Leviticus 16 Study Notes
General
Before he made atonement for the people, for whom did Aaron first offer the bull (16:6, 11)?
Answer: For Aaron's own sins and his family's
Aaron's first sacrifice was a bull offered for sin on his own behalf, to atone for his personal sin and his family's (16:6, 11). Atonement means dealing with sin so that sinners are brought back into right relationship with God. Aaron had to deal with his own sin before he could represent the people, because he too was a sinner (Hebrews 5:1-3). Jesus is a different kind of high priest. He is holy and blameless, so He never needed a sacrifice for Himself; instead He offered Himself once for all (Hebrews 7:26-27). He faced every kind of temptation we face, yet He never sinned (Hebrews 4:15).
- Leviticus 16:6 (BSB)“Aaron is to present the bull for his sin offering and make atonement for himself and his household.”Aaron presents the bull as his own sin offering, for himself and his household.
- Leviticus 16:11 (BSB)“When Aaron presents the bull for his sin offering and makes atonement for himself and his household, he is to slaughter the bull for his own sin offering.”Aaron slaughters the bull as his own sin offering, making atonement for himself and his household.
- Hebrews 5:1-3 (BSB)“Every high priest is appointed from among men to represent them in matters relating to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and misguided, since he himself is subject to weakness. That is why he is obligated to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people.”Explains that every earthly high priest had to offer for his own sins as well as the people's.
- Hebrews 7:26-27 (BSB)“Such a high priest truly befits us—One who is holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, He does not need to offer daily sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people; He sacrificed for sin once for all when He offered up Himself.”Contrasts Christ, holy and undefiled, who had no need to offer first for Himself and offered Himself once for all.
- Hebrews 4:15 (BSB)“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin.”Shows that Christ, though tempted in every way, was without sin.
Theological
For whom does Aaron's bull make atonement before the people's goat is offered (16:6, 11)?
Answer: For the high priest himself and his house
Aaron's bull is a sin offering on his own behalf, atoning for him and his house (16:6, 11), and it must precede the people's goat because the mediator himself is a sinner beset by weakness (Hebrews 5:1-3). Here the insufficiency of the Aaronic priesthood is written into the ritual's order. Christ, by contrast, is holy, blameless, and separate from sinners; He needs no offering on His own account; His single self-offering is final (Hebrews 7:26-27). His sinlessness under real temptation (Hebrews 4:15) is what qualifies Him to be the perfect substitute and mediator.
- Leviticus 16:6 (BSB)“Aaron is to present the bull for his sin offering and make atonement for himself and his household.”Aaron presents the bull as his own sin offering, for himself and his household.
- Leviticus 16:11 (BSB)“When Aaron presents the bull for his sin offering and makes atonement for himself and his household, he is to slaughter the bull for his own sin offering.”Aaron slaughters the bull as his own sin offering, making atonement for himself and his household.
- Hebrews 5:1-3 (BSB)“Every high priest is appointed from among men to represent them in matters relating to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and misguided, since he himself is subject to weakness. That is why he is obligated to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people.”Explains that every earthly high priest had to offer for his own sins as well as the people's.
- Hebrews 7:26-27 (BSB)“Such a high priest truly befits us—One who is holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, He does not need to offer daily sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people; He sacrificed for sin once for all when He offered up Himself.”Contrasts Christ, holy and undefiled, who had no need to offer first for Himself and offered Himself once for all.
- Hebrews 4:15 (BSB)“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin.”Shows that Christ, though tempted in every way, was without sin.
General
Which animals were set aside for the Day of Atonement (16:3, 5)?
Answer: For Aaron, a young bull and a ram; from the people, two male goats and a ram
Aaron's own offerings were a young bull (sin offering) plus a ram (burnt offering) (16:3). From the people he took two male goats, designated together for the people's sin offering, plus another ram for the people's whole burnt offering (16:5). A sin offering dealt with guilt and impurity; a burnt offering was burned whole on the altar. These sacrifices were God's appointed means of atonement in Israel, yet animal blood, whether of bulls or goats, could never by itself remove sin (Hebrews 10:4). They pointed forward to Christ, whose blood does what animal blood could not: it cleanses the conscience so that we can truly worship and serve God (Hebrews 9:13-14).
- Leviticus 16:3 (BSB)“This is how Aaron is to enter the Holy Place: with a young bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering.”Aaron's own offerings: a young bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering.
- Leviticus 16:5 (BSB)“And he shall take from the congregation of Israel two male goats for a sin offering and one ram for a burnt offering.”The people's offerings: two male goats for a sin offering and one ram for a burnt offering.
- Hebrews 10:4 (BSB)“because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.”States that the blood of bulls and goats could not by itself take away sins.
- Hebrews 9:13-14 (BSB)“For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that their bodies are clean, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God!”Contrasts the outward cleansing of animal blood with the blood of Christ, which cleanses the conscience.
Theological
Which victims does Leviticus 16:3, 5 assign to the Day of Atonement ritual?
Answer: For Aaron, a young bull and a ram; from the congregation, two male goats and a ram
The priest's own offerings were a young bull (sin offering) together with a ram (burnt offering) (16:3); the congregation supplied two male goats, together designated as the people's sin offering, plus a ram to be a burnt offering (16:5). The pairing of sin offering and burnt offering for both priest and people shows the day's twofold concern: expiation of guilt and the worshiper's complete acceptance before God. Though divinely appointed and effective within the covenant, these sacrifices could not in themselves take away sins (Hebrews 10:4); they were types of Christ's blood, which purifies the conscience for the service of the living God (Hebrews 9:13-14).
- Leviticus 16:3 (BSB)“This is how Aaron is to enter the Holy Place: with a young bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering.”Aaron's own offerings: a young bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering.
- Leviticus 16:5 (BSB)“And he shall take from the congregation of Israel two male goats for a sin offering and one ram for a burnt offering.”The people's offerings: two male goats for a sin offering and one ram for a burnt offering.
- Hebrews 10:4 (BSB)“because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.”States that the blood of bulls and goats could not by itself take away sins.
- Hebrews 9:13-14 (BSB)“For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that their bodies are clean, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God!”Contrasts the outward cleansing of animal blood with the blood of Christ, which cleanses the conscience.
General
According to 16:32, who would carry out this atonement in later generations?
Answer: Each anointed high priest who took his father's place
The ceremony did not end with Aaron. Each high priest anointed and set apart to take his father's place would wear the holy linen clothing and carry out the atonement in the same way (16:32). When Aaron died, his priestly garments were placed on Eleazar his son (Numbers 20:28). This succession shows a weakness in the old priesthood: priests kept dying and had to be replaced. Jesus, by contrast, lives forever and holds His priesthood permanently, so He can completely save all who approach God through Him, and He always intercedes for them (Hebrews 7:23-25). The law appointed weak men as high priests, but God appointed His Son, perfect forever (Hebrews 7:28).
- Leviticus 16:32 (BSB)“The priest who is anointed and ordained to succeed his father as high priest shall make atonement. He will put on the sacred linen garments”The anointed high priest who succeeds his father will make atonement wearing the sacred linen garments.
- Numbers 20:28 (BSB)“After Moses had removed Aaron’s garments and put them on his son Eleazar, Aaron died there on top of the mountain. Then Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain.”Shows Aaron's garments passing to his son Eleazar when Aaron died.
