The Bible Recap – Day 049 (Leviticus 16-18) – Year 8

Host: Tara-Leigh Cobble
Air Date: February 18, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, Tara-Leigh Cobble unpacks Leviticus chapters 16-18, focusing on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), the seriousness of sacrifices and blood, and God’s specific instructions for sexual purity among the Israelites. Tara-Leigh draws deep connections between the rituals described and their fulfillment in Jesus Christ, highlighting the ongoing relevance and foreshadowing of Christ in the Old Testament.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16)

• Yom Kippur Explained: The holiest annual event for Israel, occurring about halfway through the Jewish year (00:08).
• Unique Access: Only on this day can the High Priest enter the Holy of Holies, the innermost section of the tabernacle, where God’s presence dwells atop the Ark of the Covenant (00:28).
• Aaron’s Role & Risk: God gives strict instructions for Aaron, the High Priest, including special ceremonial garments and the necessity of creating incense smoke to avoid death from beholding God’s glory directly (01:16).
• The Fate of Aaron’s Sons: Some commentators think Aaron’s sons died by attempting to enter the Holy of Holies outside of these rules (00:50).

The Two Goats:

• For the Lord & Azazel: Two goats are selected; one sacrificed for the Lord, the other sent to Azazel. Azazel could mean "the goat that goes away" or refer to a demon/goat spirit associated with fallen angels (02:00).
• The Scapegoat: The people’s sins are symbolically transferred to the Azazel goat, which is then sent into the wilderness, representing sin being carried away (03:01).
  • Quote: “At the risk of telling you something you already know, this is the scapegoat. And yes, that's where we got the term. This is a picture of Christ, who bore all our sins. He was our scapegoat.” (03:12)
• Special Sabbaths: The Day of Atonement is a “bonus Sabbath.” If it coincides with the weekly Sabbath, that week has two Sabbaths (04:01).

2. Sacrifices and the Significance of Blood (Leviticus 17)

• No Sacrifices to Other Gods: God commands sacrifices only to Him, as others were offering sacrifices to “demons.” (05:00)
  • Quote: “Did you catch what Yahweh called those other gods? Demons. That’s noteworthy.” (05:18)
• “Life is in the Blood”: Leviticus 17:11 – Blood is given for atonement, not for consumption, countering pagan beliefs that consuming blood would bring strength (06:01).
  • Quote: “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls. For it is the blood that makes atonement by the life.” (06:14)

3. Laws of Sexual Purity (Leviticus 18)

• Not Just Hygiene, but Morality: God emphasizes these laws are about living ethically and morally, not just “cleanliness” (07:04).
• Starts with Relationship: God frames the laws as part of His relationship with Israel – “I am the Lord your God” (07:40).
• Minimum Standards, Not Ideals: These laws outline the minimum for a functioning and pure society, such as prohibitions on incest, adultery, child sacrifice (to Molech), homosexuality, bestiality, and hints at bigamy (08:05).
  • Quote: “God doesn't necessarily describe ideal scenarios here, by the way. He just lays out the bare minimum for living ethically in society together.” (08:21)
• Set Apart for God: The Israelites are meant to differ from surrounding nations who practice these things. God wants them marked by “holiness and order in the midst of perversion” (09:21).
• Closes with Relationship: Again, God closes, “I am the Lord your God” (09:57).

New Testament Connection & The “God Shot”

Christ as Fulfillment of the Day of Atonement

• Tara-Leigh reads Hebrews 9:11-14, drawing a parallel between the High Priest’s yearly sacrifice and Jesus’ once-for-all sacrifice (10:07).
  • Quote (Scripture Read):
    “When Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come... he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves, but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption…” (10:20–11:00)
• Summary Insight:
  • “He paid the price to cover our sins, not just for a year, but forever. And he’s where the joy is.” (11:08)

Additional Encouragement

• Weekly Check-in: Progress in Bible reading is not about being “behind”—“you are right on time.” (11:23)
• Look for Jesus Throughout Scripture:
  • “Always be looking for Jesus.” (John 5 reference)
  • The Old Testament, including today’s reading, is a picture pointing towards Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice (12:03).
  • Quote: “He doesn’t just show up in a manger in Matthew. He’s been here all along, even since Genesis 1. So keep looking for him—for prophecies of him, for pictures of him, and even for some surprise visits he makes to earth prior to his birth.” (12:44)

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• On the gravity of the Holy of Holies:
  “God has done so much to draw his people near, but there's still a set apartness to him, a holiness that must be revered.” (00:58)

• On the scapegoat as a picture of Christ:
  “He was our scapegoat.” (03:16)

• On God’s standards:
  “He just lays out the bare minimum for living ethically in society together.” (08:21)

• On the connection with Jesus:
  “He paid the price to cover our sins, not just for a year, but forever. And He's where the joy is.” (11:08)

Timestamps for Significant Segments

• 00:01 – Introduction to the Day of Atonement
• 02:00 – The Two Goats (for the Lord and Azazel)
• 05:00 – Sacrifices to Other Gods Called “Sacrifices to Demons”
• 06:01 – Why Blood Matters (“Life is in the blood”)
• 07:40 – Introduction to Laws on Sexual Purity; “I am the Lord Your God”
• 08:05–09:21 – Prohibitions and God’s standards for Israelite society
• 10:07 – Connecting the Day of Atonement to Jesus and Hebrews 9
• 11:23 – Encouragement to stay the course and keep looking for Jesus

Tone & Style

Throughout the episode, Tara-Leigh maintains her casual, approachable, and devotional style. She explains challenging passages in plain language, regularly points listeners to Jesus, and offers lots of encouragement for consistent Bible reading.

Summary:
This episode demystifies Leviticus 16–18 by explaining ancient rituals and laws through the lens of Christ's ultimate sacrifice. Tara-Leigh makes Old Testament passages personal and relevant, repeatedly urging listeners not just to check religious boxes but to seek Jesus throughout Scripture—“He’s where the joy is.”