Episode Summary: Season 4, Week 15 Day 2 - Going Deeper in Leviticus 16:20-22

Podcast: A Year in the Bible with Daily Grace
Host: The Daily Grace Co.
Release Date: April 8, 2025
Episode: S4: Week 15 Day 2: Going Deeper in Leviticus 16:20-22

Introduction

In this episode of A Year in the Bible with Daily Grace, hosts Beth and Alexa delve into Leviticus 16:20-22, exploring its significance within the broader biblical narrative and its profound implications for understanding God's character.

Contextual Background

Beth (01:20):
"Last week we talked about the Israelites finally completing the building of the tabernacle and how God's glory, His presence, came to dwell there and be with his people. So this was essential to the covenant that God had made with Israel, particularly in Exodus 19."

Beth sets the stage by referencing the previous week's discussion on the completion of the tabernacle, emphasizing its role in God's covenant with Israel. This covenant, established in Exodus 19, underscores God's promise to dwell with His people, protect them, and expect their exclusive worship and obedience.

Understanding Sin and Purity

Beth (01:30):
"Leviticus speaks to sin as a form of pollution or disease that renders the people and the camp impure."

The hosts highlight the theme of sin in Leviticus, portraying it as something that contaminates both individuals and the community. This impurity threatens the very presence of God, who is inherently holy and cannot coexist with sin.

Alexa (03:05):
"That's super great. And like you said, I think that helps to deepen what we learned last week about being in God's presence."

Alexa connects the discussion back to the importance of maintaining purity to sustain God's presence among His people.

God's Character: Holiness, Grace, and Mercy

Beth (03:17):
"God provides for his people. He desires to dwell with them, so he provides a way to make that possible. It also highlights his grace and his mercy. In balance with his grace and his mercy, it shows us his holiness."

Beth elucidates how Leviticus 16:20-22 showcases God's multifaceted character. While His holiness demands separation from sin, His grace and mercy provide a means for atonement, allowing the relationship with His people to continue.

Beth (04:00):
"He can't be holy. He can't be just. He can't be good if he just completely ignores sin. But he does make it possible for that sin to be atoned for, to be covered up and cleansed and forgiven."

This underscores the necessity of atonement rituals in maintaining the covenant relationship, highlighting God's commitment to justice and mercy.

The Scapegoat: Symbolism of Complete Removal of Sin

Beth (04:15):
"The scapegoat shows us God's holiness as well, by showing how he doesn't just want to be cleansing the people and forgiving them of their sin. He also wants to send that sin far, far away to a dry and desolate land so it will be removed forever."

The discussion pivots to the significance of the scapegoat ritual, symbolizing the total eradication of sin from the community. This act reflects God's desire not only to forgive but also to completely distance Himself from sin, ensuring its permanent exclusion.

Alexa (04:33):
"That reminds me of Psalm 103:12 that says, as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. It's just really amazing to me how God takes our sins and casts them away."

Alexa ties the ritual back to broader biblical themes, reinforcing the concept of complete separation of sin from God's people.

Key Insights and Connections

• Covenant Relationship: The rituals in Leviticus reinforce the covenant between God and Israel, emphasizing the need for purity to maintain divine presence.

• Holiness and Mercy: God's provision for atonement balances His holiness with His mercy, ensuring that sin is addressed without compromising His character.

• Symbolism of Rituals: The Day of Atonement and the scapegoat serve as powerful symbols pointing towards Christ's ultimate sacrifice, prefiguring the New Testament fulfillment.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Alexa (04:58):
"We hope you join us tomorrow as we discuss the Annotation day on Hebrews 9:24-26."

The episode concludes with an invitation to the next study session, promising a deeper exploration of New Testament texts and their connections to the Old Testament themes discussed.

Additional Resources

For further study, including journals and other resources to enhance your understanding and love for God's Word, visit thedailygraceco.com.

Notable Quotes:

• Beth (01:20):
  "Leviticus teaches us most is how sin is a problem. And so what this is doing... is showing us how God deals with the problem of sin even in his own people."

• Beth (03:17):
  "He can't be holy. He can't be just. He can't be good if he just completely ignores sin."

• Alexa (04:33):
  "Psalm 103:12... So far has he removed our transgressions from us."

This episode offers a profound exploration of Leviticus 16:20-22, revealing the intricate balance between God's holiness and mercy. Through examining these Old Testament rituals, Beth and Alexa illuminate how they foreshadow the ultimate act of atonement fulfilled in Jesus Christ, reinforcing the podcast's overarching theme of Christ's presence throughout the entire Bible.