Leviticus 16:9

KJV

And Aaron shall bring the goat upon which the LORD'S lot fell, and offer him [for] a sin offering.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Aaron {H175} shall bring {H7126} the goat {H8163} upon which the LORD'S {H3068} lot {H1486} fell {H5927}, and offer {H6213} him for a sin offering {H2403}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Aharon is to present the goat whose lot fell to ADONAI and offer it as a sin offering.

Berean Standard Bible

he shall present the goat chosen by lot for the LORD and sacrifice it as a sin offering.

American Standard Version

And Aaron shall present the goat upon which the lot fell for Jehovah, and offer him for a sin-offering.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 16:9 details a pivotal moment in the annual Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) ritual, specifically outlining the fate of one of two goats designated by divine lot. This goat was to be presented by Aaron, the High Priest, and offered as a sin offering to the LORD, serving as a crucial component in the comprehensive atonement for the sins of the Israelite community and the purification of the tabernacle, thereby re-establishing the covenant relationship between a holy God and His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 16 provides the meticulous instructions for Yom Kippur, the most solemn day in the Israelite calendar. The chapter opens with God's commands to Moses regarding Aaron's entry into the Most Holy Place, emphasizing the necessity of specific rituals to avoid death, particularly after the unauthorized fire of Nadab and Abihu ([Leviticus 16:1-2](/leviticus/16-1-2 "Aaron's Entry into the Holy Place")). The ritual involving the two goats begins in [Leviticus 16:7](/leviticus/16-7 "The Two Goats for Atonement"), where Aaron is instructed to bring them before the LORD at the entrance of the tent of meeting. Our verse, [Leviticus 16:9](/leviticus/16-9 "The Goat for the Sin Offering"), specifies the fate of the goat chosen "for the LORD," contrasting it with the goat "for Azazel" described immediately after in [Leviticus 16:10](/leviticus/16-10 "The Scapegoat for Azazel"). The subsequent verses detail the High Priest's actions with the blood of this sin offering, taking it into the Most Holy Place to make atonement for the sanctuary and the people ([Leviticus 16:14-19](/leviticus/16-14-19 "Atonement for the Sanctuary")), followed by the ritual for the scapegoat.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, was the only day of the year when the High Priest could enter the Most Holy Place, the innermost sanctuary of the tabernacle, where God's presence resided above the Ark of the Covenant. This annual ritual was absolutely essential for maintaining the covenant relationship between God and Israel, cleansing both the people and the sacred space from the defilement caused by their accumulated sins and impurities throughout the year. The concept of "sin offering" (Hebrew: _chaṭṭâʼâh_) was central to Israelite worship, designed not only to atone for unintentional sins but also to purify from ritual uncleanness, thereby restoring fellowship with a holy God. The use of "lots" (Hebrew: _gôwrâl_) was a recognized method of divine discernment in ancient Israel, ensuring that the choice between the two goats was not arbitrary or human-driven, but divinely ordained, underscoring God's sovereignty over the atonement process. This entire elaborate ceremony highlighted the profound seriousness of sin and the costly, divinely prescribed means required for its expiation and the restoration of purity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights the **holiness of God** and His absolute demand for purity in the presence of His people, a theme introduced early in Leviticus ([Leviticus 10:3](/leviticus/10-3 "God's Holiness")). The concept of **atonement** is central, demonstrating God's provision for dealing with human sin and defilement, a necessity given the pervasive nature of sin ([Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "Sin Offerings")). Furthermore, the verse underscores the theme of **substitutionary sacrifice**, where an innocent life is given to bear the consequences of sin on behalf of the guilty. The role of the **High Priest** as mediator is also prominent, emphasizing the divinely appointed means through which Israel could approach a holy God ([Leviticus 8](/leviticus/8 "Consecration of Aaron and His Sons")). Finally, the use of lots points to **divine sovereignty** in the process of salvation and purification, ensuring that the efficacy of the ritual derived from God's decree, not human ingenuity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Aaron (Hebrew, _ʼAhărôwn'_):** This refers to Aaron, the brother of Moses, who was divinely appointed as the first High Priest of Israel. His role in this ritual is paramount, as he is the sole authorized mediator permitted to perform the sacred acts of the Day of Atonement. His actions are not personal but representative, acting on behalf of the entire community of Israel, signifying the divinely established order for approaching God.
