Definition: And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scapegoat.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Leviticus 16:8. It’s a pretty interesting and important part of Jewish tradition about how sacrifices were performed in the Old Testament. Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, it says that Aaron, one of Moses’ brothers, was responsible for dividing the goats into two groups – one for God and one for the people. Let's unpack that a little further: “Aaron shall cast lots…” : This means Aaron had to choose which goat to offer as a sacrifice. “…upon the two goats…” : He had to divide the goats between them. “one lot for the LORD…” : This is crucial . The Lord (God) gets to keep one goat. It’s a special offering, a sign of worship and devotion. “…and the other lot for the scapegoat.” : This goat was meant to be offered to the people as a sacrifice to atone for sins and bring purification. It had to be completely removed from the community. What was happening? This practice was a way for the Jewish people to offer a tangible sign of their devotion to God. It was a ritualistic act that demonstrated they were willing to give up something valuable (the goat) in exchange for forgiveness and a connection with God. Why did it happen? It’s believed this tradition evolved from earlier practices where animals were offered to the gods. This practice helped establish a clear boundary between the people and the divine, and symbolized a shift in focus towards worship of God rather than appeasement of other deities. Important Note: This is an ancient tradition, and its exact purpose and significance are still debated by scholars today. --- Do you want me to explain any of these points further? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of this verse in the larger story of the Tabernacle? Discuss the symbolism behind the goats?