The Scapegoat as a Type of Christ in Leviticus
The scapegoat ritual in Leviticus 16 is a significant typological precursor to Christ's atonement. On the Day of Atonement, the high priest would lay hands on a goat, confess the sins of Israel, and then send it into the wilderness, symbolically bearing their iniquities [1]. This act is seen as a prefiguration of Christ's role in bearing the sins of humanity.
The ritual involved two goats, chosen by lot, one to be sacrificed and the other to be sent away alive into the wilderness as the scapegoat [2]. The scapegoat was not considered a sacrifice in the classical sense, as its blood was not sprinkled on the altar, and none of its flesh was offered [3]. Instead, it served as a symbol of the removal of sin.
Christian interpreters have long seen the scapegoat as a type of Christ, who bore the sins of humanity. Torrey's Topical Textbook notes that the scapegoat was "typical of Christ" and references Isaiah 53:6, 11, 12, which describe the suffering servant bearing the iniquities of others [2]. Similarly, John Gill comments that the goat was an "emblem of Christ" due to its purity and suitability as a symbol of Christ's sacrifice [4].
The act of laying hands on the scapegoat and confessing the sins of Israel over it is also seen as significant. Jamieson, Fausset & Brown note that this action transferred the sins of the people to the goat, which was then led away into a distant place, symbolizing the removal of sin [5]. This typology is reinforced in the New Testament, where Hebrews 9:12 references the "goats and calves" offered in the Levitical system, contrasting them with Christ's once-for-all sacrifice.
The Jewish tradition also provides insight into the scapegoat ritual. Abraham Ibn Ezra notes that the scapegoat is distinct from other sacrifices, as it is not treated as a typical offering [3]. The ritual's significance lies in its symbolism of atonement and the removal of sin, rather than in the specifics of the sacrifice itself.
The scapegoat ritual in Leviticus 16 provides a rich typological background for understanding Christ's atonement. By examining the details of the ritual and its interpretation in both Jewish and Christian traditions, we gain a deeper understanding of the theological significance of Christ's sacrifice.
Sources
- Leviticus “Leviticus 16:10 (BSB) — But the goat chosen by lot as the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the LORD to make atonement by sending it into the wilderness as the scapegoat.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Scape Goat, The — Part of the sin offering on the day of atonement -- Le 16:5,7. Chosen by lot -- Le 16:8. The high priest transferred the sins of Israel to, by confessing them with both hands upon its head -- Le 16:21. Sent into the wilderness by the hands of a fit person -- Le 16:21,22. Communicated uncleanness to The high priest. -- Le 16:24. The man who lead him away. -- Le 16:26. Typical of Christ -- Isa 53:6,11,12.”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Rationalist)) “Abraham Ibn Ezra on Leviticus 1:4: AND HE SHALL LAY HIS HAND. It would appear from the plain meaning of the text that the celebrant lays one hand 48 For Scripture reads yado (his hand). on the animal about to be sacrificed, for the manner of the scapegoat 49 Literally, the goat which is sent, the scapegoat which is sent into the wilderness on Yom Kippur. Scripture explicitly tells us that two hands are to be laid on the scapegoat. See Lev. 16:21. is unlike all sacrifices. 50 The scapegoat is not treated as all other sacrifices. Its blood is not sprinkled on the altar, and none of its flesh is ”
- Leviticus (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Leviticus 16:7: And he shall take the two goats,.... The sin offering for the people, a proper emblem of Christ, this creature being clean and fit for food, denoting the purity of Christ, and his being suitable and wholesome food, as his flesh is to the faith of his people; and because comely in its going, as Christ was in his going from everlasting, and in his coming, into this world, travelling in the greatness of his strength; and even by reason of its having something in it unsavoury and offensive, and which made it the fitter emblem of Christ, as a surety of his people; for t”
- Leviticus (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Leviticus 16:20: he shall bring the live goat--Having already been presented before the Lord (Lev 16:10), it was now brought forward to the high priest, who, placing his hands upon its head, and "having confessed over it all the iniquities of the people of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins," transferred them by this act to the goat as their substitute. It was then delivered into the hands of a person, who was appointed to lead him away into a distant, solitary, and desert place, where in early times he was let go, to escape for his life; but in”