Charles Ellicott Commentary Leviticus 16:6

"And Aaron shall present the bullock of the sin-offering, which is for himself, and make atonement for himself, and for his house." — Leviticus 16:6 (ASV)

And Aaron shall offer. —It is better translated, And Aaron shall present, or bring near, as the word literally denotes (compare Leviticus 16:9, Leviticus 16:11, and other passages), since the actual offering or killing took place afterwards, when the lots for the goats had been cast, as described in Leviticus 16:11.

For himself, and for his house. —By this is meant that the atonement was for his own sins, for those of his family, and for all the priests, the sons of Aaron. The ritual at this pontifical sacrifice during the Second Temple was most solemn and impressive.

By the side of the victim, which was placed between the porch and the altar towards the east, stood the high priest, arrayed in his white robes, with his face towards the west.

In this attitude of a penitent sinner, the pontiff laid both his hands upon the sacrifice and confessed his sins in an audible voice in the sight of God and the assembled congregation as follows:

“O Lord, I have sinned, I have committed iniquity, I have transgressed before you, I and my house. O Lord, I beseech you, cover over my sins, iniquities, and transgressions which I have committed before you, I and my house, even as it is written in the Law of Moses your servant—For on that day He will cover over for you and cleanse you from all your sins,” etc.

To this the congregation replied: “Blessed be the name of His glorious kingdom for ever and ever.” Then the high priest repeated this confession a second time, including in it the children of Aaron, God’s holy people .