Leviticus 16:8

KJV

And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scapegoat.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Aaron {H175} shall cast {H5414} lots {H1486} upon the two {H8147} goats {H8163}; one {H259} lot {H1486} for the LORD {H3068}, and the other {H259} lot {H1486} for the scapegoat {H5799}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Aharon is to cast lots for the two goats, one lot for ADONAI and the other for 'Az'azel.

Berean Standard Bible

After Aaron casts lots for the two goats, one for the LORD and the other for the scapegoat,

American Standard Version

And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for Jehovah, and the other lot for Azazel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 16:8 details a pivotal moment in the annual Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) ritual, where the high priest Aaron casts lots upon two identical goats. This divinely orchestrated selection determined their distinct, yet complementary, roles in the atonement process: one goat was designated "for the LORD" to be sacrificed as a sin offering, while the other was chosen "for the scapegoat," destined to symbolically bear the sins of the people into the wilderness, signifying their complete removal. This verse encapsulates the dual provision God made for sin—both propitiation and expiation—within the Old Covenant, highlighting His meticulous design for reconciliation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 16 meticulously outlines the most solemn and comprehensive purification ceremony in ancient Israel: the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). This chapter provides the precise instructions for the elaborate rituals performed by the high priest, Aaron, to cleanse the tabernacle, the priesthood, and the entire Israelite community from their sins, both known and unknown, ensuring the holiness of God's dwelling among His people. The preceding verses [Leviticus 16:1-7](/leviticus/16-1-7 "Leviticus 16:1-7 - Preparations for Atonement") establish the somber setting and the initial preparations, including Aaron's specific attire and the requirement to bring two male goats for a sin offering. Leviticus 16:8, therefore, introduces the critical act of distinguishing between these two goats, setting the stage for their subsequent, distinct roles in the atonement ritual described in the verses that follow. The goat designated "for the LORD" is sacrificed in [Leviticus 16:9](/leviticus/16-9 "Leviticus 16:9 - Sacrifice of the Lord's Goat"), and its blood is used to purify the sanctuary, while the "scapegoat" is presented alive before the LORD and later sent into the wilderness in [Leviticus 16:10](/leviticus/16-10 "Leviticus 16:10 - The Scapegoat Presented") and [Leviticus 16:20-22](/leviticus/16-20-22 "Leviticus 16:20-22 - The Scapegoat Sent Away"). The careful distinction made in this verse is foundational to understanding the dual nature of the atonement ritual.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Day of Atonement was uniquely significant, being the only day of the year when the high priest was permitted to enter the Most Holy Place, the innermost sanctuary of the tabernacle (and later, the Temple), to make atonement for the nation's collective sins. The practice of "casting lots" was a deeply ingrained and respected method in ancient Israel for discerning God's will or making impartial, divinely sanctioned decisions, as evidenced in various biblical narratives such as the division of the land among the tribes in [Joshua 18:10](/joshua/18-10 "Joshua 18:10 - Division of Land by Lot") or the selection of individuals for specific tasks. In this sacred context, the casting of lots underscored that the designation of each goat was not arbitrary or based on human preference but was divinely ordained, ensuring the sanctity, impartiality, and efficacy of the ritual. The two goats, perfectly identical in appearance, highlighted that their distinction was solely by divine decree, emphasizing God's sovereign and meticulous provision for dealing with sin. The ritual provided a tangible, visual representation of both the cost of sin (the death of the sacrificed goat) and the complete removal of sin (the scapegoat carrying it away into an uninhabited land, symbolizing its total separation from the community).

