behavior. Remember that God is faithful and just to forgive us when we confess our sins to Him (1 John 1:9).
Live in gratitude and freedom: As recipients of God’s grace and atonement, live in gratitude for the forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ. Allow His transformative power to shape your thoughts, actions, and relationships.
Remember, while the rituals described in Leviticus may not be directly applicable to Christians today, they provide valuable insights into the nature of sin, atonement, and the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf.
