Leviticus 16:8

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Context of Leviticus 16:8

This verse is central to the instructions for the annual Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), the most solemn day in ancient Israel's religious calendar. The entire chapter of Leviticus 16 details the elaborate rituals performed by the high priest, Aaron, to cleanse the tabernacle, the priesthood, and the people from their sins. The selection of the two goats, as described in this verse, was a pivotal moment in this comprehensive purification ceremony, symbolizing different aspects of God's provision for sin.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Selection: The act of "casting lots" was a method used in ancient Israel to determine God's will or to make an impartial decision. Here, it underscores that the designation of each goat for its specific role was not arbitrary but divinely ordained. One goat was explicitly chosen "for the LORD," indicating its role in an offering directly to God, while the other was chosen "for the scapegoat" (or Azazel), signifying its unique function in carrying away the nation's sins.
  • Dual Aspects of Atonement: The two goats represent two complementary facets of atonement. The goat "for the LORD" was to be sacrificed as a sin offering (Leviticus 16:9), providing propitiation for sin through blood. The "scapegoat," however, was not sacrificed but symbolically bore the sins of the people and was sent into the wilderness (Leviticus 16:21-22), signifying the removal and carrying away of their transgressions.
  • Foreshadowing Christ: Many Christian theologians view these two goats as powerful types or foreshadows of Jesus Christ's atoning work. His death on the cross serves as the ultimate sacrifice for sin, satisfying God's justice (like the goat "for the LORD"), and simultaneously, He bears away the sins of the world, removing them from those who believe (like the scapegoat removing sins).

Linguistic Insights

The term "scapegoat" in the KJV is a translation of the Hebrew word Azazel (Χ’Χ–ΧΧ–Χœ). This word has been a subject of much scholarly discussion. While its precise meaning is debated, common interpretations include "for complete removal," "goat of departure," or even a proper name for a wilderness demon to whom the goat was sent (though this latter view is less common in traditional Jewish and Christian understanding of the ritual's purpose). The most widely accepted understanding is that it refers to the goat's function of carrying away the sins into an uninhabited land, symbolizing their complete dismissal and separation from the people. The act of "casting lots" (Hebrew: goral) implies a sacred and impartial determination, ensuring that the roles of the two goats were divinely appointed.

Practical Application

Leviticus 16:8, part of the Day of Atonement narrative, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous provision for dealing with human sin. For believers today, it serves as a vivid Old Testament picture pointing to the perfect and complete atonement accomplished by Jesus Christ. It reminds us of:

  1. The seriousness of sin, which required such elaborate and costly rituals.
  2. God's faithfulness in providing a way for forgiveness and cleansing.
  3. The comprehensive nature of Christ's sacrifice, which both appeases God's wrath against sin and effectively removes our transgressions from us, offering full redemption and reconciliation.
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Cross-References

  • Proverbs 16:33 (3 votes)

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

  • Acts 1:23 (3 votes)

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

  • Acts 1:26 (3 votes)

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

  • Jonah 1:7 (3 votes)

    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 (1 votes)

    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 (1 votes)

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

  • Ezekiel 48:29 (1 votes)

    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.