The Chosen Key Word in this Chapter is “Atonement” it comes from the Hebrew Word “kaphar” which means “to atone, to cover, to make reconciliation.”
Once a year, the high priest enters the most sacred space on earth to make atonement for the entire nation. Welcome to Bible Life Basics Chapter Reviews, I am Chris and this is Leviticus 16.
Following the death of Nadab and Abihu, God warns that Aaron must not enter the most holy place casually, “that he die not,” but only at the appointed time, with careful preparation. On this Day of Atonement, “kaphar” in Hebrew meaning to atone or cover, Aaron bathes, dresses in simple linen garments rather than his usual glorious robes, and offers a bullock as a sin offering for himself and his household before he can approach on behalf of the people.
Two goats are brought for the congregation. Lots are cast over them, one designated “for the LORD” and sacrificed as a sin offering, its blood carried into the most holy place and sprinkled on the mercy seat to make atonement for the sins of the entire nation. The second goat, the scapegoat, has Aaron’s hands laid on its head while he confesses all of Israel’s sins over it, and it is then led away into the wilderness, carrying the people’s iniquities into a solitary, uninhabited land, never to return.
This day is established as “a statute for ever,” a permanent annual observance, involving fasting, complete rest from work, and thorough atonement for the priests, the sanctuary, and all the people. God emphasizes that this cleansing addresses “all their sins,” making this single day the most significant, comprehensive act of atonement in Israel’s entire calendar.
The image of the scapegoat, carrying Israel’s sins far away into the wilderness, never to return, is one of the most vivid pictures of forgiveness in the entire Old Testament. Sin wasn’t just covered here. It was carried completely away, out of sight, a powerful foreshadowing of an even greater removal of sin still to come.
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