And Aaron shall bring the goat upon which the LORD'S lot fell, and offer him for a sin offering.

LEVITICUS 16:9KJV
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Leviticus 16:9 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 16:9 mean?

Leviticus 16:9 describes how Aaron, the high priest, is to take the goat that was chosen by lot for the LORD and offer it as a sin offering. This act is part of the instructions for the Day of Atonement, when sacrifices were made to seek forgiveness for the people's sins.

In this verse, God is giving Moses detailed directions for Aaron about the rituals on the Day of Atonement. Two goats are chosen, and lots are cast to decide their roles. The goat selected for the LORD is to be sacrificed as a sin offering, which means it is given up to God as a way to deal with the sins of the Israelites. This is a key part of the ceremony that emphasizes the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 16:9

  • "lot" (גּוֹרָל, goral): This word refers to the practice of casting lots, which was a way of making decisions believed to reflect God's will. Here, it shows that the choice of which goat is for the LORD is not random but directed by God.
  • "sin offering" (חַטָּאָה, chatta'ah): This term means an offering made specifically for the purpose of dealing with sin. The use of this word highlights that the goat is not just any sacrifice, but one meant to address the people's wrongdoing.
  • "offer" (עָשָׂה, asah): This verb can mean "to do" or "to make," and in this context, it means to perform the ritual of sacrifice. It emphasizes Aaron's active role in carrying out God's instructions.

Why Leviticus 16:9 matters

  • Leviticus 16:9 clarifies that the selection of the goat for the LORD was not left to human choice but was determined by casting lots, showing God's direct involvement in the atonement process.
  • This verse highlights the importance of the sin offering in the Day of Atonement ritual, showing that atonement for sin required a specific, God-directed sacrifice.
  • Understanding this verse helps make sense of the larger ceremony in Leviticus 16, where two goats have different roles: one is sacrificed, and the other (the "scapegoat") is sent away, together illustrating the removal and forgiveness of sin.