Leviticus 16:5 – “From the Israelite community he is to take two male goats for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

Leviticus 16:5 provides instructions for the High Priest, Aaron, to take two male goats for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering from the Israelite community. These animals were to be presented on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), a sacred day for the nation of Israel to repent and seek forgiveness for their sins. The two goats were central to the sin offering, where one would be sacrificed and the other designated as the “scapegoat,” symbolically carrying the sins of the people into the wilderness. The ram for the burnt offering would then be offered to symbolize the complete surrender and devotion of the people to God.

This verse highlights the dual aspects of atonement: the necessity of a blood sacrifice for sin and the symbolic removal of sin from the community. The ritual involving these animals was meant to cleanse the people from their sins and restore their relationship with God. The process emphasizes both the severity of sin and the grace God extends through a system of atonement.

Historical Context

The book of Leviticus is set in the context of the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, specifically while they are encamped at Mount Sinai. The laws and instructions given in Leviticus were designed to guide the people in their worship, community life, and relationship with God. Leviticus 16 is the chapter that outlines the Day of Atonement, which was the most significant day of the year in Israel’s religious calendar. It was the one day when the High Priest would enter the Most Holy Place to make atonement for the sins of the entire community.

The requirement for two goats and a ram for the Day of Atonement was significant. The first goat, sacrificed as a sin offering, emphasized the need for blood to be shed to atone for sins, as God had established that “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22). The second goat, known as the “scapegoat,” was symbolically burdened with the sins of the people and sent into the wilderness, representing the removal of sin and guilt from the community. The ram for the burnt offering symbolized the people’s renewed commitment and total devotion to God.

Theological Implications

Leviticus 16:5 is rich in theological meaning, emphasizing the seriousness of sin and the necessity of atonement. The use of two goats for a sin offering highlights two key aspects of atonement: propitiation and expiation. Propitiation involves the appeasement of God’s righteous anger against sin through the blood sacrifice of the first goat. Expiation involves the removal or “carrying away” of sin, symbolized by the scapegoat that is sent away into the wilderness.

This verse also reveals God’s justice and mercy. God’s justice demands that sin be dealt with through the shedding of blood. At the same time, His mercy is shown in the provision of a substitute—a goat whose death takes the place of the sinner, and another that carries away the people’s sins. This dual imagery points to the comprehensive nature of God’s plan for dealing with sin and reconciling His people to Himself.

Literary Analysis

Leviticus 16:5 is part of the instructions that detail the rituals for the Day of Atonement. The verse is written in a straightforward, prescriptive style, providing clear guidelines for the High Priest and the Israelite community. The use of specific animals—a ram and two goats—carries deep symbolic meaning, each representing different facets of atonement and devotion.

The verse’s structure builds on the sequence of commands already given in Leviticus 16. Each element—the sin offering and the burnt offering—serves to underscore the need for both cleansing from sin and a renewed dedication to God. The pairing of the two goats for the sin offering creates a literary device that reinforces the dual aspects of atonement: dealing with sin’s penalty and removing its presence.

Biblical Cross-References

• Leviticus 4:13-21: Describes the sin offering for the whole community when they unintentionally sin against God’s commands.
• Leviticus 1:10-13: Explains the burnt offering and its significance as an act of worship and total dedication to God.
• Hebrews 9:22: States the necessity of blood for the forgiveness of sins, pointing back to the sacrificial system established in the Old Testament.
• Isaiah 53:6: Speaks of the Messiah bearing the iniquities of us all, similar to how the scapegoat carried the sins of the people into the wilderness.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, Leviticus 16:5 is a reminder of the cost of sin and the grace that God provides through atonement. While the physical rituals of animal sacrifice are no longer practiced, the principles behind them remain relevant. Sin is still a serious matter, and it requires atonement. The sacrificial system in the Old Testament points forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfills both roles symbolized by the goats: He is both the one who sheds His blood for the forgiveness of sins and the one who takes away the sins of the world.

This verse also challenges modern Christians to recognize that atonement involves both seeking forgiveness and turning away from sin. Just as the Israelites were required to present offerings that symbolized their repentance and commitment, Christians today are called to live lives that reflect genuine repentance, humility, and devotion to God.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Leviticus 16:5 illustrates God’s love through His provision of a way for the people to be cleansed from sin and restored to fellowship with Him. While God’s justice demands that sin be dealt with, His love ensures that there is a way for people to be forgiven and reconciled. The fact that God provides specific instructions for how atonement can be achieved shows His desire for His people to experience His mercy and grace.

The use of the two goats, particularly the scapegoat that carried away the people’s sins, reflects God’s heart to not only forgive but also to cleanse and remove the burden of sin from His people. This is an act of deep compassion, showing that God’s love involves both justice and mercy.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Leviticus 16:5 points directly to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of the Day of Atonement rituals. Jesus is both the sacrificial lamb and the scapegoat. As the Lamb of God, He was sacrificed for the sins of the world, shedding His blood to atone for sin (John 1:29). As the scapegoat, He takes away the sins of those who trust in Him, removing them “as far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12).

The writer of Hebrews explains that Jesus entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12). Unlike the goats that needed to be offered year after year, Jesus’ sacrifice is sufficient for all time, providing complete forgiveness and cleansing for those who come to Him in faith.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does understanding the significance of the two goats on the Day of Atonement impact your view of sin and forgiveness?
2. What does the process of atonement in Leviticus 16 teach us about God’s justice and mercy?
3. How does the symbolism of the scapegoat help you understand the completeness of God’s forgiveness in Christ?
4. In what ways can you reflect on the cost of your own forgiveness and live a life that honors that sacrifice?
5. How does the fulfillment of the Day of Atonement through Jesus encourage you in your daily walk with God?

This article encourages reflection on Leviticus 16:5, emphasizing the significance of atonement, the holiness of God, and the completeness of Christ’s sacrifice, inviting believers to a deeper understanding of their faith and relationship with God.