Leviticus 16
Leviticus 16 Excerpt The Day of Atonement ritual required two goats which were used to bring atonement for the people’s sins. The high priest would cast lots to determine which would go to God and which would go to “Azazel.” He would then sacrifice the goat assigned as God’s goat as a sin offering. Azazel’s goat is sent off into the wilderness to make purification. The exact meaning of the term “Azazel” is unknown; it may refer to a wilderness demon, a rocky cliff, or a goat bringing destruction. Essentially, Azazel’s goat was a scapegoat which departed into the desert and removed or carried away the sins of the people. Leviticus 16:11–18 tells how the high priest is to sacrifice the bull to atone for his sins, then how to sacrifice the goat for the people’s sin offering. … More Butler, Trent C. “Day of Atonement.” Ed. John D. Barry et al. The Lexham Bible Dictionary 2012, 2013, 2014 : n. pag. Print.