Leviticus 16
-The Law of atonement is outlined in this chapter in the
aftermath of the death of Aaron’s two sons who offered “strange fire” before
the LORD (Leviticus 10:1-3; 16:1). The veil separated the holy place from the
holy of holies (Exodus 26:23, Hebrews 9:3). This is what was ripped in half
when Christ died for the atonement of the entire world on the cross (Matthew
27:50-51, Mark 15:37-38, Luke 23:45-46). God, Himself, made a way into His holy
presence for all to unite together with Him. This is a perfect place, and the
priests were given specific instructions on when to enter, how to enter, and
what to wear when they entered (Leviticus 16:2-4, 17, 29). The rituals for Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement) are
specified with sacrifices of a bull, a ram, and a live goat. There was an
additional goat to the goat of sacrifice, called the “scapegoat,” which was
used to confess over the sins of Israel and then be let go out into the
wilderness “by the man who stands in readiness (Leviticus 16:8, 10, 20-22).”
So, these two goats represented two distinct ways that God was dealing with
Israel’s sin. First, He was forgiving their sin through the shed blood of the
first goat, which was a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28, Mark 10:45). Secondly,
He was removing their guilt far away into the wilderness (Isaiah 53:6, Hebrews
9:13-14). This Day of Atonement was commanded as a permanent statute for the
children of Israel for cleansing, humility, and rest (Leviticus 16:30-32). It
was a once a year foreshadowing of the coming Messiah, who would eventually make
atonement (covering) for the whole world (John 3:16).
-*Application* Our covering once and forever is Jesus
Christ. He took our place on the cross to set us free from the tyranny and
dominion of sin and destruction into eternal life with Him in complete unity.
Not only that, but He sets us free from guilt and worry. Our cleansing, our
dependence, and our security all rest on His strong shoulders. He has absorbed
our trespasses and healed our broken state (1 Peter 2:24).
Verse to Memorize:
Leviticus 16:3
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