Jesus, goats and the Day of Atonement
English: The Sin of Nadab and Abihu, illustration from a Bible card published in 1907 (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) Leviticus 16 is the central passage describing and explaining the Day of Atonement ritual. Following the death of Aaron ’s sons Nadab and Abihu , (Lev 10), the text focuses on issues of cleanness and uncleanness of the sacred space. Chapter 16 deals with purification of the sanctuary, the high priest (16:1–4), and the people. After the high priest had achieved atonement through sacrificing a bull, he was qualified to serve in the sanctuary. The Day of Atonement ritual required two goats which were used to bring atonement for the people’s sins. The high priest would cast lots to determine which would go to God and which would go to “ Azazel .” He would then sacrifice the goat assigned as God’s goat as a sin offering . Azazel’s goat is sent off into the wilderness to make purification. The exact meaning of the term “Azazel” is unknown; it may refer to a wilderness de...