When scapegoating was a literal thing

 Welcome to the Daily Bible Chapter. My name is James Leroy Wilson and I invite you to join me as we discover new insights and new perspectives from a very old book.

I'm reading Young's Literal Translation (YLT) and the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).

Leviticus 15

The NRSV was certainly clearer than the YLT as to the things discussed. Although not explained as the reason, it appears that:

1. Another person's bodily fluids and blood are unclean, or the LORD believed them to be.

2. People who are apparently sick should be separated from others.

Except for very intimate couples, we still think, "ew, gross" to the secretions of others, and rightly so: we don't know what may contaminate us. If I had read ahead, I would have lumped this chapter with yesterday's, as it has the same theme. The next chapter goes in a different direction.

Leviticus 16

Several chapters ago it was indicated that for the Israelites the New Year began in late March. I projected that the Day of Atonement would be in early October. And so it is. It's Yom Kippur in modern Judaism and the holiest day of the year. 

I couldn't help but notice that this is during Zodiac month of Libra, which represents not just harvest but things that would be associated with it, such as settling accounts, i.e., justice. 

Neither the YLT or the NRSV uses the word "scapegoat," but it's used in other translations and refers to the one set free to wander the desolate wilderness. The YLT refers only to the wilderness; the NRSV says the goat is sent to "Azazel" in contrast to the LORD.  It's unclear if Azazel is some being or entity, or just the name of the wilderness.   

The domesticated goat sent to wander the wilderness will live a little longer than the goat designated for slaughter and sacrifice to the LORD, but will be isolated and likely to meet a grisly death. 

"As without, so within." Perhaps this story represents our individual selves sending our own sins on their way.

James Leroy Wilson writes Daily Miracles, The Daily Bible Chapter, JL Cells, and The MVP Chase. Thanks for your subscriptions and support!