Leviticus 16-18: Azazel

Leviticus 16:8-10

Amplified Bible (AMP)


⁸Aaron shall cast lots on the two goats--one lot for the Lord, the other lot for Azazel or removal.


⁹And Aaron shall bring the goat on which the Lord's lot fell and offer him as a sin offering.


¹⁰But the goat on which the lot fell for Azazel or removal shall be presented alive before the Lord to make atonement over him, that he may be let go into the wilderness for Azazel (for dismissal).

Azazel, the goat that “carries away” the sins of the Israelites into the wilderness never to be seen again; their sins are dismissed. I heard a teaching on Azazel years ago and was interested, not only because of the parallel to Jesus, but because our modern term “scapegoat” derives from it.

As Christians, we should never place blame on others for our sin. We shouldn’t even blame the evil one. We need to “man up” (sorry ladies) and take responsibility for our own sins and not blame shift, in effect, making another person our scapegoat.

Jesus, is the only One worthy to carry our sins away into the wilderness of forgetfulness, to make atonement for us. Jesus is our Holy Scapegoat, and I love Him for it.