Leviticus 16

Chapter Summary

Leviticus 16 describes the ritual of the Day of Atonement, which was to be observed once a year. The high priest, Aaron, was to enter the Most Holy Place to make atonement for the sins of the people, first for himself and then for the nation. He was to take two goats, one for the Lord and one for Azazel, and a bull for a sin offering. The goat for Azazel was to be sent into the wilderness, symbolizing the removal of sin from the community. The chapter highlights the gravity of sin, the need for atonement, and the importance of purification and consecration. Key verses, such as Leviticus 16:20-22, emphasize the transfer of sin to the scapegoat, which was then banished, illustrating the concept of substitutionary atonement.

Context for the Chapter

Leviticus 16 is situated in the larger narrative of the book of Leviticus, which focuses on the priestly code and the regulations for worship and sacrifice. This chapter follows the instructions for the consecration of the priests and the establishment of the sacrificial system, emphasizing the need for atonement and purification. The Day of Atonement ritual is a culmination of the themes of sin, guilt, and reconciliation that permeate the book of Leviticus. The chapter also looks forward to the prophetic promises of a new covenant and the ultimate atonement to be made by the Messiah, as seen in Jeremiah 31:31-34 and Hebrews 8:8-12.

Heart Application

As believers, we are called to reflect on the gravity of sin and the necessity of atonement, recognizing that our sins have been borne by Christ, the ultimate High Priest and Scapegoat. We should approach God with reverence and humility, acknowledging our need for purification and consecration, as seen in Leviticus 16:30. By understanding the significance of the Day of Atonement, we can deepen our appreciation for the sacrifice of Christ and the gift of salvation.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter explains the Day of Atonement, a special ceremony where the high priest made sacrifices to cleanse the people from their sins. The ceremony involved two goats, one for the Lord and one to be sent into the wilderness, symbolizing the removal of sin. The high priest also made sacrifices for himself and the people, highlighting the importance of atonement and purification, as seen in Leviticus 16:6 and Leviticus 16:30.

Voices from the Church

“The scapegoat was a type of our Lord Jesus Christ, who bore the sins of many, and was sent away into the wilderness of forgetfulness, that we might be cleansed from all our iniquities.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The high priest, by entering the Most Holy Place, performed a sacrament of the reconciliation which was to be fulfilled in Christ, who entered the heavenly sanctuary to make atonement for our sins.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Preparation for the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:1-5) — The chapter begins with instructions for the high priest's preparation, including the use of sacred garments and the sacrifice of a bull for himself and his household.
2. The Ceremony of the Two Goats (Leviticus 16:6-10) — The high priest casts lots for the two goats, one for the Lord and one for Azazel, illustrating the concept of substitutionary atonement.
3. The Scapegoat and the Removal of Sin (Leviticus 16:20-22) — The goat for Azazel is sent into the wilderness, symbolizing the removal of sin from the community, as described in Leviticus 16:21-22.
4. The High Priest's Entry into the Most Holy Place (Leviticus 16:11-14) — The high priest enters the Most Holy Place to make atonement for the sins of the people, using the blood of the bull and the goat for the Lord.
5. Concluding Rituals and Instructions (Leviticus 16:23-34) — The chapter concludes with instructions for the high priest's exit from the Most Holy Place, the burning of the fat of the sin offering, and the observance of the Day of Atonement as a permanent statute.

Core Doctrines

Atonement

This chapter teaches that atonement is necessary for the forgiveness of sins and that it is achieved through sacrifice, as seen in Leviticus 16:6 and Leviticus 16:17.

Substitutionary Atonement

The scapegoat, which bears the sins of the people, is a powerful symbol of substitutionary atonement, where one bears the punishment for the sins of others, as described in Leviticus 16:20-22.

Purification

The chapter emphasizes the importance of purification and consecration for maintaining a right relationship with God, as seen in Leviticus 16:19 and Leviticus 16:30.

Priestly Mediation

The high priest's role in mediating between God and the people highlights the importance of priestly intercession, as seen in Leviticus 16:6-10 and Leviticus 16:17.