* **Lot (Hebrew, _gôwrâl'_):** From an unused root meaning to be rough (as stone), this term properly refers to a pebble, used for casting to determine an outcome. Figuratively, it denotes a portion or destiny as if determined by lot. In the context of Leviticus 16, the casting of lots over the two goats ensured that the selection of which goat was "for the LORD" and which was "for Azazel" was not based on human preference or chance, but on God's sovereign will. This emphasized the divine institution and authority behind the atonement process, removing any human manipulation from such a critical sacred act.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the self-Existent or Eternal, the Jewish national name of God, often translated as Jehovah or Yahweh. Its presence here underscores that the entire ritual, and specifically the sacrifice of this goat, was directed to God Himself. It was an act of propitiation and reconciliation performed before the supreme, holy God of Israel, highlighting His ultimate authority, His demand for holiness, and His provision for dealing with human sin within the framework of His covenant relationship.
* **Sin Offering (Hebrew, _chaṭṭâʼâh'_):** This term refers to an offense (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation. It also concretely refers to an offender, punishment (of sin), purifying(-fication for sin), or sin(-ner, offering). In the context of the Day of Atonement, the _chaṭṭâʼâh_ offering served as a means of expiation and purification. It was designed to address the defilement caused by sin, whether intentional or unintentional, and to cleanse the sanctuary and the people, thereby removing the barrier that sin created between a holy God and His covenant people. Unlike some other offerings, the _chaṭṭâʼâh_ primarily focused on purification from defilement and making atonement for the community's transgressions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Aaron shall bring the goat":** This clause emphasizes the central, exclusive role of Aaron, the High Priest. As the divinely appointed mediator, he alone was authorized to perform this sacred act. His bringing of the goat signifies the presentation of the means of atonement before God, an act of obedience to divine command and a representative action on behalf of the entire community of Israel.
* **"upon which the LORD'S lot fell":** This phrase highlights the divine selection of this particular goat. The outcome of the lot-casting was understood as God's direct choice, signifying that the sacrifice was not a human invention or arbitrary selection but a divinely ordained provision for atonement. This ensured the legitimacy and efficacy of the offering in God's eyes, as it was specifically designated by Him for His purpose, underscoring His sovereignty over the entire process.
* **"and offer him [for] a sin offering":** This final clause states the ultimate purpose of this goat: to be sacrificed as a _chaṭṭâʼâh_. This offering was intended to make expiation for the sins of the people, to purify the tabernacle and its sacred objects from the defilement of Israel's transgressions, and to restore the purity necessary for God's continued presence among His people. The act of offering involved its slaughter and the application of its blood, signifying the giving of life for the atonement of sin, a necessary prerequisite for reconciliation with a holy God.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the goat itself serving as a powerful symbol of substitution, bearing the weight of sin on behalf of the people. The casting of **lots** symbolizes divine sovereignty and destiny, ensuring God's direct involvement in the selection process and removing human arbitrariness from such a crucial sacred act. The entire sequence of actions described in the chapter, including this verse, functions as a meticulously detailed **ritual**, emphasizing order, precision, and the sacred nature of the atonement process. This ritualistic structure underscores the gravity of sin and the specific, prescribed means by which God chose to address it. Furthermore, the actions of the High Priest and the sacrifice of the goat can be seen as **foreshadowing** greater spiritual realities, pointing forward to a more perfect and ultimate sacrifice for sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 16:9 powerfully illustrates the profound biblical truth that sin incurs a debt that demands a costly payment, and that God, in His holiness and mercy, provides the means for atonement. This verse, part of the Day of Atonement ritual, underscores the necessity of a substitute to bear the consequences of sin and highlights God's initiative in establishing a pathway for reconciliation. The blood of the sin offering was understood to cleanse and purify, making it possible for a sinful people to dwell in the presence of a holy God. This foundational principle of expiation through sacrifice is woven throughout the biblical narrative, pointing to a greater, ultimate provision for the removal of sin and the restoration of fellowship.

