Leviticus 16:5 is part of the detailed instructions for the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) in ancient Israel. Let's break down what the verse means:
"He": This refers to Aaron, the High Priest, who was responsible for performing the rituals on the Day of Atonement.
"Shall take from the congregation of the children of Israel": This indicates that the animals were to be provided by the community of Israelites as a communal offering.
"Two male goats for a sin offering": Two male goats were selected. One of the goats was sacrificed as a sin offering (also called a purification offering) to atone for the sins and defilements of the people. It was a symbolic cleansing of the sanctuary and the people from their transgressions. The selection of two goats is key to the later casting of lots and the scapegoat ritual.
"One ram for a burnt offering": In addition to the sin offering, a ram was sacrificed as a burnt offering. Burnt offerings were offerings where the entire animal was burned on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the Lord. This offering was a general expression of devotion, dedication, and atonement. It was a gesture of complete surrender and reconciliation with God.
In summary, Leviticus 16:5 outlines the initial step in the Day of Atonement ritual, where the High Priest would obtain two goats (for the sin offering, one later becoming the scapegoat) and one ram (for the burnt offering) from the Israelite community. These sacrifices were crucial components of the atonement process, symbolizing the cleansing of sin, reconciliation with God, and the restoration of the relationship between God and His people.
It's important to understand this verse in the broader context of Leviticus 16 and the Day of Atonement to fully grasp its significance. The Day of Atonement was a solemn day of fasting, prayer, and sacrifice, designed to cleanse the sanctuary and the people from all their sins and uncleanness.
Leviticus 16:5 is part of the detailed instructions for the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) in ancient Israel. Let's break down what the verse means:
"He": This refers to Aaron, the High Priest, who was responsible for performing the rituals on the Day of Atonement.
"Shall take from the congregation of the children of Israel": This indicates that the animals were to be provided by the community of Israelites as a communal offering.
"Two male goats for a sin offering": Two male goats were selected. One of the goats was sacrificed as a sin offering (also called a purification offering) to atone for the sins and defilements of the people. It was a symbolic cleansing of the sanctuary and the people from their transgressions. The selection of two goats is key to the later casting of lots and the scapegoat ritual.
"One ram for a burnt offering": In addition to the sin offering, a ram was sacrificed as a burnt offering. Burnt offerings were offerings where the entire animal was burned on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the Lord. This offering was a general expression of devotion, dedication, and atonement. It was a gesture of complete surrender and reconciliation with God.
In summary, Leviticus 16:5 outlines the initial step in the Day of Atonement ritual, where the High Priest would obtain two goats (for the sin offering, one later becoming the scapegoat) and one ram (for the burnt offering) from the Israelite community. These sacrifices were crucial components of the atonement process, symbolizing the cleansing of sin, reconciliation with God, and the restoration of the relationship between God and His people.
It's important to understand this verse in the broader context of Leviticus 16 and the Day of Atonement to fully grasp its significance. The Day of Atonement was a solemn day of fasting, prayer, and sacrifice, designed to cleanse the sanctuary and the people from all their sins and uncleanness.