Goats and the Old Testament Sacrificial System

Most of the biblical references to goats are in relation to the Old Testament’s sacrificial system. According to Leviticus, unblemished goats (Lev 1:10; compare Lev 12:5) could be used in several offerings, including:

• the burnt offering (Lev 1:10)

• the peace offering (Lev 3:12)

• the sin offering (Lev 4:22–24, 27–29; Num 7:16; Ezek 6:7)

Goats held a prominent role in the ceremonies of the Day of Atonement. On the 10th day of the seventh month, the high priest would cleanse himself, dress in special clothing, and offer a bull as a sin offering for himself and his family. He would then cast lots over two goats—one to be used as a sin offering and the other to be kept alive. Blood from the goat sacrificed as a sin offering was sprinkled in the holy of holies. The high priest confessed the sins of the nation over the live goat (commonly called the scapegoat) and then released it into the wilderness “to Azazel” (עֲזָאזֵל, azazel; see “עֲזָאזֵל, azazel,” TWOT 2:657–58), dramatically portraying the removal of the people’s sins.

The New Testament writer of Hebrews emphasizes the ineffectiveness of animal sacrifices in removing sin. Contrasting Christ’s atonement with the practices that occurred on the Day of the Atonement, the writer explains that Christ offers a superior sacrifice made by a superior high priest (Heb 9:1–28; 10:1–39). Unlike the sacrifices of bulls or goats, Christ’s sacrifice can fully cleanse the consciences of those who approach to worship (Heb 9:13–14; compare Psa 50:9, 13).