After the death of Aaron’s sons and following the completion of the tabernacle, in a chapter describing what God intended to take place on the Day of Atonement, the term Azazel is used in some translations to designate one of the two goats taken from among the sons of Israel as a sin offering (Lev. 16:5, 11). It is otherwise referred to as “the scapegoat” or, literally, “the goat of removal” (vs. 10).
When Aaron had finished offering a bull for a sin offering for himself and his household, he was commanded to take these two aforementioned goats and present them before the Lord at the doorway to the tent of meeting (Lev. 16:6-7). Lots would be cast to determine which goat would become the sin offering and which would be presented alive before the Lord as the scapegoat (vss. 8-10). Following the slaughter of the goat designated as an offering for the sins of the people, Aaron was commanded to lay both of his hands on the head of the live goat, confessing all the sins of the people. Then, the goat would be sent away into the wilderness to a solitary place symbolizing the complete removal of the people’s sins (vss. 21-22).
So much of this reminds us of Christ’s sacrifice for our sins. The writer of Hebrews says, “it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” (Heb. 10:4). A greater, more perfect sacrifice is needed. John the Baptist correctly identified this sacrifice as Jesus, saying, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (Jn. 1:29). As predicted 700 years previously, all our iniquities were laid upon Him (Isa. 53:6). Our loving Father “made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf” (2 Cor. 5:21). He is the satisfactory sacrifice for our sins and for the sins of the world (1 Jn. 2:2). In response to our obedient faith, He carries our sins far, far away. In the words of David, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us” (Psa. 103:12). Let us always remember the precious blood of the covenant by which we have been forgiven.
Glen Elliott