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Led Outside the Gate
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeJesus Christ's crucifixion took place outside the camp, away from God's presence, in accordance with the instructions given to the priests for sin offerings. As described in Leviticus, the remains of sin offerings were to be burned at a distant altar known as the miphkad altar, located on a slope of the Mount of Olives, east of the Temple Mount, separated by the Brook Kidron. The priest would take the body of the sacrificed animal through the miphkad gate, over the bridge spanning the Kidron Valley, to this appointed place for burning and disposal. Hebrews 13:11-12 connects this location outside the camp and outside the gate with Christ's crucifixion, where He was led to suffer and die. Additionally, from this area near the miphkad altar, the centurion with Him could witness the veil of the Temple torn in two, an event visible from only specific angles and elevations outside the gate. This location also held significance on the Day of Atonement, when the azazel goat, bearing the iniquities, transgressions, and sins of the nation, was led out of the Temple through the miphkad gate and bridge into the wilderness. In fulfillment of this ritual, Jesus, in true meekness, permitted Himself to be sent by the leaders and led by their agents outside the camp. The Father laid the iniquities of all on His dignified head, and He bore them as a substitutionary sacrifice, remaining alive for torturous hours while carrying what belonged to others, led outside the gate in perfect, divine meekness.
Jesus Christ, the Bearer of Sin
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe Messianic prophecy in Isaiah 53, plus the testimony of Peter and the author of Hebrews, show that Jesus fulfilled the azazel goat's role by bearing sin.
Devil in the Details?
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeA mysterious commentary has been used and repeatedly re-quoted as a proof that the azazel goat represents Satan. This source warrants closer inspection.
The Offerings of Leviticus (Part Seven): The Sin and Trespass Offerings
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughSin and human nature affect everyone in society—from king to commoner—but God has covered sin from every angle in the sacrifice of His Son, fulfilling Leviticus 4-5.
Eden, The Garden, and the Two Trees (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe real cradle of civilization is not Mesopotamia, but Jerusalem, where God started His physical creation and where He will bring it to spiritual fruition.
Eden, The Garden, and The Two Trees (Part Three)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus' crucifixion took place outside the camp of Israel, just outside the border of the Garden of Eden, the general area where the Miphkad Altar stood.
Offerings (Part Six)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe sin offering was for sin in general deals with our evil nature, while the trespass offering deals with the fruits of that nature.
Offerings (Part One)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe burnt offering shows Christ giving Himself completely to God as God's portion. It represents a life fully devoted to God, which is what truly satisfies Him.
Hebrews (Part Fifteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWe dare not allow a root of bitterness to spring up in us as a result of trials - those burdens intended by God to strengthen us and perfect us.
Miriam: Prophetess and Leader
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingMiriam resembles every one of us as potential leaders. When she learned her lesson about pride, Miriam achieved the same exalted stature as Moses and Aaron.
Deuteronomy (Part 3) (1994)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe will not be prepared to rule in the Millennium unless we are experientially persuaded of God's faithfulness to His Covenant and His intolerance of evil.