The Tabernacle ceremonies are often viewed as ancient Jewish history with little meaning for today’s Christian. However, the Apostle Paul viewed it quite differently. In the book of Hebrews, he delved into the important symbolism.  On the 10th day of the 7th month, Israel’s annual Day of Atonement (known today as “Yom Kippur”) was observed (Leviticus 23:27). The details recorded in Leviticus 16 point to the greater atonement work of Christ and his followers. This solemn day was a “sabbath of complete rest,” when Israel was commanded to cease all labor and “afflict their souls,” underscoring the seriousness of sin and the need for national cleansing.

Some details of that day

Wearing white sacrificial robes, the high priest offered three animals as an offering for the sins of Israel: a young bull and two young goats.  These simple white linen garments symbolized purity and humility, showing that the High Priest (typifying Jesus) set aside his glory to perform the sacrificial work in righteousness. These sacrifices were intended to maintain Israel’s relationship with God. The bull was for the high priest and his household, while the goats were for the sins of the people.

The bull was killed first beside the brazen altar in the courtyard. Its blood was brought into the Most Holy and sprinkled seven times “on and before” the Mercy Seat, likely in the shape of a cross (verse 14). Before entering the Most Holy, the high priest also created a cloud of incense over the Mercy Seat, picturing the sweet fragrance of Jesus’ perfect obedience rising before God as he offered his life. The high priest then placed blood on the horns of the brazen altar (in the court). The fat, liver and kidneys (the organs of purification) were burned on the brazen altar (Leviticus 4:9) while the carcass was taken outside the camp and burned. 

The two goats were then brought to the door of the Tabernacle, and lots were cast to determine which would be sacrificed and which would be released (Verses 7-8). The sacrificial lamb was termed “the Lord’s goat,” and the other “the scapegoat.” The Lord’s goat was killed in the same manner as the bull. Its blood was likewise taken into the Most Holy and sprinkled on the Mercy Seat. The scapegoat, however, was “presented alive before the Lord” (verse 10) and then released into the wilderness. 

The symbolism

The fulfillment of these offerings is alluded to in Hebrews 13. The apostle describes a more important opportunity for sacrifice that was unavailable to ancient Israel. He then explains the animal symbols.

“We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle. 

For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach” (Hebrews 13:10-13).

There were only two animals whose blood was brought into the sanctuary (the Most Holy), the young bull and the Lord’s goat in Leviticus 16. Paul clearly identifies the sacrificed bull as a symbol of Jesus and his human sacrifice. As the carcass of the bull was burned outside the camp of Israel, so Jesus suffered at the hands of those who did not appreciate his life. The burning hide produced an unsavory smell and points to the unappreciative response Jesus received from many.  Paul then encouraged believers to follow Christ and bear his reproach. He revealed that the Lord’s goat is a symbol of the dedicated followers of Jesus. This class is also described in Romans 8:17. “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”  “Suffering with him” is shown by the Lord’s goat also being burned outside the camp. 

The atonement work

Seeing the Lord’s goat as a symbol of faithful believers indicates that they will have a part in the work of atonement along with Christ. The word atonement describes the process of reconciling the world to God. For this to occur, sin must be removed from each heart. That is the purpose of the coming Millennium, described in Revelation 20:6. “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” 

Jesus Christ was the only one who could provide a perfect human sacrifice as a “ransom” for Adam (1 Timothy 2:5-6). This guarantees a resurrection for every descendant of Adam. However, the work of removing sin from the human heart is also necessary and will require the Millennial Age. In describing a believer’s life of sacrifice, Paul wrote, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God…that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. (Romans 8:18, 19, 21). 

Jesus and the church will soon begin the great work of setting the world free from the corruption of sin. That is the great hope that God wove into the Day of Atonement.

The scapegoat

The scapegoat that was released into the wilderness was also part of the sin offering and corresponds to a group called “the great multitude” (Revelation 7:9, 19:6). They are believers who did not initially live up to their covenant of sacrifice and therefore lost their “high calling” (Philippians 3:14) and will not be part of the church class. However, they come out of great tribulation and wash their robes in the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 7:14). This class will be living evidence of God’s merciful heart, that He truly wants all to succeed and be granted eternal life. 

This is only a brief outline of the major symbolism found in Leviticus 16. There is obviously much more, and we encourage further study. It is thrilling to see that God’s plan provides for the satisfaction of justice through the death of Jesus Christ and the rehabilitation of mankind in the Millennial Age through the sacrificial lives of Jesus and his church. 

Additional Resources:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1358: “What’s the Difference Between Burnt Offerings and Sin Offerings?”
Grasping the Christian significance of many Old Testament sacrifices
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes

PDF Booklet: After Armageddon, God’s Peace