Leviticus 16:8 in the King James Version reads: "And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the Lord, and the other lot for the scapegoat."

This verse is part of a larger passage that details the instructions for the Day of Atonement, a time of purification and reconciliation for the Israelites. The Day of Atonement was the holiest day of the year in the Jewish calendar, and it was a time when the high priest would make atonement for the sins of the people and the sanctuary.

In this verse, Aaron, the high priest, is instructed to take two goats and cast lots upon them. One goat is chosen for the Lord, to be sacrificed as a sin offering, and the other goat is chosen as the scapegoat, which is sent into the wilderness to carry away the sins of the people.

The casting of lots was a common practice in ancient Israel and was often used to discern the will of God. By casting lots, the Israelites believed they were allowing God to make the decision for them, and this practice added an element of divine intervention to the selection process.

The symbolism in this verse is rich and multi-layered. The two goats represent the dual nature of the atonement process. The goat chosen for the Lord symbolizes the shedding of blood and the offering of a sacrifice to atone for the sins of the people. This sacrificial act was a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who would fulfill the role of the sacrificial lamb as the once and for all atonement for sin.

The scapegoat, on the other hand, represents the removal of sin from the community. The high priest would lay his hands on the scapegoat and confess the sins of the people, transferring their guilt onto the goat. Then the goat would be sent away into the wilderness, carrying the sins of the people with it. This act symbolizes the removal and eradication of sin, and the separation of the people from their transgressions.

The casting of lots also carries symbolic weight. By leaving the decision of which goat would be designated for the Lord and which would be the scapegoat to chance, the Israelites were surrendering their will to the divine. This act of surrender reflects the idea of submission to God's authority and acknowledging His sovereignty over all things.

The overarching theme of Leviticus 16:8 is the concept of atonement and restoration. The Day of Atonement was a time for the Israelites to seek forgiveness for their sins, both individual and communal, and to be reconciled with God. The rituals and symbols associated with the Day of Atonement served as a potent reminder of the need for atonement and the gravity of sin, as well as the hope for redemption and restoration.

From a contextual standpoint, this verse is situated within the broader framework of the Mosaic Law, which governed the religious and moral life of the Israelites. The regulations and rituals outlined in the book of Leviticus were designed to establish a relationship between God and His people, and to provide a framework for holiness and righteousness.

In conclusion, Leviticus 16:8 is a pivotal verse that encapsulates the profound themes and symbolism of atonement, sacrifice, and divine intervention. It reminds us of the need for forgiveness and reconciliation, as well as the hope for a sinless future. The casting of lots, the selection of the goats, and the act of atonement all point towards the coming of Jesus Christ as the ultimate and perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world. This verse serves as a poignant reminder of the grace and mercy of God, and the profound significance of the atoning work of Christ.