- Hebrews 7:23-25 (BSB)“Now there have been many other priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office. But because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood. Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.”Contrasts the many priests removed by death with Jesus, who lives forever and holds a permanent priesthood.
- Hebrews 7:28 (BSB)“For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.”Contrasts the weak men appointed by the law with the Son made perfect forever.
Theological
Who, according to 16:32, performs the atonement in subsequent generations?
Answer: The anointed high priest who succeeds his father
The rite is transmitted through the line of anointed and consecrated high priests, each succeeding his father, vesting in the holy linen, and making atonement (16:32), as when Aaron's garments passed to Eleazar at his death (Numbers 20:28). The very necessity of succession exposes the provisional character of the Levitical priesthood: its priests were many because death interrupted their office. Christ, by contrast, holds His priesthood permanently, because He lives forever, and so He saves completely those who approach God by Him, ever living to intercede (Hebrews 7:23-25). The law appointed weak men; the oath appointed the Son, perfected forever (Hebrews 7:28).
- Leviticus 16:32 (BSB)“The priest who is anointed and ordained to succeed his father as high priest shall make atonement. He will put on the sacred linen garments”The anointed high priest who succeeds his father will make atonement wearing the sacred linen garments.
- Numbers 20:28 (BSB)“After Moses had removed Aaron’s garments and put them on his son Eleazar, Aaron died there on top of the mountain. Then Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain.”Shows Aaron's garments passing to his son Eleazar when Aaron died.
- Hebrews 7:23-25 (BSB)“Now there have been many other priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office. But because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood. Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.”Contrasts the many priests removed by death with Jesus, who lives forever and holds a permanent priesthood.
- Hebrews 7:28 (BSB)“For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.”Contrasts the weak men appointed by the law with the Son made perfect forever.
General
Inside the Most Holy Place, what did Aaron do with the blood, first the bull's and then the goat's (16:14-15)?
Answer: Sprinkled it by finger onto the mercy seat, then seven times out in front
Using his finger, Aaron sprinkled the bull's blood onto the mercy seat's east side and then seven more times facing it. Next he killed the people's goat and did the same with its blood (16:14-15). Blood stood for a life given up in death, and God had appointed it to make atonement (17:11). Hebrews explains that Christ fulfilled this: He did not go into a room made by human hands but into heaven itself, and not with animal blood but with His own, winning eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12, 24). Paul says God presented Christ to be the atoning sacrifice, through His blood (Romans 3:25). The Greek word he uses there is the same word the Greek Old Testament uses for the mercy seat.
- Leviticus 16:14-15 (BSB)“And he is to take some of the bull’s blood and sprinkle it with his finger on the east side of the mercy seat; then he shall sprinkle some of it with his finger seven times before the mercy seat. Aaron shall then slaughter the goat for the sin offering for the people and bring its blood behind the veil, and with its blood he must do as he did with the bull’s blood: He is to sprinkle it against the mercy seat and in front of it.”Aaron sprinkles the bull's blood and then the goat's blood on and before the mercy seat.
- Hebrews 9:12 (BSB)“He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption.”States that Christ entered the true Most Holy Place once for all with His own blood, securing eternal redemption.
- Hebrews 9:24 (BSB)“For Christ did not enter a man-made copy of the true sanctuary, but He entered heaven itself, now to appear on our behalf in the presence of God.”Shows that Christ entered heaven itself, not a man-made copy, to appear for us before God.
- Romans 3:25 (BSB)“God presented Him as an atoning sacrifice in His blood through faith, in order to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand.”Describes God presenting Christ as the atoning sacrifice in His blood.
- Leviticus 17:11 (BSB)“For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for your souls upon the altar; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.”Explains why blood atones: the life is in the blood, and God gave it for atonement on the altar.
Theological
Describe the blood rite Aaron performs within the veil (16:14-15).
Answer: He sprinkles it by finger on the mercy seat, then seven times out in front
Aaron sprinkles the bull's blood on the mercy seat's east face and seven times before it, then repeats the rite with the people's goat's blood (16:14-15). The blood, as life surrendered in death, is the divinely appointed means of atonement (17:11), presented at the very throne of God's presence. Hebrews presents Christ as the antitype: He entered not the earthly copy but heaven itself, with His own blood, winning eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12, 24). Paul calls Christ the hilasterion whom God presented through His blood (Romans 3:25), the term the Septuagint uses for the mercy seat: Christ is the propitiation, the sacrifice that turns away God's wrath, and in Him God meets sinners in mercy.
- Leviticus 16:14-15 (BSB)“And he is to take some of the bull’s blood and sprinkle it with his finger on the east side of the mercy seat; then he shall sprinkle some of it with his finger seven times before the mercy seat. Aaron shall then slaughter the goat for the sin offering for the people and bring its blood behind the veil, and with its blood he must do as he did with the bull’s blood: He is to sprinkle it against the mercy seat and in front of it.”Aaron sprinkles the bull's blood and then the goat's blood on and before the mercy seat.
- Hebrews 9:12 (BSB)“He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption.”States that Christ entered the true Most Holy Place once for all with His own blood, securing eternal redemption.
- Hebrews 9:24 (BSB)“For Christ did not enter a man-made copy of the true sanctuary, but He entered heaven itself, now to appear on our behalf in the presence of God.”Shows that Christ entered heaven itself, not a man-made copy, to appear for us before God.
- Romans 3:25 (BSB)“God presented Him as an atoning sacrifice in His blood through faith, in order to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand.”Describes God presenting Christ as the atoning sacrifice in His blood.
- Leviticus 17:11 (BSB)“For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for your souls upon the altar; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.”Explains why blood atones: the life is in the blood, and God gave it for atonement on the altar.
General
What happened to the bodies of the bull and goat whose blood had been taken behind the veil (16:27)?
Answer: They were taken beyond the camp and fully burned up
Because their blood had been taken behind the veil for atonement, the bull and goat could not be eaten (see 6:30). Instead their skin, meat, and dung were burned up outside the camp; the man who burned them had to wash his garments and bathe before returning (16:27-28). Hebrews draws a direct line from this to Jesus: just as these bodies were burned up beyond the camp, He suffered beyond the city's gate to make His people holy with His own blood, and believers are called to go out to Him, sharing His disgrace (Hebrews 13:11-13). John records that Jesus went out, bearing His cross, to the site of His death (John 19:17).
- Leviticus 16:27-28 (BSB)“The bull for the sin offering and the goat for the sin offering, whose blood was brought into the Most Holy Place to make atonement, must be taken outside the camp; and their hides, flesh, and dung must be burned up. The one who burns them must wash his clothes and bathe himself with water, and afterward he may reenter the camp.”The bull and goat whose blood entered the Most Holy Place are burned outside the camp, and the one who burns them must wash.
- Leviticus 6:30 (BSB)“But no sin offering may be eaten if its blood has been brought into the Tent of Meeting to make atonement in the Holy Place; it must be burned.”States that a sin offering whose blood was brought in to make atonement in the Holy Place could not be eaten but must be burned.
- Hebrews 13:11-13 (BSB)“Although the high priest brings the blood of animals into the Holy Place as a sacrifice for sin, the bodies are burned outside the camp. And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate, to sanctify the people by His own blood. Therefore let us go to Him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace He bore.”Says Jesus, like these sacrifices, suffered outside the gate to sanctify the people by His own blood, and calls believers to go out to Him.
