My Journey to Life - Daily Study Guide

Q9. What was the significance of the two goats in the ancient Day of Atonement?

Picture: Q9. What was the significance of the two goats in the ancient Day of Atonement? JTLD 58.1

Is the goat representing Azazel a savior symbol? No, Azazel in no way correlates with Jesus, the Messiah. On the Day of Atonement two goats were brought to the sanctuary, and lots were cast to determine which goat would be slain as a sin offering for the people, and which would become the scapegoat (Azazel). The blood of the Lord’s goat would be sprinkled on the mercy seat and on the altar of incense, while the scapegoat, a symbol of Satan and demonic power, was banished into the wilderness, nevermore to return to the camp of Israel. Thus, the ritual of the scapegoat represented the removal of sin and was not a sacrificial act. JTLD 58.2

• Bible Discovery: Leviticus 16:8, 21, 22; Psalms 49:7, 15; Isaiah 53:11, 12; John 1:29
• Further Reading: Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 422.2