“And he shall take the two goats, and present them before the LORD at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.”
Leviticus 16:7 is part of a larger passage that describes the rituals and practices associated with the Day of Atonement, also known as Yom Kippur. This was a significant annual observance in ancient Israel where the high priest would enter the Most Holy Place in the tabernacle or later the temple to make atonement for the sins of the people.
In this particular verse, the focus is on the selection and presentation of two goats before the Lord at the door of the tabernacle. Let’s explore the context and significance of this verse within the broader passage of Leviticus 16:
The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur): Leviticus 16 describes the procedures for the Day of Atonement, which was a solemn day of fasting, repentance, and seeking forgiveness for the sins of the people of Israel. It occurred once a year, on the tenth day of the seventh month.
The Two Goats: As part of the rituals on the Day of Atonement, two goats were selected. The high priest would cast lots, one for the Lord and the other for the scapegoat. This process determined the role of each goat in the ceremony.
Presentation before the Lord: Leviticus 16:7 specifically mentions that the two goats were presented before the Lord at the door of the tabernacle. This indicates that they were brought into the presence of God as part of the ceremonial process.
Symbolism and Meaning: The selection of the two goats carried symbolic significance. One goat, chosen by lot for the Lord, would be sacrificed as a sin offering, representing the atonement for the sins of the people. The blood of this goat was sprinkled on the mercy seat in the Most Holy Place.
The Scapegoat: The second goat, chosen by lot as the scapegoat, symbolically carried the sins of the people. The high priest would lay his hands on the head of the scapegoat and confess the sins of the Israelites, symbolically transferring their guilt to the goat. Then the scapegoat was led into the wilderness, symbolizing the removal of the people’s sins.
This ritual of the two goats on the Day of Atonement was a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. The sacrifice of the goat for the Lord represented the shedding of blood to atone for sins, foreshadowing the sacrificial death of Jesus as the Lamb of God. The scapegoat represented the removal of sins, foreshadowing the forgiveness and redemption made possible through Christ.
In summary, Leviticus 16:7 describes the selection and presentation of two goats before the Lord on the Day of Atonement. This verse highlights the symbolic rituals associated with the atonement for the sins of the people of Israel. Ultimately, these rituals point to the ultimate sacrifice and redemption that would come through Jesus Christ.