- John 19:17 (BSB)“Carrying His own cross, He went out to The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha.”Records Jesus going out, carrying His cross, to Golgotha.
Theological
What was done with the carcasses of the bull and goat whose blood entered the inner sanctuary (16:27)?
Answer: They were removed from the camp and wholly burned
Since the blood of these sin offerings had been taken within the veil, their flesh could not be eaten (6:30); skin, flesh, and dung were burned entirely outside the camp, while the man who burned them was to wash and bathe before reentering (16:27-28). Hebrews makes this the explicit type of Christ, who suffered beyond the gate of the city to consecrate His people with His own blood, summoning believers to go forth to Him sharing His disgrace (Hebrews 13:11-13; compare John 19:17). The sin-bearer's place is outside, among the rejected, and there His people find Him.
- Leviticus 16:27-28 (BSB)“The bull for the sin offering and the goat for the sin offering, whose blood was brought into the Most Holy Place to make atonement, must be taken outside the camp; and their hides, flesh, and dung must be burned up. The one who burns them must wash his clothes and bathe himself with water, and afterward he may reenter the camp.”The bull and goat whose blood entered the Most Holy Place are burned outside the camp, and the one who burns them must wash.
- Leviticus 6:30 (BSB)“But no sin offering may be eaten if its blood has been brought into the Tent of Meeting to make atonement in the Holy Place; it must be burned.”States that a sin offering whose blood was brought in to make atonement in the Holy Place could not be eaten but must be burned.
- Hebrews 13:11-13 (BSB)“Although the high priest brings the blood of animals into the Holy Place as a sacrifice for sin, the bodies are burned outside the camp. And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate, to sanctify the people by His own blood. Therefore let us go to Him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace He bore.”Says Jesus, like these sacrifices, suffered outside the gate to sanctify the people by His own blood, and calls believers to go out to Him.
- John 19:17 (BSB)“Carrying His own cross, He went out to The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha.”Records Jesus going out, carrying His cross, to Golgotha.
General
Why did the inner sanctuary, the rest of the Tent, and the altar themselves need atonement (16:16, 19)?
Answer: Because Israel's sins and impurity had polluted God's dwelling
Aaron atoned for the inner sanctuary, for the rest of the Tent, and for the altar, because God's dwelling stood in the middle of an unclean and sinful people, and their impurities and rebellion polluted it (16:16). He put blood from both the bull and the goat on the altar's horns and sprinkled it seven times, purifying it and consecrating it, meaning to set it apart as holy again (16:18-19). Exodus likewise required a yearly atonement with sin-offering blood on the incense altar's horns (Exodus 30:10). Under the law almost everything was cleansed with blood (Hebrews 9:22). Hebrews explains that these earthly copies were cleansed with animal blood, but the heavenly realities needed a better sacrifice, which Christ offered when He went into heaven itself for us (Hebrews 9:23-24).
- Leviticus 16:16-19 (BSB)“So he shall make atonement for the Most Holy Place because of the impurities and rebellious acts of the Israelites in regard to all their sins. He is to do the same for the Tent of Meeting which abides among them in the midst of their impurities. No one may be in the Tent of Meeting from the time Aaron goes in to make atonement in the Most Holy Place until he leaves, after he has made atonement for himself, his household, and the whole assembly of Israel. Then he shall go out to the altar that is before the LORD and make atonement for it. He is to take some of the bull’s blood and some of the goat’s blood and put it on all the horns of the altar. He is to sprinkle some of the blood on it with his finger seven times to cleanse it and consecrate it from the uncleanness of the Israelites.”Aaron makes atonement for the Most Holy Place, the Tent of Meeting, and the altar because of Israel's impurities and sins.
- Exodus 30:10 (BSB)“Once a year Aaron shall make atonement on the horns of the altar. Throughout your generations he shall make atonement on it annually with the blood of the sin offering of atonement. The altar is most holy to the LORD.””Requires a yearly atonement with sin-offering blood on the horns of the incense altar, showing that the incense altar also received atonement once a year.
- Hebrews 9:22 (BSB)“According to the law, in fact, nearly everything must be purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”States that under the law almost everything was cleansed with blood, and there is no forgiveness without the shedding of blood.
- Hebrews 9:23-24 (BSB)“So it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ did not enter a man-made copy of the true sanctuary, but He entered heaven itself, now to appear on our behalf in the presence of God.”Explains that the earthly copies were cleansed with these sacrifices, but the heavenly realities by Christ's better sacrifice.
Theological
What rationale does 16:16-19 give for making atonement for the sanctuary and altar themselves?
Answer: Defilement of God's dwelling by Israel's impurities and rebellious deeds
The sanctuary required atonement because the Tent dwelt amid Israel's uncleanness, and the people's impurities and rebellion had contaminated it (16:16); the altar was likewise cleansed and hallowed with blood from both the bull and the goat applied to its horns and sprinkled seven times (16:18-19), much as Exodus 30:10 prescribed annual atonement upon the incense altar's horns. Sin defiles not only the sinner but the place of communion with God, so the whole sphere of fellowship must be purified. This is the principle Hebrews cites: under the law nearly everything was purified with blood (Hebrews 9:22), the earthly copies with animal sacrifices, the heavenly realities with Christ's better sacrifice as He went into heaven itself on our behalf (Hebrews 9:23-24).
- Leviticus 16:16-19 (BSB)“So he shall make atonement for the Most Holy Place because of the impurities and rebellious acts of the Israelites in regard to all their sins. He is to do the same for the Tent of Meeting which abides among them in the midst of their impurities. No one may be in the Tent of Meeting from the time Aaron goes in to make atonement in the Most Holy Place until he leaves, after he has made atonement for himself, his household, and the whole assembly of Israel. Then he shall go out to the altar that is before the LORD and make atonement for it. He is to take some of the bull’s blood and some of the goat’s blood and put it on all the horns of the altar. He is to sprinkle some of the blood on it with his finger seven times to cleanse it and consecrate it from the uncleanness of the Israelites.”Aaron makes atonement for the Most Holy Place, the Tent of Meeting, and the altar because of Israel's impurities and sins.
- Exodus 30:10 (BSB)“Once a year Aaron shall make atonement on the horns of the altar. Throughout your generations he shall make atonement on it annually with the blood of the sin offering of atonement. The altar is most holy to the LORD.””Requires a yearly atonement with sin-offering blood on the horns of the incense altar, showing that the incense altar also received atonement once a year.
- Hebrews 9:22 (BSB)“According to the law, in fact, nearly everything must be purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”States that under the law almost everything was cleansed with blood, and there is no forgiveness without the shedding of blood.
- Hebrews 9:23-24 (BSB)“So it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ did not enter a man-made copy of the true sanctuary, but He entered heaven itself, now to appear on our behalf in the presence of God.”Explains that the earthly copies were cleansed with these sacrifices, but the heavenly realities by Christ's better sacrifice.
General
When was the Day of Atonement to be kept each year, and what were the people to do (16:29, 31)?
