SCAPEGOAT
The scapegoat is the goat sent into the wilderness on the Day of Atonement, symbolically bearing away Israel’s sins. It points to God’s provision for the removal of guilt from His people.
At a Glance
The scapegoat is the goat sent into the wilderness on the Day of Atonement, symbolically bearing away Israel’s sins. It points to God’s provision for the removal of guilt from His people.
Description
The scapegoat refers to the goat released into the wilderness as part of the Day of Atonement ritual in Leviticus 16. After the high priest laid his hands on it and confessed over it the sins of the people, the goat was sent away, visibly portraying the removal of Israel’s sins from the camp. In its Old Testament setting, this was part of God’s appointed atonement ritual for cleansing and covenant restoration. Many Christian interpreters understand the scapegoat, together with the sacrificed goat, as foreshadowing complementary aspects of Christ’s saving work: the bearing of sin and the removal of guilt. Because the details of the symbolism are discussed in different ways, the safest conclusion is that the scapegoat signifies God’s provision for the carrying away of His people’s sins rather than serving as a complete explanation of the atonement by itself.