Leviticus 16

Setting and Restrictions (vv. 1–10):

This chapter follows the death of Aaron’s sons (Leviticus 10) and warns that the high priest must not enter the Most Holy Place at will.

Once a year, the high priest (Aaron) enters the Holy of Holies with blood to make atonement.

He brings:

A bull as a sin offering for himself and his household.

Two male goats for the people: one for the Lord and one as the scapegoat (Azazel).

Rituals of Atonement (vv. 11–28):

The high priest offers the bull’s blood for his own sin and enters the Holy of Holies with it.

He then sacrifices the goat for the Lord and sprinkles its blood to atone for the people.

The scapegoat is presented alive, and the priest lays hands on it, confessing Israel’s sins over it. It is then sent into the wilderness, symbolically carrying away the sins of the people.

The high priest bathes and changes clothes before and after the rituals.

The remains of the bull and goat are burned outside the camp.

Institution of the Day of Atonement (vv. 29–34):

This is a permanent ordinance to be observed annually on the 10th day of the 7th month.

The people must fast ("afflict their souls") and do no work.

It is a day of national cleansing from all sins.

Spiritual Lessons:
Sin must be dealt with seriously—through blood and sacrifice.

The scapegoat symbolizes God's mercy in removing guilt, pointing to Jesus as the one who carries away our sin (Isaiah 53:6, John 1:29).

The high priest's role foreshadows Christ as our Great High Priest, who entered the true heavenly sanctuary to make eternal atonement (Hebrews 9:11–14).

This day reminds believers of the need for self-examination, repentance, and appreciation of God’s grace.

The separation from sin and restoration of fellowship with God were central to Israel's spiritual life—and remain vital for believers today.