Answer: In the seventh month, on day ten, humbling themselves and resting from all work
The day fell in the seventh month, on its tenth day. It was a Sabbath of total rest: no work was allowed, and everyone, both native Israelites and resident foreigners, was to humble themselves (16:29, 31). Leviticus 23 repeats the date and adds that this Sabbath began at evening on the ninth day and lasted until the next evening (Leviticus 23:27, 32). Humbling oneself here was understood to include fasting; Isaiah pairs the two (Isaiah 58:3), and the New Testament simply calls the day the Fast (Acts 27:9). It was a day of sorrow for sin and of resting from work while God Himself provided the atonement.
- Leviticus 16:29 (BSB)“This is to be a permanent statute for you: On the tenth day of the seventh month, you shall humble yourselves and not do any work—whether the native or the foreigner who resides among you—”The day is fixed on the tenth day of the seventh month, with humbling and no work, for native and foreigner alike.
- Leviticus 16:31 (BSB)“It is a Sabbath of complete rest for you, that you may humble yourselves; it is a permanent statute.”The day is a Sabbath of complete rest on which the people humble themselves.
- Leviticus 23:27 (BSB)““The tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. You shall hold a sacred assembly and humble yourselves, and present a food offering to the LORD.”Repeats the date and names it the Day of Atonement.
- Leviticus 23:32 (BSB)“It will be a Sabbath of complete rest for you, and you shall humble yourselves. From the evening of the ninth day of the month until the following evening you are to keep your Sabbath.””Specifies that the Sabbath ran from the evening of the ninth day until the following evening.
- Isaiah 58:3 (BSB)““Why have we fasted, and You have not seen? Why have we humbled ourselves, and You have not noticed?” “Behold, on the day of your fast, you do as you please, and you oppress all your workers.”Pairs fasting and humbling oneself, showing how the humbling was understood.
- Acts 27:9 (BSB)“By now much time had passed, and the voyage had already become dangerous because it was after the Fast. So Paul advised them,”Refers to the Day of Atonement simply as the Fast, showing it was known as a fast day.
Theological
What date and observances does 16:29-31 prescribe for the Day of Atonement?
Answer: Seventh month, tenth day, with self-humbling and cessation from all work
The Day falls on the seventh month's tenth day, a lasting ordinance binding native and resident alien alike, marked by self-humbling and a complete Sabbath rest from labor (16:29, 31). Leviticus 23 confirms the date and defines the Sabbath as running from the ninth day's evening to the following evening (Leviticus 23:27, 32). This humbling of self was understood as fasting, as the pairing in Isaiah 58:3 and the designation of the day as the Fast in Acts 27:9 show. The combination is theologically apt: contrition for sin together with the cessation of all work, while atonement is accomplished for the people rather than by them.
- Leviticus 16:29 (BSB)“This is to be a permanent statute for you: On the tenth day of the seventh month, you shall humble yourselves and not do any work—whether the native or the foreigner who resides among you—”The day is fixed on the tenth day of the seventh month, with humbling and no work, for native and foreigner alike.
- Leviticus 16:31 (BSB)“It is a Sabbath of complete rest for you, that you may humble yourselves; it is a permanent statute.”The day is a Sabbath of complete rest on which the people humble themselves.
- Leviticus 23:27 (BSB)““The tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. You shall hold a sacred assembly and humble yourselves, and present a food offering to the LORD.”Repeats the date and names it the Day of Atonement.
- Leviticus 23:32 (BSB)“It will be a Sabbath of complete rest for you, and you shall humble yourselves. From the evening of the ninth day of the month until the following evening you are to keep your Sabbath.””Specifies that the Sabbath ran from the evening of the ninth day until the following evening.
- Isaiah 58:3 (BSB)““Why have we fasted, and You have not seen? Why have we humbled ourselves, and You have not noticed?” “Behold, on the day of your fast, you do as you please, and you oppress all your workers.”Pairs fasting and humbling oneself, showing how the humbling was understood.
- Acts 27:9 (BSB)“By now much time had passed, and the voyage had already become dangerous because it was after the Fast. So Paul advised them,”Refers to the Day of Atonement simply as the Fast, showing it was known as a fast day.
General
After the live goat was sent away, what did Aaron do next (16:23-24)?
Answer: Took off the linen, bathed, and offered the burnt offerings
Aaron went into the Tent, removed the linen garments, and left them there. He bathed in a sacred place, put on his regular clothes, and then offered the two rams as burnt offerings, one for himself and one for the people, making atonement for both. He also burned the sin offering's fat on the altar (16:23-25). A burnt offering was burned whole on the altar and was accepted on the worshiper's behalf (Leviticus 1:4, 9). It pictures the complete self-giving of Christ, who offered Himself for our sake as a fragrant sacrifice to God (Ephesians 5:2).
- Leviticus 16:23-25 (BSB)“Then Aaron is to enter the Tent of Meeting, take off the linen garments he put on before entering the Most Holy Place, and leave them there. He is to bathe himself with water in a holy place and put on his own clothes. Then he must go out and sacrifice his burnt offering and the people’s burnt offering to make atonement for himself and for the people. He is also to burn the fat of the sin offering on the altar.”Aaron removes the linen garments, bathes, dresses in his own clothes, and offers the burnt offerings and the fat of the sin offering.
- Leviticus 1:4 (BSB)“He is to lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, so it can be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him.”Shows that the burnt offering was accepted on the worshiper's behalf to make atonement.
- Leviticus 1:9 (BSB)“The entrails and legs must be washed with water, and the priest shall burn all of it on the altar as a burnt offering, a food offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.”Shows that the burnt offering was burned entirely on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the LORD.
- Ephesians 5:2 (BSB)“and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God.”Describes Christ giving Himself up for us as a fragrant offering to God.
Theological
What sequence follows once the live goat has been dispatched (16:23-24)?
Answer: Aaron sets aside the linen, bathes, and offers the burnt offerings
Aaron deposits the linen garments in the Tent, bathes in a sacred place, resumes his own garments, and offers the burnt offering for himself and the one for the people, making atonement for both, and burns the sin offering's fat on the altar (16:23-25). The burnt offering, wholly consumed and accepted on the offerer's behalf (Leviticus 1:4, 9), completes the day by expressing total consecration to God on the basis of atonement already made. Its antitype is Christ's entire self-offering, a fragrant sacrifice to God (Ephesians 5:2).
- Leviticus 16:23-25 (BSB)“Then Aaron is to enter the Tent of Meeting, take off the linen garments he put on before entering the Most Holy Place, and leave them there. He is to bathe himself with water in a holy place and put on his own clothes. Then he must go out and sacrifice his burnt offering and the people’s burnt offering to make atonement for himself and for the people. He is also to burn the fat of the sin offering on the altar.”Aaron removes the linen garments, bathes, dresses in his own clothes, and offers the burnt offerings and the fat of the sin offering.
- Leviticus 1:4 (BSB)“He is to lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, so it can be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him.”Shows that the burnt offering was accepted on the worshiper's behalf to make atonement.
- Leviticus 1:9 (BSB)“The entrails and legs must be washed with water, and the priest shall burn all of it on the altar as a burnt offering, a food offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.”Shows that the burnt offering was burned entirely on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the LORD.
- Ephesians 5:2 (BSB)“and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God.”Describes Christ giving Himself up for us as a fragrant offering to God.
General
Who was allowed to be inside the Tent of Meeting while Aaron was atoning within the veil (16:17)?
