Abstract

Research on the atonement ritual in Lev 16 has largely focussed on the question of its origin and whether the term עזאזל, which appears therein, refers to a demonic entity. This note takes the finished text by P, who seems not to have believed in the power of the demonic, and argues that the ritual, as described by P, cleanses Israel (understood as a microcosm of creation) of sin (understood as chaos), and removes it not just outside the camp, but outside creation itself into the chaotic area of the wilderness. This act at once removes chaos contamination from Israel, puts chaos in its proper place, and nullifies it.