The Scapegoat:

The goat chosen by lot became the central figure in the most dramatic event of the Day of Atonement. The high priest would bring forward the second goat known as the scapegoat Leviticus 16:21-22. He would place both his hands on the goat’s head, make confession of Israel’s sin, thereby transferring all sins, known and unknown, upon the goat. It was the substitute for all the Israelites. It was then led out into the wilderness never to return again.

The rest of the Israelite people participated in the Day of Atonement by denying themselves with fasting, prayer, self-examination, and refraining from work. The people’s participation gave evidence of their dedication to God and showed evidence of their repentance.

All these rituals symbolized that the only way people could appear in God’s presence was to have their sins transferred to another. The shedding of blood was necessary to make atonement for their sins. “For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.” Leviticus 17:11 The Day of Atonement was to be a “lasting ordinance” Leviticus 16:29, observed yearly because the way into the very presence of God had not been made available yet. “The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing.” Hebrews 9:8

These rituals and the shedding of blood pointed to the future when the death of the Lamb of God was to be the substitute for all people. Click here to go to the parallel New Testament article that presents the significance of that ultimate Day of Atonement.