Lessons from Leviticus 16

1. The Gravity of Sin — The chapter teaches us that sin is a serious offense against God, requiring atonement and purification, as seen in Leviticus 16:3-5 and Leviticus 16:20-22.
2. The Importance of Atonement — Atonement is necessary for the forgiveness of sins, and it is achieved through sacrifice, as seen in Leviticus 16:6 and Leviticus 16:17.
3. The Role of the High Priest — The high priest's role in mediating between God and the people highlights the importance of priestly intercession, as seen in Leviticus 16:6-10 and Leviticus 16:17.
4. The Symbolism of the Scapegoat — The scapegoat is a powerful symbol of substitutionary atonement, where one bears the punishment for the sins of others, as described in Leviticus 16:20-22.
5. The Necessity of Purification — The chapter emphasizes the importance of purification and consecration for maintaining a right relationship with God, as seen in Leviticus 16:19 and Leviticus 16:30.

Themes from Leviticus 16

1. Atonement and Forgiveness — The chapter teaches us that atonement is necessary for the forgiveness of sins, and that it is achieved through sacrifice, as seen in Leviticus 16:6 and Leviticus 16:17.
2. Purification and Consecration — The chapter emphasizes the importance of purification and consecration for maintaining a right relationship with God, as seen in Leviticus 16:19 and Leviticus 16:30.
3. Substitutionary Atonement — The scapegoat is a powerful symbol of substitutionary atonement, where one bears the punishment for the sins of others, as described in Leviticus 16:20-22.
4. Priestly Mediation — The high priest's role in mediating between God and the people highlights the importance of priestly intercession, as seen in Leviticus 16:6-10 and Leviticus 16:17.
5. The Gravity of Sin — The chapter teaches us that sin is a serious offense against God, requiring atonement and purification, as seen in Leviticus 16:3-5 and Leviticus 16:20-22.

Questions for Meditation

1. What does the Day of Atonement ritual teach us about the nature of sin and the need for atonement?
2. How does the ceremony of the two goats illustrate the concept of substitutionary atonement?
3. What is the significance of the high priest's entry into the Most Holy Place, and how does it relate to Christ's work as our High Priest?
4. In what ways can we apply the principles of purification and consecration to our own lives as believers?
5. How does the scapegoat symbolize the removal of sin, and what does this teach us about God's desire to forgive and restore His people?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Leviticus 16

	Sermon	Description
	Immersed in the Holy Spirit - Part 2 by Derek Prince	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on their personal experience in the Sinaiya Desert and how the Lord provided for them through a cloud. The cloud not only protected them from t
	Exceeding Sinfulness of Sin by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the concept of sowing and reaping, using biblical examples such as David's sins and their consequences. He highlights the idea that what we
	The Glory of God - Part 3 by David Platt	This sermon challenges believers to risk it all for the glory of Christ among those who have not heard His name, emphasizing the urgency of sharing the Gospel with the lost. It hig
	An Introduction to the Day of Atonement by Ron Bailey	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the tragedy that occurred in one of the leading families of the Israelites right at the beginning of their journey as a nation of priests. T
	The Arm of the Lord - Part 2 by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking God's verdict on our lives rather than relying on the opinions of others or our own judgments. He encourages listen
	(Following the Footsteps of Christ) the Atonement by Willie Mullan	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the identity of Jesus Christ as the man who came to save humanity. He highlights how Jesus willingly took on the form of a servant and sacri
	In Our Time of Need by J. Glyn Owen	The sermon transcript is focused on the concept of Jesus as the great high priest. The speaker emphasizes that in the past, God spoke to people through prophets, but in the present
	Tokens of His Compassion - Part 7 by Leonard Ravenhill	This sermon reflects on the deep love of Jesus, contrasting it with the harsh language towards those who misrepresented God. It emphasizes the unique love Jesus had for sinners and
	The Day of Atonement by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the significance of the Day of Atonement, also known as Yom Kippur, in the Old Testament. He explains the ritual of the scapegoat, wher
	K-510 Priestly Ministry by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker expresses his inability to fully comprehend and explain the significance of the chapter he is about to read. He emphasizes the importance of preserving

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Leviticus 16

Matthew Henry's commentary on Leviticus 16 emphasizes the importance of the Day of Atonement ritual, which was a solemn and sacred ceremony that cleansed the Israelites from their sins. The chapter teaches us that sin is a serious offense against God, requiring atonement and purification, and that the high priest's role in mediating between God and the people highlights the importance of priestly intercession. The scapegoat, which bears the sins of the people, is a powerful symbol of substitutionary atonement, where one bears the punishment for the sins of others. The commentary also notes that the Day of Atonement is a type of the atonement made by Christ, who is the ultimate High Priest and Scapegoat, and that the believer's access to the heavenly sanctuary is through Christ's blood, as seen in Hebrews 10:19-22. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

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