Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

The locus of ritual meaning -- The system of tajf rituals -- Outer-altar purification offerings -- Outer-sanctum purification offerings -- Purification-offering flesh : prebend or expiation -- Purification offering : purgation of sanctuary or offerer? -- Pollution of the sanctuary : aerial or only by direct contact? -- Blood or ash water : detergent, metaphorical carrier agent, or means of passage? -- The scope of expiability -- Inner-sanctum purification offerings -- The purification ritual of Azazel's goat -- Two major phases of ritual -- Trajectories of evils -- Divine justice and the cost of kindness -- Divine presence and theodicy -- Loyalty and royalty in Hebrew narrative -- Yearly accountability in Mesopotamian cult.