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 16:8 contributes significantly to several overarching themes found throughout the book of Leviticus and the Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Holiness**, emphasizing God's absolute purity and the necessity for His people to be cleansed to dwell in His presence. The ritual underscores the **Gravity of Sin**, demonstrating that sin is not merely a moral failing but a defiling force that separates humanity from a holy God, requiring a costly and divinely appointed remedy. The verse also highlights God's **Sovereign Provision for Atonement**, revealing His initiative and detailed plan for reconciliation. The casting of lots specifically points to **Divine Ordination**, ensuring that the means of atonement are not humanly contrived but divinely established. Finally, the distinct roles of the two goats introduce the dual aspects of **Propitiation and Expiation**, foundational concepts for understanding how God deals with sin: satisfying His righteous demands through sacrifice and removing the burden of sin from His people. These themes collectively prepare the reader for a deeper understanding of God's ultimate plan for salvation, foreshadowing the comprehensive work of Christ as seen in [Hebrews 9](/hebrews/9 "Hebrews 9 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **lots (Hebrew, _gôwrâl'_):** From an unused root meaning "to be rough (as stone)," this term properly refers to a pebble or small stone used in a sacred procedure to determine a divine decision or allocation. The casting of lots was not a game of chance but a solemn act believed to reveal God's sovereign will, as indicated in [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lot Is Cast into the Lap"). In Leviticus 16:8, it emphasizes that the distinct roles of the two goats were not humanly chosen but divinely appointed, ensuring the impartiality and sacredness of the atonement ritual.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the covenant name of God, signifying His personal, relational, and self-existent nature ("the self-Existent or Eternal"). When one lot was designated "for the LORD," it underscored that this goat was entirely dedicated to God as a sacrifice, directly addressing His holiness and righteous demands concerning sin. This goat's sacrifice was an act of propitiation, satisfying God's justice and turning away His wrath.
* **scapegoat (Hebrew, _ʻăzâʼzêl'_):** This term, from the Hebrew עֵז and אָזַל, literally means "goat of departure." While its precise etymology has been debated, the most widely accepted understanding in traditional Jewish and Christian thought is that _Azazel_ refers to the goat itself and its functional role: to carry away the sins of the people into an uninhabited wilderness. This action symbolizes their complete dismissal, separation, and removal from the community, representing expiation—the act of cleansing or purging sin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats":** This phrase initiates the crucial selection process for the Day of Atonement. Aaron, as the high priest and God's designated mediator, performs this act. The casting of lots signifies that the assignment of roles to the two identical goats is not arbitrary or based on human preference, but rather on divine determination. This ensures the integrity and divine sanction of the atonement ritual, emphasizing God's sovereign control over the means of reconciliation.
* **"one lot for the LORD":** This specifies the divine destination and sacred purpose of the first goat. The goat chosen "for the LORD" was to be sacrificed as a sin offering (as detailed in [Leviticus 16:9](/leviticus/16-9 "Leviticus 16:9 - The Lord's Goat Sacrificed")). Its blood would be brought into the Most Holy Place to make atonement for the sanctuary, the priesthood, and the people. This aspect of the ritual addressed God's holiness and the necessity of propitiation, satisfying His righteous demands concerning sin through the shedding of innocent blood.
* **"and the other lot for the scapegoat":** This designates the second goat for its unique, complementary role. This goat, the "Azazel" goat, was not sacrificed but was presented alive before the LORD. Then, Aaron would confess the sins of the people over its head, and it would be led away into the wilderness [Leviticus 16:21-22](/leviticus/16-21-22 "Leviticus 16:21-22 - The Scapegoat Bears Sins Away"). This action symbolized the complete removal and carrying away of the nation's sins, signifying expiation and the separation of transgression from the community, demonstrating God's comprehensive provision for cleansing and forgiveness.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 16:8 employs several significant literary devices that enrich its meaning and underscore the theological depth of the Day of Atonement. The primary device is **Symbolism**, where the two goats serve as powerful symbols of the dual aspects of atonement. The goat designated "for the LORD" symbolizes the necessity of a sacrificial death to propitiate God's wrath and satisfy His justice, while the "scapegoat" symbolizes the complete removal and carrying away of sin from the people. This creates a striking **Contrast** or **Juxtaposition** between the two animals: one is sacrificed, the other is set free; one addresses God's demands, the other addresses humanity's burden of sin. The act of "casting lots" itself implies **Divine Ordination**, highlighting that the entire process is not a human invention but a divinely commanded and controlled ritual, ensuring its efficacy and sacredness. The identical nature of the two goats before the lots are cast further emphasizes that their distinct roles are solely due to divine decree, not any inherent difference in the animals themselves. These devices collectively paint a vivid picture of God's comprehensive provision for sin, illustrating both the immense cost of sin and the completeness of forgiveness He provides.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 16:8, situated within the broader context of the Day of Atonement, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous and comprehensive provision for dealing with human sin. The selection of the two goats underscores the dual nature of atonement required by a holy God: propitiation (satisfying divine justice through a sacrificial death) and expiation (the removal and carrying away of sin). This ritual highlighted the gravity of sin, which necessitated such an elaborate and costly divine intervention, and simultaneously revealed God's faithfulness and mercy in providing a means for forgiveness and cleansing. The annual repetition of the ritual also pointed to its temporary and anticipatory nature, signifying that a more perfect, once-for-all sacrifice was yet to come, a sacrifice that would definitively address both the demands of God's holiness and the burden of human guilt.

* [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life in the Blood")
* [Psalm 103:12](/psalm/103-12 "Psalm 103:12 - God Removes Our Transgressions")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood There Is No Forgiveness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 16:8, though rooted in an ancient ritual, offers profound spiritual insights for believers today. It serves as a powerful visual aid, meticulously crafted by God, to teach us about the nature of sin and the comprehensive scope of His provision for it. We are reminded of the utter seriousness of sin, which demanded not only the shedding of innocent blood but also a symbolic removal, demonstrating that sin creates both a debt before God and a burden upon humanity. This verse invites us to contemplate the depth of God's grace, which, even under the Old Covenant, provided a way for His people to be cleansed and reconciled. For us, it should evoke a deep sense of gratitude for the ultimate fulfillment of this imagery in Jesus Christ, whose single act on the cross accomplished both the propitiation and expiation that the two goats foreshadowed. This understanding should lead us to live in assurance of forgiveness, freedom from the burden of sin, and a renewed commitment to holiness, knowing the immense cost of our redemption and the completeness of our cleansing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the dual symbolism of the two goats deepen your understanding of God's comprehensive provision for sin?**
* **In what ways does this ancient ritual point to the once-for-all, perfect nature of Christ's work on the cross?**
* **What does the "casting of lots" reveal about God's sovereignty in orchestrating salvation and His meticulous attention to detail?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "casting lots" in this context?**

