Leviticus 16:28 meaning

On the Day of Atonement, a profound ritual involved the scapegoat symbolizing the transfer of Israel's sins, emphasizing God's mercy and the need for purification. This ceremony required the high priest to lay hands upon a live goat, confessing the sins of the people, and subsequently sending it away into the wilderness. This act represented a significant doctrinal premise: sin must be removed from God's presence for the community to maintain fellowship with Him.

The directives found in this chapter stress that the high priest acted as a mediator between God and the people, highlighting the grave nature of sin and the seriousness of the purification process. The requirement for confession to occur over the scapegoat evokes a deep recognition of personal and communal sinfulness. Additionally, it underscores the temporary nature of animal sacrifices, portending a future fulfillment in Christ who, once and for all, would take away the sins of the world. The verse encapsulates the yearly necessity for atonement, reminding believers of both their need for cleansing and God’s gracious provision for it (Leviticus 16:28).