Answer: No one but Aaron
No one else could remain inside the Tent after Aaron went in, until he came out, having atoned for himself, his family, and all Israel (16:17). The high priest acted alone as mediator between the holy God and the people; only he entered the inner room on this day (Hebrews 9:7). That solitary work points to Jesus, the only go-between for God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5). He alone accomplished the work of atonement, and nobody reaches the Father apart from Him (John 14:6).
- Leviticus 16:17 (BSB)“No one may be in the Tent of Meeting from the time Aaron goes in to make atonement in the Most Holy Place until he leaves, after he has made atonement for himself, his household, and the whole assembly of Israel.”No one else may be in the Tent of Meeting while Aaron makes atonement in the Most Holy Place.
- Hebrews 9:7 (BSB)“But only the high priest entered the second room, and then only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance.”Confirms that only the high priest entered the inner room on this day.
- 1 Timothy 2:5 (BSB)“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,”Teaches that there is one mediator between God and humanity, the man Christ Jesus.
- John 14:6 (BSB)“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”Jesus declares that no one comes to the Father except through Him.
Theological
Who, according to 16:17, may be present within the Tent of Meeting while the high priest atones inside the veil?
Answer: No one besides the high priest
The Tent was to be empty of all but Aaron from his entry until his exit, when he had completed the atonement on behalf of himself, his house, and the entire congregation (16:17). The high priest's solitary ministry, confirmed in Hebrews 9:7, dramatizes the exclusivity of mediation. It is fulfilled in Christ, the sole mediator of God and men (1 Timothy 2:5), who accomplished atonement alone and apart from whom there is no access to the Father (John 14:6).
- Leviticus 16:17 (BSB)“No one may be in the Tent of Meeting from the time Aaron goes in to make atonement in the Most Holy Place until he leaves, after he has made atonement for himself, his household, and the whole assembly of Israel.”No one else may be in the Tent of Meeting while Aaron makes atonement in the Most Holy Place.
- Hebrews 9:7 (BSB)“But only the high priest entered the second room, and then only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance.”Confirms that only the high priest entered the inner room on this day.
- 1 Timothy 2:5 (BSB)“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,”Teaches that there is one mediator between God and humanity, the man Christ Jesus.
- John 14:6 (BSB)“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”Jesus declares that no one comes to the Father except through Him.
General
Why did Aaron put incense on burning coals once he was inside the veil (16:12-13)?
Answer: So smoke would hide the mercy seat, sparing his life
Aaron carried a censer of hot coals taken from the altar, plus two handfuls of fine fragrant incense, behind the veil. When he placed the incense upon the coals, its smoke rose and covered the mercy seat so that he would not die (16:12-13). The mercy seat was where God promised to meet with Moses and speak His commands for Israel (Exodus 25:22), and no one could see God's face and live (Exodus 33:20). Nadab and Abihu had died offering incense in a way God had not commanded (10:1-2); Aaron lived by doing exactly what God said. Through Jesus, our great High Priest, believers can now come confidently to God's throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16).
- Leviticus 16:12-13 (BSB)“Then he must take a censer full of burning coals from the altar before the LORD, and two handfuls of finely ground fragrant incense, and take them inside the veil. He is to put the incense on the fire before the LORD, and the cloud of incense will cover the mercy seat above the Testimony, so that he will not die.”Aaron takes coals and incense behind the veil so the incense cloud covers the mercy seat and he does not die.
- Exodus 33:20 (BSB)“But He added, “You cannot see My face, for no one can see Me and live.””States that no one can see God's face and live.
- Exodus 25:22 (BSB)“And I will meet with you there above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the Testimony; I will speak with you about all that I command you regarding the Israelites.”Identifies the mercy seat as the place where God would meet with Moses and speak.
- Leviticus 10:1-2 (BSB)“Now Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense, and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to His command. So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died in the presence of the LORD.”Shows the fatal result of offering incense in a way God had not commanded.
- Hebrews 4:16 (BSB)“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”Shows that through Christ believers now come confidently to God's throne of grace.
Theological
What is the stated purpose of the incense Aaron burns within the veil (16:12-13)?
Answer: To veil the mercy seat in smoke so that he would not die
Aaron brings altar coals and finely ground incense within the veil, and the resulting cloud envelops the mercy seat, preserving his life (16:12-13). The mercy seat is where God promised to meet with Moses and speak His commands for Israel (Exodus 25:22), and unmediated sight of God is fatal to any human being (Exodus 33:20). The contrast with Nadab and Abihu, who perished with unauthorized incense (10:1-2), is deliberate: access is granted only on God's terms. In Christ those terms are fully met, so believers come boldly before God's throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16).
- Leviticus 16:12-13 (BSB)“Then he must take a censer full of burning coals from the altar before the LORD, and two handfuls of finely ground fragrant incense, and take them inside the veil. He is to put the incense on the fire before the LORD, and the cloud of incense will cover the mercy seat above the Testimony, so that he will not die.”Aaron takes coals and incense behind the veil so the incense cloud covers the mercy seat and he does not die.
- Exodus 33:20 (BSB)“But He added, “You cannot see My face, for no one can see Me and live.””States that no one can see God's face and live.
- Exodus 25:22 (BSB)“And I will meet with you there above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the Testimony; I will speak with you about all that I command you regarding the Israelites.”Identifies the mercy seat as the place where God would meet with Moses and speak.
- Leviticus 10:1-2 (BSB)“Now Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense, and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to His command. So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died in the presence of the LORD.”Shows the fatal result of offering incense in a way God had not commanded.
- Hebrews 4:16 (BSB)“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”Shows that through Christ believers now come confidently to God's throne of grace.
General
According to 16:1, when did the LORD give Moses the instructions for the Day of Atonement?
Answer: After Nadab and Abihu, Aaron's sons, were struck dead before the LORD
Chapter 16 opens by tying these instructions to the death of Nadab and Abihu, the two sons of Aaron who had brought fire the LORD had not commanded and were consumed by fire from His presence (10:1-2). Their deaths showed that the holy God cannot be approached carelessly or on human terms, because He will display His holiness among all who draw close to Him (10:3). The Day of Atonement laws answer the question their deaths raised: how can sinful priests and a sinful people come near a holy God and live? God Himself lays out the only way. The New Testament gives believers the same call to worship Him reverently and with awe, because He is a fire that consumes (Hebrews 12:28-29).
- Leviticus 16:1 (BSB)“Now the LORD spoke to Moses after the death of two of Aaron’s sons when they approached the presence of the LORD.”The chapter's instructions are dated to the aftermath of the death of Aaron's two sons.
- Leviticus 10:1-2 (BSB)“Now Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense, and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to His command. So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died in the presence of the LORD.”Records how Nadab and Abihu died for offering fire the LORD had not commanded, the event 16:1 looks back to.
- Leviticus 10:3 (BSB)“Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the LORD meant when He said: ‘To those who come near Me I will show My holiness, and in the sight of all the people I will reveal My glory.’” But Aaron remained silent.”Gives God's own explanation of their deaths: He will show His holiness among those who come near Him.
- Hebrews 12:28-29 (BSB)“Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. “For our God is a consuming fire.””Carries the same lesson into the new covenant, calling believers to worship with reverence because God is a consuming fire.
Theological
Leviticus 16:1 situates the Day of Atonement legislation chronologically after which event?