Answer: The act of "casting lots" in [Leviticus 16:8](/leviticus/16-8 "Leviticus 16:8 - Casting Lots for the Goats") is highly significant because it underscores that the designation of the two goats for their distinct roles was not a human decision but a divine one. It removed any possibility of human bias or error in selecting which goat would be sacrificed and which would be sent away. In ancient Israel, casting lots was a recognized method for discerning God's will, as seen in various biblical accounts, such as the division of the land in [Joshua 18:10](/joshua/18-10 "Joshua 18:10 - Division of Land by Lot") or the selection of Matthias in [Acts 1:26](/acts/1-26 "Acts 1:26 - Matthias Chosen by Lot"). This ensured that the entire Day of Atonement ritual, particularly this pivotal moment, was divinely sanctioned and therefore efficacious in God's eyes.

**What does "scapegoat" (Azazel) truly mean?**

Answer: The Hebrew term for "scapegoat" is _Azazel_ (עזאזל), and its precise meaning has been a subject of much scholarly discussion. While some ancient interpretations, particularly in extra-biblical literature, linked it to a wilderness demon, the most widely accepted understanding within traditional Jewish and Christian theology is that _Azazel_ refers to the goat itself and its function. It is best understood as "for complete removal," "goat of departure," or "goat of sending away." This interpretation aligns with the ritual's purpose in [Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement"), where the goat symbolically bears the sins of the people and carries them away into an uninhabited land, signifying their complete dismissal and separation from the community. It represents the expiatory aspect of atonement—the purging and removal of sin.

**Why were two goats needed for atonement?**

Answer: Two goats were needed to illustrate the dual, yet complementary, aspects of God's provision for sin in the atonement process. The goat designated "for the LORD" was sacrificed as a sin offering, representing **propitiation**—the appeasement of God's righteous wrath and the satisfaction of His justice through the shedding of blood. This addresses the divine side of the sin problem, making God's presence possible among a sinful people. The "scapegoat" (Azazel), on the other hand, was not sacrificed but carried the confessed sins of the people into the wilderness, representing **expiation**—the removal, carrying away, and separation of sins from the people. This addresses the human side of the sin problem, freeing the community from the burden and defilement of their transgressions. Together, these two goats provided a comprehensive picture of atonement, showing both the cost of sin and its complete removal, foreshadowing the full scope of Christ's work.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 16:8, with its depiction of the two goats, serves as a profound Old Testament type, powerfully foreshadowing the multifaceted and complete work of Jesus Christ on the cross. The goat designated "for the LORD," sacrificed as a sin offering, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's propitiatory death. His blood, shed on Calvary, perfectly satisfied God's righteous demands against sin, turning away divine wrath and reconciling humanity to God, as articulated in [Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ Our Propitiation") and [1 John 2:2](/1_john/2-2 "1 John 2:2 - Christ, the Propitiation for Our Sins"). Simultaneously, the "scapegoat," which bore the sins of the people away into the wilderness, prefigures Christ's expiatory work. He, the sinless [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), truly bore the sins of the world upon Himself, carrying them away completely and removing them from those who believe, as declared in [1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins in His Body") and [Isaiah 53:6](/isaiah/53-6 "Isaiah 53:6 - The Lord Laid on Him the Iniquity of Us All"). Unlike the annual, repeated rituals of the Old Covenant that could only cover sins, Christ's single, perfect sacrifice uniquely fulfilled both roles in one person and one act, providing a definitive, once-for-all atonement that truly takes away sin and secures eternal redemption, as beautifully expounded in [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice") and [Hebrews 10:1-14](/hebrews/10-1-14 "Hebrews 10:1-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice"). Through Him, we experience both the satisfaction of God's justice and the complete removal of our guilt and shame.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 16:33

¶ The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof [is] of the LORD.

Acts 1:23

And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.

Acts 1:26

And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

Jonah 1:7

And they said every one to his fellow, Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil [is] upon us. So they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah.

Numbers 33:54

And ye shall divide the land by lot for an inheritance among your families: [and] to the more ye shall give the more inheritance, and to the fewer ye shall give the less inheritance: every man's [inheritance] shall be in the place where his lot falleth; according to the tribes of your fathers ye shall inherit.

Numbers 26:55

Notwithstanding the land shall be divided by lot: according to the names of the tribes of their fathers they shall inherit.

Ezekiel 48:29

This [is] the land which ye shall divide by lot unto the tribes of Israel for inheritance, and these [are] their portions, saith the Lord GOD.