Adam Dodd | October 29, 2026

Summary

Adam Dodd explains the meaning of Leviticus 16, the Day of Atonement, and how its themes apply to Christian life. He argues that Leviticus is not a dull obstacle in a Bible-reading plan, but a rich book that teaches about God’s holiness, sin, and the means God provides for His people to remain in His presence.

Leviticus 16 and the Day of Atonement

• The chapter begins by recalling the deaths of Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu, who approached God in a way He had not commanded (Leviticus 10). Their story warns that people must not approach the holy God casually; Aaron must follow the prescribed procedure.
• Chapters 11–15 describe various forms of ritual impurity. Dodd says these rules help explain why Israel needed an annual Day of Atonement: impurity could affect both individuals and the sanctuary where God dwelt among the people.
• The ritual involved separate offerings for the priests and for the people:
  • Aaron offered a bull for himself and his household.
  • The people provided two goats and a ram.
  • One goat was sacrificed as a purification or atonement offering.
  • The other goat was sent alive into the wilderness after the people’s sins were confessed over it.
• Aaron wore simple linen garments and washed before entering the Most Holy Place. This restrained clothing contrasted with his usual priestly attire and underscored the solemnity of the occasion.
• The blood of the offerings was brought into the sanctuary to cleanse the Most Holy Place, the rest of the sanctuary, and the altar from the accumulated impurity of the people. The live goat carried the people’s sins away from the camp.
• Dodd discusses the disputed meaning of Azazel: it may refer to a “scapegoat” or to a name associated with the wilderness. He notes that the debate does not change the ritual’s basic function: the goat bearing the people’s sins was removed from the camp.
• The people participated by keeping the Sabbath and submitting to God’s instructions. Dodd emphasizes that the ritual was not a substitute for obedience; it took place within a relationship in which God was sovereign and Israel was to live faithfully under Him.

Key Concepts

• Holiness and ordinariness: “Holy” means set apart. God is uniquely holy, and places, people, and days can also be set apart for Him. Ordinary, or “common,” does not automatically mean bad.
• Ritual purity and morality: Being ritually clean is not the same as being morally good, and being ritually unclean does not necessarily mean someone has sinned. Ordinary events, such as childbirth or contact with a dead body, could cause ritual impurity. However, failing to address impurity as required—or committing moral wrongdoing—could affect the community’s standing before God.
• Atonement and cleansing: The Day of Atonement cleansed and rededicated the sanctuary and camp so Israel could continue living in God’s presence.

Christian Applications

1. God’s holiness remains undiminished. The gospel does not make God less holy or make access to Him casual. Dodd says the torn veil signifies that, through Christ, people are given a way into God’s presence—not that God’s holiness has been reduced. Access depends on Christ’s sacrifice, not human achievement.

2. The church should take sin seriously. Just as Israel’s camp was cleansed so the people could remain with God, Christians should resist, confess, and remove sin from their lives and communities. Dodd urges future pastors, students, and churches not to normalize or cherish sin, but to help one another pursue holiness.

3. The Old Testament’s laws reflect grace and concern for inward faithfulness. Dodd rejects the idea that the Old Testament was merely external or that God was unconcerned with people’s motives. He presents the Day of Atonement as a gracious provision that enabled God’s people to live with Him.

Speakers and Sources

• Featured speaker: Adam Dodd
• Musical source: TBC band, thanked at the beginning
• Biblical passages and themes referenced: Leviticus 10–16; Leviticus 17:7; Psalm 50; 1 Samuel 15; Isaiah; Revelation 12; and the Gospel account of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness
• People mentioned in passing: Dr. Dockery, Dr. Williams, Dr. Yarnell, Dr. Jennings, D. Jeffrey Bingham, and Armando. Dodd references these people; they are not presented as additional speakers.