Answer: The deaths of Nadab and Abihu when they drew near before the LORD
The chapter is explicitly framed by the death of Nadab and Abihu, who offered unauthorized fire and were consumed by fire from the LORD's presence (16:1; 10:1-2). That judgment enacted the principle of 10:3: the LORD will show Himself holy among those who approach Him. Leviticus 16 is God's answer to the crisis of access it exposed, prescribing the only divinely authorized means by which a sinful priesthood and people may draw near to the holy God and live. The same reverence governs new-covenant worship, since our God remains a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:28-29).
- Leviticus 16:1 (BSB)“Now the LORD spoke to Moses after the death of two of Aaron’s sons when they approached the presence of the LORD.”The chapter's instructions are dated to the aftermath of the death of Aaron's two sons.
- Leviticus 10:1-2 (BSB)“Now Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense, and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to His command. So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died in the presence of the LORD.”Records how Nadab and Abihu died for offering fire the LORD had not commanded, the event 16:1 looks back to.
- Leviticus 10:3 (BSB)“Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the LORD meant when He said: ‘To those who come near Me I will show My holiness, and in the sight of all the people I will reveal My glory.’” But Aaron remained silent.”Gives God's own explanation of their deaths: He will show His holiness among those who come near Him.
- Hebrews 12:28-29 (BSB)“Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. “For our God is a consuming fire.””Carries the same lesson into the new covenant, calling believers to worship with reverence because God is a consuming fire.
General
What was Aaron to do and wear before going in on this day (16:4)?
Answer: Bathe, then put on plain linen holy garments
For this day Aaron did not put on the colorful, jeweled high-priestly garments described in Exodus 28. Instead he bathed with water and dressed in simple holy garments of linen: a tunic, undergarments, a sash, and a turban (16:4). Holy here means set apart for God. The linen undergarments were required whenever priests ministered, lest they become guilty and die (Exodus 28:43), and washing had marked Aaron's ordination from the start (Leviticus 8:6). Even the high priest could not come before God as he was; he had to be cleansed and properly clothed. Through Christ, believers now come near to God with hearts made clean and with bodies washed clean (Hebrews 10:22).
- Leviticus 16:4 (BSB)“He is to wear the sacred linen tunic, with linen undergarments. He must tie a linen sash around him and put on the linen turban. These are holy garments, and he must bathe himself with water before he wears them.”Aaron must bathe and put on the plain linen holy garments before entering.
- Exodus 28:43 (BSB)“Aaron and his sons must wear them whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar to minister in the Holy Place, so that they will not incur guilt and die. This is to be a permanent statute for Aaron and his descendants.”Shows that the priests' linen undergarments were required whenever they ministered, so that they would not incur guilt and die.
- Leviticus 8:6 (BSB)“Then Moses presented Aaron and his sons and washed them with water.”Shows that washing with water was already part of how Aaron was set apart for priestly service.
- Hebrews 10:22 (BSB)“let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”Applies the imagery of washing to believers, who draw near to God with cleansed hearts and washed bodies through Christ.
Theological
What does 16:4 prescribe for Aaron's preparation and vesture on the Day of Atonement?
Answer: Bathing, then plain linen holy garments
On this day Aaron set aside the ornate vestments of Exodus 28 and, after bathing, wore only the linen tunic, undergarments, sash, and turban designated as holy garments (16:4). Proper vesture, including the linen undergarments, was a condition of priestly ministry, lest the priest bear guilt and die (Exodus 28:43), and ablution had marked his consecration from the outset (Leviticus 8:6). The requirement underlines that even the mediator had to be cleansed and rightly clothed before approaching the divine presence. In Christ, believers draw near with hearts sprinkled clean and with bodies washed clean (Hebrews 10:22).
- Leviticus 16:4 (BSB)“He is to wear the sacred linen tunic, with linen undergarments. He must tie a linen sash around him and put on the linen turban. These are holy garments, and he must bathe himself with water before he wears them.”Aaron must bathe and put on the plain linen holy garments before entering.
- Exodus 28:43 (BSB)“Aaron and his sons must wear them whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar to minister in the Holy Place, so that they will not incur guilt and die. This is to be a permanent statute for Aaron and his descendants.”Shows that the priests' linen undergarments were required whenever they ministered, so that they would not incur guilt and die.
- Leviticus 8:6 (BSB)“Then Moses presented Aaron and his sons and washed them with water.”Shows that washing with water was already part of how Aaron was set apart for priestly service.
- Hebrews 10:22 (BSB)“let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”Applies the imagery of washing to believers, who draw near to God with cleansed hearts and washed bodies through Christ.
General
What did Aaron do with the live goat (16:21-22)?
Answer: Confessed Israel's sins over it and had it led off to the wilderness
After cleansing the sanctuary, Aaron pressed both his hands on the live goat's head and confessed over it all of Israel's wrongdoing and rebellion, placing their sins on the goat. A man chosen for the task then led it out, and it carried their sins away to a remote place (16:20-22). The first goat's death showed that sin must be paid for by a life; the second showed that sin, once atoned for, is taken away and gone. Together, the two goats of the people's sin offering (16:5) picture Christ's work. The LORD laid on Him the sins of us all (Isaiah 53:6), He carried our sin, in His own body, on the cross (1 Peter 2:24), and God removes our transgressions as far as east is distant from west (Psalm 103:12). John the Baptist pointed to Jesus as God's Lamb who removes the world's sin (John 1:29).
- Leviticus 16:20-22 (BSB)“When Aaron has finished purifying the Most Holy Place, the Tent of Meeting, and the altar, he is to bring forward the live goat. Then he is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the iniquities and rebellious acts of the Israelites in regard to all their sins. He is to put them on the goat’s head and send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a man appointed for the task. The goat will carry on itself all their iniquities into a solitary place, and the man will release it into the wilderness.”Aaron places both hands upon the live goat, confesses Israel's sins over it, and sends it into the wilderness carrying them away.
- Isaiah 53:6 (BSB)“We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all.”Says the LORD laid on His Servant the iniquity of us all.
- 1 Peter 2:24 (BSB)“He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. “By His stripes you are healed.””Says Christ bore our sins in His body on the cross.
- Psalm 103:12 (BSB)“As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”Pictures God removing His people's transgressions as far as east is from west.
- John 1:29 (BSB)“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
Theological
What rite does Aaron perform with the live goat (16:21-22)?
Answer: He confesses Israel's sins over it and has it led off to the wilderness
Aaron places both hands upon the live goat, confesses over it all Israel's iniquities and rebellion, the whole of their sins, puts them on its head, and sends it by an appointed man into the wilderness, where it bears them away to a remote place (16:20-22). The imposition of hands with confession signifies the transfer of guilt to a substitute; together with the slain goat (both goats being designated as the people's sin offering, 16:5), it presents both the expiation of sin by death and its complete removal. The fulfillment is Christ, on whom the LORD laid our iniquity (Isaiah 53:6) and who carried our sin in His own body on the cross (1 Peter 2:24), so that our transgressions are removed as far as east from west (Psalm 103:12). He is God's Lamb who takes sin away (John 1:29).
- Leviticus 16:20-22 (BSB)“When Aaron has finished purifying the Most Holy Place, the Tent of Meeting, and the altar, he is to bring forward the live goat. Then he is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the iniquities and rebellious acts of the Israelites in regard to all their sins. He is to put them on the goat’s head and send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a man appointed for the task. The goat will carry on itself all their iniquities into a solitary place, and the man will release it into the wilderness.”Aaron places both hands upon the live goat, confesses Israel's sins over it, and sends it into the wilderness carrying them away.
