Leviticus 16:9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The goat presented to God is dedicated to the Creator and Redeemer, the one who delivered the Hebrews from Egypt. Consequently, it is sacrificed to purify the sanctuary and everything within it, not from transgressions, as the sanctuary and its instruments do not share in sin, but from the impurities of the Israelites. These individuals frequently approach the sanctuary, whether knowingly or unknowingly, without having first purified themselves in accordance with the requirements of the law for cleanliness.

The burnt offering presented by the Hierarch serves as a cleansing sacrifice for transgressions, evoking the significant day when the priests of the spiritual temple, which is the Church, will be cleansed from all impurities and will partake in the highest gifts of grace. Meanwhile, those who are detached from salvation will be troubled by their separation from it. Against the Jews, 13