* [Leviticus 16:10](/leviticus/16-10 "The Scapegoat for Azazel")
* [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Life in the Blood")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Without Shedding of Blood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 16:9, though describing an ancient ritual, resonates deeply with timeless truths about sin, holiness, and divine provision. It compels us to confront the seriousness of sin, recognizing that it creates a profound barrier between humanity and a holy God, requiring a costly remedy. The meticulousness of the Day of Atonement ritual, including the precise selection and offering of this goat, underscores that God's way of dealing with sin is not arbitrary or casual, but deliberate, sacred, and demanding. For us today, this passage serves as a powerful reminder of the immense grace extended through Christ. It invites us to appreciate the depth of God's love in providing a perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, and to live in the freedom and purity that His atonement secures. Our response should be one of profound gratitude for such a costly redemption, humble submission to His will, and a renewed commitment to walk in holiness, knowing the immeasurable cost of our reconciliation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the seriousness and detail of the Day of Atonement ritual, as seen in Leviticus 16:9, inform our understanding of the gravity of sin in God's eyes?**
* **In what ways does the divine selection of the goat "by lot" deepen our appreciation for God's sovereign plan of salvation, knowing that He meticulously orchestrates our redemption?**
* **Considering this ancient sin offering, how does it enhance our gratitude for the completeness and finality of Christ's sacrifice for our sins?**

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

Answer: The "lot" (Hebrew: _gôwrâl_) in Leviticus 16:9 was a method of divine determination. Two identical goats were brought, and lots were cast over them to decide which one was "for the LORD" and which was "for Azazel." This practice ensured that the selection was not based on human preference, bias, or random chance, but on God's sovereign will. It emphasized that the atonement process, particularly the designation of the sacrificial animal, was divinely ordained and controlled. This removed any human manipulation from such a critical sacred act, confirming that the efficacy of the offering rested solely on God's choice and institution, not on human wisdom or effort. We see similar uses of lots for divine guidance in other biblical contexts, such as the selection of Matthias to replace Judas in [Acts 1:26](/acts/1-26 "Casting Lots for Matthias").

**How does this sin offering differ from other sacrifices in Leviticus?**

Answer: While Leviticus describes various sin offerings (_chaṭṭâʼâh_) for individuals or specific groups (e.g., [Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "Sin Offerings")), the sin offering of the goat on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:9) was unique in several crucial ways. Firstly, it was part of an annual, national atonement ritual, not an offering for an individual's specific sin. Secondly, its purpose was comprehensive: to atone for the collective sins of the entire Israelite community and, critically, to purify the tabernacle itself from the defilement caused by those sins. Thirdly, it was inextricably linked with its counterpart, the "scapegoat for Azazel" ([Leviticus 16:10](/leviticus/16-10 "The Scapegoat for Azazel")), forming a complete picture of atonement – propitiation through sacrifice and the symbolic removal of guilt. The blood of this specific sin offering was also uniquely taken into the Most Holy Place by the High Priest, an act reserved only for Yom Kippur, signifying the most profound level of purification and reconciliation with God's immediate presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 16:9, with its depiction of the goat chosen by divine lot and offered as a sin offering, finds its profound and ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament ritual, though effective for its time, was a shadow pointing to the perfect reality to come ([Hebrews 10:1](/hebrews/10-1 "The Law as a Shadow")). Jesus is the divinely chosen Lamb of God, upon whom the "LORD's lot" truly fell, not by chance but by the eternal counsel of God ([1 Peter 1:18-20](/1-peter/1-18-20 "Redeemed by Christ's Precious Blood")). He perfectly embodies the sin offering, becoming "sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2-corinthians/5-21 "Christ Became Sin for Us")). Unlike the Levitical goats, whose blood could only cover sins temporarily, Christ's precious blood, shed once for all, truly takes away sin, providing eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Christ's Eternal Redemption")). He is not merely the sacrifice but also the perfect High Priest, who, unlike Aaron, entered the true heavenly sanctuary not with the blood of animals, but with His own blood, securing eternal salvation for all who believe ([Hebrews 9:24-28](/hebrews/9-24-28 "Christ's Heavenly Priesthood")). Thus, the solemnity and efficacy of the Levitical sin offering are fully realized in the person and work of Jesus, who perfectly propitiated God's wrath and removed the defilement of sin forever, establishing a new and living way into God's presence ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Confidence to Enter the Holy Place")).

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

Acts 4:27

For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,

Acts 4:28

For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.

Acts 2:23

Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: