Leviticus 16:7 – “Then he is to take the two goats and present them before the Lord at the entrance to the tent of meeting.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Leviticus 16:7 describes the next step in the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) ritual, where Aaron, the High Priest, is to take two goats and bring them before the Lord at the entrance to the tent of meeting. These two goats play a critical role in the atonement process for the entire Israelite community. This verse sets the stage for what will happen next: one goat will be chosen as a sin offering, and the other will be designated as the “scapegoat” (or “Azazel”), which will be sent into the wilderness carrying the sins of the people.
This verse emphasizes the seriousness and sacredness of the atonement process. The presentation of the goats before the Lord symbolizes the offering of the people’s sin and the need for divine intervention to cleanse them from their wrongdoings. The presence of these two goats foreshadows the dual aspects of atonement that God provides: the covering and forgiveness of sin, and the removal of sin from the community.
Historical Context
Leviticus was written as a guide for the Israelites on how to worship and live in a way that was pleasing to God. After their exodus from Egypt, while camped at Mount Sinai, God gave the Israelites specific laws and guidelines, including instructions for the Day of Atonement. The Day of Atonement was the holiest day of the year for the Israelites, a day dedicated to fasting, repentance, and seeking forgiveness from God.
The two goats mentioned in Leviticus 16:7 played an essential role in this ritual. One goat would be sacrificed as a sin offering, its blood sprinkled in the Most Holy Place to atone for the people’s sins. The second goat, known as the “scapegoat,” would be sent into the wilderness, symbolically carrying away the sins of the Israelites. The ritual of presenting the goats at the entrance of the tent of meeting highlights that this was not a casual or routine activity; it was a sacred and solemn moment, one that required careful preparation and execution according to God’s commands.
Theological Implications
Leviticus 16:7 carries deep theological significance, especially in understanding the concepts of sin, atonement, and reconciliation. The requirement to present the two goats “before the Lord” at the tent of meeting underscores that atonement is ultimately about coming into God’s presence and seeking His mercy. The two goats represent two complementary aspects of atonement: one goat serves as a substitute that bears the punishment for sin (the sin offering), while the other goat represents the removal of sin (the scapegoat).
Theologically, this highlights both God’s justice and His mercy. God’s justice requires that sin be dealt with through the shedding of blood, which is why the first goat is sacrificed. At the same time, God’s mercy provides a way for sins to be removed from the community, as symbolized by the scapegoat that is sent away. This dual action—sacrifice and removal—illustrates the completeness of God’s provision for forgiveness and restoration.
Literary Analysis
Leviticus 16:7 is part of a structured and detailed description of the Day of Atonement rituals. The verse serves as a transitional point in the narrative, moving from the personal purification of the High Priest (in previous verses) to the communal atonement for the sins of the people. The presentation of the two goats “before the Lord” at the entrance to the tent of meeting adds a sense of formality and solemnity to the proceedings, reinforcing the sacred nature of the event.
The phrase “before the Lord” is significant and appears multiple times in Leviticus, emphasizing the idea that these rituals are performed not just for ritualistic purposes but in direct acknowledgment of God’s presence and authority. The narrative detail in this verse also serves to foreshadow the choices that will be made between the two goats, setting up the drama of the following verses where one goat will be sacrificed and the other released.
Biblical Cross-References
- Leviticus 16:8-10: Provides further instructions on how the lots are to be cast for the two goats, determining which will be the sin offering and which will be the scapegoat.
- Isaiah 53:4-6: Speaks prophetically about the Messiah bearing our iniquities and being led like a lamb to the slaughter, drawing parallels to the sin offering.
- Hebrews 10:1-4: Reflects on the limitations of the Old Testament sacrifices and points to the need for a perfect, once-for-all sacrifice found in Jesus.
- John 1:29: Refers to Jesus as the “Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world,” connecting the idea of a sin offering and scapegoat in one person.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Leviticus 16:7 is a reminder of the seriousness with which God views sin and the need for atonement. The act of presenting the goats before the Lord symbolizes coming before God with honesty about our sins and our need for forgiveness. It also underscores that atonement requires both a sacrifice for sin and the removal of sin’s guilt and shame.
This verse invites Christians to consider how they approach God in their own lives. It is a call to come before Him with a repentant heart, acknowledging that only through His provision can we be cleansed and restored. It challenges believers to appreciate the depth of God’s plan for salvation and the need to come to Him on His terms.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Leviticus 16:7 reveals a God who is both holy and loving. While God’s holiness demands that sin be addressed, His love provides a way for that to happen. The presentation of the goats before the Lord demonstrates His desire to cleanse His people from their sins and to restore them to fellowship with Him. The use of the sin offering and the scapegoat shows that God not only forgives but also removes the stain of sin, allowing His people to start anew.
God’s love is evident in the way He provides detailed instructions for how His people can be reconciled to Him. This careful guidance shows that He desires not to condemn but to redeem, providing a means by which His people can be purified and made right with Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Leviticus 16:7 points directly to the work of Jesus Christ, who fulfills the roles symbolized by both goats. As the sin offering, Jesus sheds His blood on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins, satisfying God’s justice (Hebrews 9:26). As the scapegoat, He takes upon Himself the sins of the world, carrying them away so that we can be free from the burden of sin and guilt (1 Peter 2:24).
In Jesus, both aspects of atonement—sacrifice and removal—are perfectly fulfilled. His death and resurrection mean that the rituals of the Old Testament are no longer necessary, as He has provided a complete and eternal atonement for all who believe in Him. This connection helps Christians today understand that the Day of Atonement rituals were a shadow of the reality found in Christ.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does understanding the presentation of the two goats before the Lord help you see the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement?
- In what ways do you see both God’s justice and mercy reflected in the Day of Atonement rituals?
- How can we approach God today with the same sense of reverence and repentance that was required on the Day of Atonement?
- What does it mean to you personally that Jesus fulfills both roles of the sin offering and the scapegoat?
- How does the concept of God both forgiving and removing sin encourage you in your walk with Him?
This article encourages readers to reflect on Leviticus 16:7 and its deep meaning for understanding sin, atonement, and the loving provision of God through Jesus Christ, challenging them to live lives that honor the depth of His sacrifice.