Two goats were presented to symbolize both covering and removing Israel’s sins, anticipating Christ’s complete atonement for humanity.
“He shall take from the congregation of the sons of Israel two male goats for a sin offering and one ram for a burnt offering.” (v.5)
In this verse, Moses instructs that on the Day of Atonement, the high priest is to gather two male goats for a sin offering and one ram for a burnt offering. The passage underscores that the goats are specifically designated for a sin offering on behalf of the people. According to Hebrew tradition, two goats were necessary because one goat would be sacrificed to the Lord (representing atonement) and the other goat would be sent away into the wilderness (representing the complete removal of sins). This idea of presenting both goats together highlights the completeness of Israel’s atonement process on this solemn day, confirming that their sins were covered and removed from their midst (Psalm 103:12).
“He shall take from the congregation of the sons of Israel two male goats for a sin offering…” (v.5) is connected to how the priest would “take the two goats and present them before the LORD at the doorway of the tent of meeting” (v.7). These goats were a picture of the future, perfect sacrifice that would cleanse the sins of the people. The high priest would lay both of his hands on one of these goats—referred to as the scapegoat—transferring Israel’s sins upon it, and it would go free into the wilderness. By contrast, the other goat was to be sacrificed “because of the impurities of the sons of Israel and because of their transgressions” (v.16). In doing so, both cleansing and taking away of transgressions were visually demonstrated.
The ritual is a foreshadowing of Jesus’ sacrifice, where He becomes both the sacrifice that covers sin (1 John 2:2) and the One who removes it entirely, fulfilling the imagery of atonement (John 1:29). This moment, commanded by God to Moses, laid the groundwork for a consistent practice of repentance and reconciliation with God on the Day of Atonement.
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Leviticus 16:5 meaning
“He shall take from the congregation of the sons of Israel two male goats for a sin offering and one ram for a burnt offering.” (v.5)
In this verse, Moses instructs that on the Day of Atonement, the high priest is to gather two male goats for a sin offering and one ram for a burnt offering. The passage underscores that the goats are specifically designated for a sin offering on behalf of the people. According to Hebrew tradition, two goats were necessary because one goat would be sacrificed to the Lord (representing atonement) and the other goat would be sent away into the wilderness (representing the complete removal of sins). This idea of presenting both goats together highlights the completeness of Israel’s atonement process on this solemn day, confirming that their sins were covered and removed from their midst (Psalm 103:12).
“He shall take from the congregation of the sons of Israel two male goats for a sin offering…” (v.5) is connected to how the priest would “take the two goats and present them before the LORD at the doorway of the tent of meeting” (v.7). These goats were a picture of the future, perfect sacrifice that would cleanse the sins of the people. The high priest would lay both of his hands on one of these goats—referred to as the scapegoat—transferring Israel’s sins upon it, and it would go free into the wilderness. By contrast, the other goat was to be sacrificed “because of the impurities of the sons of Israel and because of their transgressions” (v.16). In doing so, both cleansing and taking away of transgressions were visually demonstrated.
The ritual is a foreshadowing of Jesus’ sacrifice, where He becomes both the sacrifice that covers sin (1 John 2:2) and the One who removes it entirely, fulfilling the imagery of atonement (John 1:29). This moment, commanded by God to Moses, laid the groundwork for a consistent practice of repentance and reconciliation with God on the Day of Atonement.