- Isaiah 53:6 (BSB)“We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all.”Says the LORD laid on His Servant the iniquity of us all.
- 1 Peter 2:24 (BSB)“He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. “By His stripes you are healed.””Says Christ bore our sins in His body on the cross.
- Psalm 103:12 (BSB)“As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”Pictures God removing His people's transgressions as far as east is from west.
- John 1:29 (BSB)“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
General
How was it decided which of the two goats would be sacrificed and which would be sent away (16:8-10)?
Answer: Aaron cast lots over them
Both goats were presented before the LORD by the Tent entrance, and Aaron cast lots: one goat fell to the LORD and was killed as the sin offering, while the other was kept alive to be sent into the wilderness (16:7-10). Casting lots left the choice with God, since every decision of the lot comes from Him (Proverbs 16:33; compare Acts 1:24-26). The BSB calls the second goat the scapegoat. The Hebrew word behind that name, Azazel, is uncertain in meaning; interpreters have understood it as the name of a remote place, as the name of an evil spirit of the wilderness, or as a description of the goat that goes away. Readings differ, but the chapter's own emphasis is clear: this goat carried Israel's sins far away (16:21-22).
- Leviticus 16:7-10 (BSB)“Then he shall take the two goats and present them before the LORD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. After Aaron casts lots for the two goats, one for the LORD and the other for the scapegoat, he shall present the goat chosen by lot for the LORD and sacrifice it as a sin offering. But the goat chosen by lot as the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the LORD to make atonement by sending it into the wilderness as the scapegoat.”Aaron presents both goats and casts lots, one for the LORD as a sin offering and one kept alive to be sent into the wilderness.
- Proverbs 16:33 (BSB)“The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.”Teaches that every decision of a cast lot comes from the LORD.
- Acts 1:24-26 (BSB)“And they prayed, “Lord, You know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two You have chosen to take up this ministry and apostleship, which Judas abandoned to go to his rightful place.” Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias. So he was added to the eleven apostles.”Shows lots being cast so that God would reveal His own choice.
Theological
By what means were the two goats assigned their roles in 16:8-10?
Answer: By lot, cast by Aaron
Both goats were presented to the LORD, and Aaron cast lots, assigning one to the LORD and one to be dispatched alive; the first became a sin offering, the second was presented alive to effect atonement by being sent into the wilderness (16:7-10). The lot placed the assignment in God's hands (Proverbs 16:33; compare Acts 1:24-26). The Hebrew term rendered scapegoat in the BSB is Azazel, whose meaning is disputed: it has been taken as a place name, as the name of a wilderness spirit, or as a descriptive term for the departing goat. Interpretations differ, while the chapter's own focus remains on the goat's removal of Israel's iniquities (16:21-22).
- Leviticus 16:7-10 (BSB)“Then he shall take the two goats and present them before the LORD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. After Aaron casts lots for the two goats, one for the LORD and the other for the scapegoat, he shall present the goat chosen by lot for the LORD and sacrifice it as a sin offering. But the goat chosen by lot as the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the LORD to make atonement by sending it into the wilderness as the scapegoat.”Aaron presents both goats and casts lots, one for the LORD as a sin offering and one kept alive to be sent into the wilderness.
- Proverbs 16:33 (BSB)“The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.”Teaches that every decision of a cast lot comes from the LORD.
- Acts 1:24-26 (BSB)“And they prayed, “Lord, You know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two You have chosen to take up this ministry and apostleship, which Judas abandoned to go to his rightful place.” Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias. So he was added to the eleven apostles.”Shows lots being cast so that God would reveal His own choice.
General
True or False: According to 16:30, the purpose of this day was that Israel would be made clean of every one of their sins in the LORD's sight.
Answer: True
This is true. The day's rites were given so that atonement would be made for the people, cleansing them so that they stood clean before the LORD from all their sins (16:30). God truly granted this cleansing within His covenant with Israel. Yet the ceremony had to be repeated every year, and Hebrews explains that the yearly repetition was a reminder of sins, since animal blood, such as that of bulls or goats, could never finally remove sin (Hebrews 10:1-4). What the Day of Atonement pictured, Christ accomplished: by one offering He has permanently perfected those He is making holy (Hebrews 10:14), and where sins are forgiven no further sin offering is needed (Hebrews 10:17-18). Israelites who trusted God's promise were forgiven through faith, since God patiently passed over their sins with Christ's coming sacrifice in view (Romans 3:25).
- Leviticus 16:30 (BSB)“because on this day atonement will be made for you to cleanse you, and you will be clean from all your sins before the LORD.”The purpose of the day: atonement to cleanse Israel so they are clean from all their sins before the LORD.
- Hebrews 10:1-4 (BSB)“For the law is only a shadow of the good things to come, not the realities themselves. It can never, by the same sacrifices offered year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. If it could, would not the offerings have ceased? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt the guilt of their sins. Instead, those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins, because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.”Explains that the yearly repetition of these sacrifices was a reminder of sins, since animal blood could not take sins away.
- Hebrews 10:14 (BSB)“because by a single offering He has made perfect for all time those who are being sanctified.”States that Christ by one offering has made perfect for all time those being sanctified.
- Hebrews 10:17-18 (BSB)“Then He adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.” And where these have been forgiven, an offering for sin is no longer needed.”Shows that where sins are forgiven, no further offering for sin is needed.
- Romans 3:25 (BSB)“God presented Him as an atoning sacrifice in His blood through faith, in order to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand.”Shows God in His forbearance passed over sins committed beforehand, in view of Christ's sacrifice.
Theological
True or False: Leviticus 16:30 states that the purpose of the Day of Atonement was to cleanse Israel from all their sins in the LORD's presence.
Answer: True
This is true. The day's purpose is that atonement be made to cleanse the people, so that they are clean before the LORD from all their sins (16:30), a real covenantal cleansing God granted through His appointed rite. Its annual repetition, however, testified that it was a shadow: the sacrifices were a yearly reminder of sins, since animal blood cannot take sins away (Hebrews 10:1-4). The substance is Christ, whose single offering has permanently perfected those being sanctified (Hebrews 10:14), so that, where forgiveness has been granted, no further offering remains (Hebrews 10:17-18). Old covenant believers were forgiven by faith, God in His forbearance passing over former sins in view of the propitiation to come (Romans 3:25).
- Leviticus 16:30 (BSB)“because on this day atonement will be made for you to cleanse you, and you will be clean from all your sins before the LORD.”The purpose of the day: atonement to cleanse Israel so they are clean from all their sins before the LORD.
- Hebrews 10:1-4 (BSB)“For the law is only a shadow of the good things to come, not the realities themselves. It can never, by the same sacrifices offered year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. If it could, would not the offerings have ceased? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt the guilt of their sins. Instead, those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins, because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.”Explains that the yearly repetition of these sacrifices was a reminder of sins, since animal blood could not take sins away.
- Hebrews 10:14 (BSB)“because by a single offering He has made perfect for all time those who are being sanctified.”States that Christ by one offering has made perfect for all time those being sanctified.
