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Book of Leviticus - Chapter 16 - Verse 7

16:7
And he shall take the two goats, and present them before the LORD at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

Meaning

In this verse from Leviticus, the process of atonement for the sins of the Israelites is described. The high priest is instructed to take two goats and present them before the Lord at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. One goat is chosen to be sacrificed as a sin offering to make atonement for the people, symbolizing the shedding of blood to cover their sins. The other goat, known as the scapegoat, is chosen to bear the sins of the people and is sent into the wilderness, symbolizing the removal of their sins from the community. This ritual was a significant part of the Day of Atonement, a holy day in the Jewish calendar when the people sought forgiveness and cleansing from their sins. The selection of the goats and their presentation before the Lord was a solemn and sacred act, demonstrating the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance and forgiveness.

Theological Overview

In the verse 'And he shall take the two goats, and present them before the LORD at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.', there is a deeper theological interpretation about the symbolism behind the two goats. This verse is found in the book of Leviticus and it pertains to the Day of Atonement ritual. One goat was chosen to be sacrificed as a sin offering, symbolizing the shedding of blood for the forgiveness of sins. The other goat, known as the scapegoat, would have the sins of the people ceremonially placed upon it before being sent into the wilderness, symbolizing the removal of sins and the atonement for the people's transgressions. This ritual foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who became the sacrificial Lamb of God to atone for the sins of humanity once and for all.

American Standard Version

And he shall take the two goats, and set them before Jehovah at the door of the tent of meeting.
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