← Back to Leviticus

Leviticus 16

34 verses

TL;DR

Leviticus 16 details the annual Day of Atonement ritual performed by Aaron, the high priest, to cleanse Israel from sin.

Summary

The chapter prescribes the procedures for the High Priest Aaron to enter the Holy Place on the tenth day of the seventh month, wearing special linen garments. He offers a bullock as a personal sin offering and a goat for the people. Two goats are selected by lots: one is sacrificed to the Lord and the other, the scapegoat, is sent into the wilderness bearing the people’s sins. Aaron performs a series of sprinklings of blood, incense, and cleansing of the sanctuary, altar, and tabernacle, and finally leaves the camp after washing and purification. The ritual is established as an everlasting statute for Israel’s yearly atonement and rest.

Outline
  1. Aaron’s preparation and sin offerings
  2. Selection and role of the goats
  3. Cleansing of sanctuary and final atonement
Themes
AtonementPurificationPriesthoodHolinessSacrifice
Keywords
atonementsin offeringburnt offeringscapegoatholy garmentsMercy Seatincensepurificationsacred firehigh priest
People
MosesAaronthe children of Israelthe priest
Places
TabernacleHoly PlaceMercy SeatAltarCampWildernessuninhabited land
Things
bullockgoatramlinen garmentsincenseburning coalsbloodscapegoatholy garmentsvailsacred fire
Key Verses
  • Leviticus 16:29: Introduces the tenth day of the seventh month as a day of atonement and rest.
  • Leviticus 16:6: Specifies the offering of two goats for the sin and scapegoat.
  • Leviticus 16:14: Describes the central act of sprinkling blood upon the Mercy Seat, symbolizing purification.
Questions
  • What is the symbolic significance of the scapegoat in the atonement ritual?
  • Why is the day of Atonement set as a sabbath of rest?
  • How does Aaron’s purification process reflect the holiness required of the priesthood?
  • What does the repeated sprinkling of blood onto the Mercy Seat represent?
  • In what way does this ritual establish the priestly role in Israel’s covenant with God?
Sentiment

neutral
Descriptive procedural account of religious observance.