Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Leviticus 16:1
CHAPTER XVI
The solemn yearly expiation for the high priest, who must not
come at all times into the holy place, 1, 2.
He must take a bullock for a sin-offering, and a ram for a
burnt-offering, bathe himself, and be dressed in his sacerdotal
robes, 3, 4.
He shall take two goats, one of which is to be determined by
lot to be a sacrifice; the other to be a scapegoat, 5-10.
He shall offer a bullock for himself and for his family, 11-14.
And shall kill the goat as a sin-offering for the people, and
sprinkle its blood upon the mercy-seat, and hallow the altar of
burnt-offerings, 15-19.
The scapegoat shall be then brought, on the head of which he
shall lay his hands, and confess the iniquities of the children
of Israel; after which the goat shall be permitted to escape to
the wilderness, 20-22.
After this Aaron shall bathe himself, and make a burnt-offering
for himself and for the people, 23-28.
This is to be an everlasting statute, and the day on which the
atonement is to be made shall be a Sabbath, or day of rest,
through all their generations, 29-34.
NOTES ON CHAP. XVI
Verse Leviticus 16:1. After the death of the two sons of Aaron] It appears from this verse that the natural place of this chapter is immediately after the tenth, where probably it originally stood; but the transposition, if it did take place, must be very ancient, as all the versions acknowledge this chapter in the place in which it now stands.