The Enigma of the Expression ‘Azazel’

Nowhere in the New Testament is the goat for Azazel identified with Christ. However, two early Christian interpreters, the author of the Epistle of Barnabas and Tertullian, make this identification. They believe that both goats referred to in Leviticus 16 are representations of Christ. Perhaps, it should not surprise us that both the author of the Epistle of Barnabas and Tertullian identify the second goat with Christ, because in Hebrews 9:28, Christ is spoken of as bearing the sins of the people.

I plan to read more about the scapegoat tradition. The enigma is not the role of the goat, Azazel; the enigma is the role of the High Priest.

Religion