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Leviticus 9:15 - Atonement through communal sacrifice?

Leviticus 9:15 - ויקרא 9:15

Hebrew Text

וַיַּקְרֵב אֵת קָרְבַּן הָעָם וַיִּקַּח אֶת־שְׂעִיר הַחַטָּאת אֲשֶׁר לָעָם וַיִּשְׁחָטֵהוּ וַיְחַטְּאֵהוּ כָּרִאשׁוֹן׃

English Translation

And he brought the people’s offering, and took the goat which was the sin offering for the people, and slaughtered it, and offered it for sin, as the first.

Transliteration

Vayakrev et korban ha'am vayikach et sa'ir ha'chatat asher la'am vayishchatehu vayechatehu karishon.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּקְרֵ֕ב אֵ֖ת קׇרְבַּ֣ן הָעָ֑ם וַיִּקַּ֞ח אֶת־שְׂעִ֤יר הַֽחַטָּאת֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר לָעָ֔ם וַיִּשְׁחָטֵ֥הוּ וַֽיְחַטְּאֵ֖הוּ כָּרִאשֽׁוֹן׃
וַיַּקְרֵ֕ב אֵ֖ת קׇרְבַּ֣ן הָעָ֑ם וַיִּקַּ֞ח אֶת־שְׂעִ֤יר הַֽחַטָּאת֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר לָעָ֔ם וַיִּשְׁחָטֵ֥הוּ וַֽיְחַטְּאֵ֖הוּ כָּרִאשֽׁוֹן׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in Vayikra (Leviticus)

The verse (Vayikra 9:15) describes part of the inauguration ceremony of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), where Aharon HaKohen brings the offerings on behalf of the people. This follows the earlier offerings brought for himself (Vayikra 9:8-14), emphasizing the transition to serving the nation.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 9:15) notes that the phrase "וַיְחַטְּאֵהוּ כָּרִאשׁוֹן" ("and offered it for sin, as the first") refers to Aharon performing the same procedures with this goat as he had done with his own sin offering earlier (the calf in Vayikra 9:8). This includes:

  • Sprinkling the blood on the corners of the Mizbe'ach (altar)
  • Pouring the remaining blood at the base of the Mizbe'ach
  • Burning the specified fats on the altar

Rambam on Korbanot

In Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot (Laws of Sacrificial Procedure), the Rambam (Maimonides) explains that the sin offering (חַטָּאת) atones for unintentional sins. The repetition of the procedure ("as the first") underscores the consistency required in avodah (Temple service), where deviations invalidate the offering.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 11:5) connects this public sin offering to the concept of communal atonement. Unlike Aharon's personal offering (the calf), this goat represents the collective responsibility of Klal Yisrael. The phrase "אֲשֶׁר לָעָם" ("which was for the people") highlights that leaders must prioritize the spiritual needs of the community.

Symbolism of the Goat

Rabbeinu Bachya notes that goats were frequently used for sin offerings (e.g., Yom Kippur's se'irim) because their lively nature symbolizes the yetzer hara (evil inclination). Offering it on the Mizbe'ach demonstrates subduing human passions for divine service.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 62b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the procedures of the Yom Kippur service, particularly concerning the sin offering brought by the High Priest for the people.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 9:15 mean?
A: Leviticus 9:15 describes how Aaron, the High Priest, brought the people's sin offering—a goat—and followed the proper procedure to atone for their sins. According to Rashi, this verse emphasizes the importance of the Kohen (priest) performing the sacrificial service correctly to achieve forgiveness for the nation.
Q: Why was a goat used as a sin offering in Leviticus 9:15?
A: In Jewish tradition, a goat was often used as a sin offering (חַטָּאת) because it symbolized bearing the people's transgressions. The Talmud (Shevuot 9a) explains that certain sins required a goat as part of the atonement process, highlighting the seriousness of repentance and returning to Hashem.
Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 9:15 today?
A: Although we no longer bring animal sacrifices, Leviticus 9:15 teaches us the importance of repentance (תְּשׁוּבָה) and seeking atonement. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah) explains that prayer, charity, and sincere remorse now replace sacrifices as ways to draw closer to Hashem.
Q: Why is the order of the sacrifices important in Leviticus 9:15?
A: The Torah specifies the precise order of the sacrifices to teach discipline and reverence in serving Hashem. Rashi notes that Aaron followed the same procedure as the earlier offerings ('as the first') to show consistency in fulfilling the divine commandments, reinforcing that mitzvot must be performed meticulously.
Q: How does Leviticus 9:15 relate to Yom Kippur?
A: Leviticus 9:15 parallels the Yom Kippur service, where a goat was also offered as a sin offering (Vayikra 16:9). The Midrash (Torat Kohanim) connects this to the idea of communal atonement, reminding us that repentance is a central theme during the High Holy Days.