Numbers 28:22 – “Include one male goat as a sin offering to make atonement for you.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Numbers 28:22 provides instructions for including a sin offering during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. This offering involved a male goat, which was presented to make atonement for the people. The sin offering was crucial because it specifically addressed the need for forgiveness and cleansing from sin. Unlike other offerings that symbolized dedication or gratitude, the sin offering focused on reconciliation between God and His people.
The male goat was sacrificed as a substitute, taking on the punishment that the people deserved for their sins. This offering was a clear reminder that sin creates a barrier between humans and God, but through the shedding of blood, atonement could be made. It was a regular and necessary part of the worship system that allowed the Israelites to maintain a right relationship with God, emphasizing the seriousness of sin and the need for God’s forgiveness.
Historical Context
The historical context of Numbers 28:22 is set within the broader instructions for the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which followed the Passover celebration. The inclusion of the sin offering during this feast served as a reminder of the Israelites’ continual need for forgiveness, even as they celebrated their deliverance from Egypt. It emphasized that while God had saved them from physical bondage, they still needed spiritual cleansing.
In the ancient world, sacrifices were a common way to deal with sin, and the Israelites were no exception. God’s law required regular sin offerings to atone for both intentional and unintentional sins. This particular offering of a male goat was a way for the entire community to acknowledge their sinfulness and seek God’s mercy. It was a crucial part of the sacrificial system that helped the people remain in fellowship with God.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Numbers 28:22 underscores the gravity of sin and the necessity of atonement. The sin offering teaches that sin cannot be ignored or brushed aside; it must be dealt with in a way that satisfies God’s righteous standards. This verse highlights the reality that forgiveness is costly—it requires a substitute to bear the penalty on behalf of the sinner.
This verse also reminds us that God provides a means for forgiveness, demonstrating His mercy even in the face of human failure. The sin offering points to the ongoing need for repentance and the importance of coming before God with humility. It’s a powerful illustration of God’s desire to restore His people and maintain a relationship with them, even when they fall short.
Literary Analysis
Numbers 28:22 is concise but powerful, focusing on the specific inclusion of a male goat for a sin offering. The command is direct: “Include one male goat as a sin offering to make atonement for you.” This language emphasizes the necessity of the offering and the purpose it serves—to make atonement. The straightforward nature of this command reflects the seriousness with which God views sin and the clear remedy He provides.
The placement of this verse within the broader section of sacrifices during the Feast of Unleavened Bread ties together the themes of deliverance and repentance. The inclusion of the sin offering alongside other sacrifices shows that even in times of celebration, the need for forgiveness remains central. It serves as a sobering reminder that worship involves both celebration and confession.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Leviticus 4:27-31 – Provides detailed instructions for individual sin offerings, highlighting the process of atonement through the sacrifice of a goat.
- Hebrews 9:22 – States that without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness, reinforcing the necessity of the sin offering.
- 1 John 1:9 – Reminds us that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive, connecting the Old Testament practice of atonement to God’s ongoing promise of forgiveness.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Numbers 28:22 serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for regular confession and repentance. While we no longer offer animal sacrifices, the principle behind the sin offering remains relevant. This verse challenges us to be honest about our sin, to come before God seeking His forgiveness, and to rely on the atonement He provides.
The sin offering also teaches us about the importance of humility in worship. It’s a call to recognize our need for God’s mercy and to approach Him with a repentant heart. Just as the Israelites needed the sin offering to stay in fellowship with God, we need to regularly address our own sinfulness, trusting in God’s grace to cleanse and restore us.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Numbers 28:22 reflects God’s love in providing a way for His people to find forgiveness and remain in fellowship with Him. The sin offering was not just a ritual; it was a tangible expression of God’s mercy. By including this offering in the worship practices of His people, God was showing that He desires reconciliation and is willing to make a way for His people to be cleansed.
God’s love is evident in how He does not leave His people in their sin but provides a clear path to atonement. The requirement of the sin offering demonstrates God’s justice but also His deep desire for restoration. It’s a powerful reminder that God’s heart is always inclined toward forgiveness and that He longs to bring His people back into a right relationship with Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse directly connects to Jesus Christ, who is described as the ultimate sin offering. While the Old Testament required repeated sacrifices, Jesus’ death on the cross was the final, once-for-all atonement for sin. Hebrews 10:12 tells us that Christ offered one sacrifice for sins forever, fulfilling the need for the sin offerings described in the Old Testament.
Jesus, often referred to as the Lamb of God, took on the role of the sin offering, bearing the weight of our sins and reconciling us to God. Through His perfect sacrifice, we receive complete forgiveness and are no longer bound by the need for repeated offerings. Christ’s atonement provides the ultimate solution to the problem of sin, allowing us to live in the freedom and grace that He secured.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How can you regularly address sin in your life, making confession and repentance a part of your relationship with God?
- What does it mean to you that God provided a way for atonement, both in the Old Testament and through Christ?
- How does understanding the significance of the sin offering deepen your appreciation for Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross?
- In what ways can you live in gratitude for the forgiveness that Christ provides, reflecting His mercy in your daily actions?
This passage calls us to take sin seriously, to seek God’s forgiveness regularly, and to live in the freedom that comes from being reconciled to Him. It reminds us that through Christ, the ultimate sin offering, we are made right with God and can live in the light of His grace.