Overview
On the Day of Atonement, the high priest would select two goats. One was sacrificed as a sin offering, while the other—the scapegoat—had the people's confessed sins laid upon it and was sent into the wilderness, symbolically removing their guilt from the community. This ritual demonstrated God's provision for sin removal and the transfer of human guilt to a substitute.
Key Scriptures
"Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats, one lot for the LORD and the other lot for the scapegoat" (Leviticus 16:8, ESV).
"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all" (Isaiah 53:6, ESV).
"Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities" (Isaiah 53:11, ESV).
Application
Reflect on how Christ fulfilled the scapegoat's role by bearing your sins completely, offering perfect and final redemption through His death and resurrection.