“And the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited: and he shall let go the goat in the wilderness.”
Context:Leviticus 16 describes the Day of Atonement, a significant event in the Old Testament Israelite religious calendar. On this day, the high priest entered the Most Holy Place in the tabernacle and made atonement for the sins of the people.
Symbolism of the goat:In the preceding verses (Leviticus 16:7-10), two goats were chosen. One goat was designated as a sin offering to the Lord, and the other goat was called the scapegoat. The high priest would confess the sins of the people over the scapegoat and then send it away into the wilderness.
Bearing the iniquities:Leviticus 16:22 specifically focuses on the scapegoat. It symbolised the removal of the sins and guilt of the people. The high priest transferred the sins of the people onto the scapegoat, and it bore the burden of their iniquities.
A land not inhabited:The scapegoat was sent away into the wilderness, a desolate place where no one lived. This action emphasised the complete removal of the people’s sins from their community and their separation from them.
Spiritual significance:The rituals described in Leviticus 16 were symbolic of the future work of Jesus Christ, who would become the ultimate sacrifice and scapegoat for humanity’s sins. In the New Testament, Jesus is referred to as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29). He carried the burden of our sins upon Himself and made atonement for us through His death and resurrection.
The fulfilment in Christ:Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross fulfilled the symbolism of the scapegoat in Leviticus 16. He took upon Himself the sins of humanity and bore them on the cross. Through His sacrifice, our sins are forgiven and removed from us as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12).
Application:Leviticus 16:22 reminds us of the incredible gift of salvation provided by Jesus Christ. As believers, we can find comfort and assurance in knowing that our sins have been carried away by the sacrificial work of Christ. We are no longer bound by guilt and condemnation but can experience forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
In conclusion, Leviticus 16:22 demonstrates the symbolic ritual of the scapegoat in the Old Testament and points to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ in bearing our sins and providing atonement. It highlights the grace and mercy of God in removing our iniquities and offering us forgiveness through faith in Christ.