- Hebrews 10:17-18 (BSB)“Then He adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.” And where these have been forgiven, an offering for sin is no longer needed.”Shows that where sins are forgiven, no further offering for sin is needed.
- Romans 3:25 (BSB)“God presented Him as an atoning sacrifice in His blood through faith, in order to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand.”Shows God in His forbearance passed over sins committed beforehand, in view of Christ's sacrifice.
General
True or False: Aaron was free to pass through the veil into the inner room, the Most Holy Place, at any time he chose.
Answer: False
This is false. God told Moses to warn Aaron not to come freely within the Most Holy Place, or he would die, because the LORD appeared there in a cloud over the mercy seat, the gold cover on the ark of the covenant (16:2). Aaron could go in only on this one day of the year, and only with blood (16:34; Hebrews 9:7). Hebrews says this barrier was the Holy Spirit's way of showing that the road into God's presence was still closed (Hebrews 9:8). When Jesus died, the temple curtain was torn from the top down (Matthew 27:51), and now believers may boldly come near to God by His blood, by a new, living path opened through His own body (Hebrews 10:19-20).
- Leviticus 16:2 (BSB)“And the LORD said to Moses: “Tell your brother Aaron not to enter freely into the Most Holy Place behind the veil in front of the mercy seat on the ark, or else he will die, because I appear in the cloud above the mercy seat.”God warns that Aaron may not come into the Most Holy Place freely, because the LORD appears there above the mercy seat.
- Hebrews 9:7 (BSB)“But only the high priest entered the second room, and then only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance.”Confirms that only the high priest entered the inner room, only once a year, and never without blood.
- Hebrews 9:8 (BSB)“By this arrangement the Holy Spirit was showing that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still standing.”Explains that this restriction showed the way into God's presence had not yet been opened.
- Matthew 27:51 (BSB)“At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked, and the rocks were split.”Records the veil of the temple torn from top to bottom at the moment of Jesus' death.
- Hebrews 10:19-20 (BSB)“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way opened for us through the curtain of His body,”States that believers now have confidence to enter God's presence through the blood of Jesus, by a way opened through His body.
Theological
True or False: Leviticus 16:2 permits Aaron to go within the Most Holy Place at his own discretion, provided he is properly vested.
Answer: False
This is false. Aaron is forbidden free access within the Most Holy Place, on pain of death, because the LORD appears in a cloud over the mercy seat (16:2); entry is restricted to the single annual rite with blood (16:34; Hebrews 9:7). Hebrews reads this restriction as the Spirit's testimony that access to the true sanctuary was not yet disclosed while the first tabernacle stood (Hebrews 9:8). The rending of the temple veil at Christ's death (Matthew 27:51) signals that the barrier has been removed, so that believers now draw near with boldness by His blood, by the new, living way opened through His body (Hebrews 10:19-20).
- Leviticus 16:2 (BSB)“And the LORD said to Moses: “Tell your brother Aaron not to enter freely into the Most Holy Place behind the veil in front of the mercy seat on the ark, or else he will die, because I appear in the cloud above the mercy seat.”God warns that Aaron may not come into the Most Holy Place freely, because the LORD appears there above the mercy seat.
- Hebrews 9:7 (BSB)“But only the high priest entered the second room, and then only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance.”Confirms that only the high priest entered the inner room, only once a year, and never without blood.
- Hebrews 9:8 (BSB)“By this arrangement the Holy Spirit was showing that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still standing.”Explains that this restriction showed the way into God's presence had not yet been opened.
- Matthew 27:51 (BSB)“At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked, and the rocks were split.”Records the veil of the temple torn from top to bottom at the moment of Jesus' death.
- Hebrews 10:19-20 (BSB)“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way opened for us through the curtain of His body,”States that believers now have confidence to enter God's presence through the blood of Jesus, by a way opened through His body.
General
How often was this atonement to be made, and for whom (16:33-34)?
Answer: Once each year, for the sanctuary, the priests, and the entire congregation of Israel
The high priest was to atone for the inner sanctuary, Tent, and altar, and also on behalf of the priests together with the entire assembly. This lasting statute was to be kept once every year, for all the sins of Israel. The chapter ends by noting that all of it was carried out as God had commanded Moses (16:33-34). Two contrasts point to Christ. First, the high priest came back year after year, but Christ does not offer Himself repeatedly; He came once for all to abolish sin by sacrificing Himself (Hebrews 9:25-26). Second, the day's atonement was made for a defined people, the covenant assembly of Israel. This pattern illustrates Christ's own work: He was sacrificed a single time to carry many people's sins (Hebrews 9:28). He came to rescue His own people from sin (Matthew 1:21), and He is the good shepherd who gives His life for His sheep (John 10:11). This illustrates definite atonement, meaning that Christ's death was aimed at and secures the salvation of His people.
- Leviticus 16:33-34 (BSB)“and make atonement for the Most Holy Place, the Tent of Meeting, and the altar, and for the priests and all the people of the assembly. This is to be a permanent statute for you, to make atonement once a year for the Israelites because of all their sins.” And all this was done as the LORD had commanded Moses.”Atonement is made for the sanctuary, priests, and people once a year, and all is done as the LORD commanded.
- Hebrews 9:25-26 (BSB)“Nor did He enter heaven to offer Himself again and again, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. Otherwise, Christ would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But now He has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself.”Contrasts the high priest's yearly entry with Christ's single sacrifice, offered once for all to do away with sin.
- Hebrews 9:28 (BSB)“so also Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await Him.”States that Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many.
- Matthew 1:21 (BSB)“She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.””Says Jesus came to save His people from their sins.
- John 10:11 (BSB)“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”Jesus, the good shepherd, lays down His life for the sheep.
Theological
What frequency and scope of atonement does 16:33-34 establish?
Answer: Annually, for the sanctuary, the priesthood, and the whole congregation of Israel
The atonement covers the sanctuary, Tent, and altar, and the priests together with the whole people of the congregation; it is a lasting ordinance to be performed once annually for Israel's sins, and the chapter closes by recording obedience to the LORD's command given through Moses (16:33-34). The annual repetition contrasts with Christ, who does not offer Himself repeatedly but has appeared once at the climax of history to abolish sin by His sacrifice (Hebrews 9:25-26). The bounded scope of the day, a specific covenant people, likewise illustrates the definite, particular character of Christ's atonement: He was sacrificed a single time to carry many people's sins (Hebrews 9:28), came to rescue His own people from sin (Matthew 1:21), and gives His life for His sheep (John 10:11).
- Leviticus 16:33-34 (BSB)“and make atonement for the Most Holy Place, the Tent of Meeting, and the altar, and for the priests and all the people of the assembly. This is to be a permanent statute for you, to make atonement once a year for the Israelites because of all their sins.” And all this was done as the LORD had commanded Moses.”Atonement is made for the sanctuary, priests, and people once a year, and all is done as the LORD commanded.
- Hebrews 9:25-26 (BSB)“Nor did He enter heaven to offer Himself again and again, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. Otherwise, Christ would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But now He has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself.”Contrasts the high priest's yearly entry with Christ's single sacrifice, offered once for all to do away with sin.
- Hebrews 9:28 (BSB)“so also Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await Him.”States that Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many.
- Matthew 1:21 (BSB)“She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.””Says Jesus came to save His people from their sins.
- John 10:11 (BSB)“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”Jesus, the good shepherd, lays down His life for the sheep.