What the Bible says about Male Goat
(From Forerunner Commentary)
The male goat represents strong-mindedness, singleness of purpose, and leadership rather than following. Interestingly, Scripture does not view the goat in nearly as good a light as a sheep. Perhaps this is so because people who exercise these characteristics are frequently offensive to their brethren and tend to go off in their own direction in their drive to achieve their goals. Unfortunately, a great deal of ego often accompanies leadership and initiative.
First, let us look at the good side. Jeremiah 50:8 contains this curious command to those living in Babylon. "Move from the midst of Babylon, go out of the land of the Chaldeans; and be like the rams [margin, male goats] before the flocks." Proverbs 30:29-31 from the NIV helps explain. "There are three things that are stately in their stride, four that move with stately bearing: a lion, mighty among beasts, who retreats before nothing; a strutting rooster, a he-goat, and a king with his army around him." The imagery of a he-goat in its positive sense is of leadership. If it is among a flock of sheep, it assumes command. Along with this is a sense of dignity, stately bearing, and undaunted courage—but also a strong inclination toward haughtiness.
We see the downside of the goat imagery in Matthew 25:33, 41 where Christ rejects the goats, representing people.
John W. Ritenbaugh
The Offerings of Leviticus (Part Two): The Burnt OfferingRelated Topics: Dignity | Ego | Goat | Goat as Metaphor | Goats, Characteristics of | Haughtiness | Leadership | Offering, Burnt | Sheep | Singleness Of Purpose