Leviticus 16:8

Cast lots. This was done by placing two inscribed objects in an urn or other receptacle, and then drawing them out. Thus the selection was left to God. In early times these lots were made of wood and inscribed, one for the Lord, the other for “the scapegoat.” Later, they were made of more precious materials, even of gold. According to the Talmud, the goats were to be as nearly alike as possible. To avoid any mistake after lots were cast, a scarlet cord was placed around the horns of the scapegoat, and about the neck of the Lord’s goat. This clearly distinguished them.

The scapegoat. Some theologians think both goats are symbolic of Christ, and that they represent two phases of His atoning work. Not a few, however, believe that they represent two opposing forces, and that as the one is for the Lord, the other is for Satan.

Most versions leave the Hebrew word for scapegoat, ‘azazel, untranslated, since there is no unanimity of opinion in regard to its meaning. Many modern scholars hold, with the Jews, that Azazel denotes a personal, wicked, superhuman spirit, and nearly all agree that its root meaning is, “one who removes,” “a remover,” specifically, one who removes “by a series of acts.” Others suggest that it is a combination of ‘ez, “goat,” and ‘azal, “to go away,” “to depart.”

As one goat is for the Lord, a personal Being, so the other goat must also be for a personal being; and as they are evidently antithetical, the most consistent view would be that Azazel stands in opposition to the Lord, and hence can be no other than Satan.