Numbers 28:15

In addition to the regular burnt offering with its drink offering, one male goat is to be presented to the LORD as a sin offering.

Study Bible

And one male goat
The Hebrew word for "male goat" is "שָׂעִיר" (sa'ir), which often signifies a hairy or shaggy goat. In the context of ancient Israelite sacrificial practices, the male goat was a common sin offering, symbolizing the removal of sin and impurity. The choice of a male goat underscores the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement. Historically, goats were abundant in the region, making them accessible for offerings. The male goat, being robust and strong, represents the strength needed to bear the weight of sin.

is to be presented
The act of presenting, or "קָרַב" (qarab) in Hebrew, implies drawing near or approaching. This word conveys the idea of coming into the presence of God with reverence and intentionality. The presentation of the offering is not a mere ritual but a profound act of worship and submission. It reflects the heart's desire to reconcile with God and seek His favor. In the broader scriptural context, presenting offerings was a way for the Israelites to maintain a covenant relationship with God.

as a sin offering
The term "sin offering" is translated from the Hebrew "חַטָּאת" (chatta'ah), which denotes an offering made to atone for sin. This offering was essential for the purification of the people, acknowledging human fallibility and the need for divine forgiveness. The sin offering was a crucial part of the sacrificial system, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who would take away the sins of the world. It highlights the gravity of sin and the necessity of atonement in maintaining holiness before God.

to the LORD
The phrase "to the LORD" emphasizes the direction and purpose of the offering. The Hebrew name for the LORD here is "יְהוָה" (YHWH), the covenant name of God, signifying His eternal and unchanging nature. Offerings were made to the LORD as an act of obedience and devotion, recognizing His sovereignty and holiness. This phrase reminds believers that all acts of worship and sacrifice are ultimately directed towards God, who is worthy of all honor and praise.

in addition to the regular burnt offering
The "regular burnt offering," or "עֹלָה" (olah), was a continual offering made daily, symbolizing the people's ongoing dedication and commitment to God. The addition of the sin offering to the regular burnt offering signifies the comprehensive nature of worship, which includes both atonement for sin and expressions of devotion. This practice underscores the importance of consistency in worship and the need for both repentance and dedication in the believer's life.

and its drink offering
The "drink offering," or "נֶסֶךְ" (nesek), was a libation poured out in conjunction with other offerings. It represents the outpouring of one's life and resources in service to God. The inclusion of the drink offering with the burnt and sin offerings illustrates the fullness of worship, involving both tangible sacrifices and symbolic acts of devotion. This practice reflects the holistic nature of worship, where every aspect of life is offered to God in gratitude and reverence.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The people of God to whom the laws and offerings were given.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received the laws from God and communicated them to the people.

3. The Tabernacle
The place where the Israelites performed their sacrifices and offerings to God.

4. The Sin Offering
A specific type of offering made to atone for sin, symbolizing repentance and seeking forgiveness.

5. The LORD (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, who established the covenant and the sacrificial system.

Teaching Points

The Necessity of Atonement
The sin offering underscores the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement. It reminds us that sin separates us from God and requires a sacrifice for reconciliation.

Symbolism of the Sacrifice
The male goat as a sin offering symbolizes the transfer of sin and the need for purity. It points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who bore our sins on the cross.

Regularity in Worship
The inclusion of the sin offering with the regular burnt offering highlights the importance of consistent and regular worship practices. It encourages believers to maintain a disciplined spiritual life.

Repentance and Forgiveness
The sin offering is a call to repentance and a reminder of God's provision for forgiveness. It challenges us to examine our hearts and seek God's mercy continually.

Christ as the Fulfillment
The sacrificial system finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the perfect and final sin offering. This truth calls us to place our faith in Him and live in the freedom of His grace.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of a sin offering in Numbers 28:15 help us understand the nature of sin and its consequences?

2. In what ways does the regularity of the offerings in Numbers 28 encourage us to develop consistent spiritual disciplines in our lives?

3. How can we apply the principle of repentance and seeking forgiveness in our daily walk with God, as illustrated by the sin offering?

4. What are some practical ways we can offer ourselves as living sacrifices, as encouraged in Romans 12:1, in light of the sacrificial system?

5. How does understanding Jesus as the ultimate sin offering impact our view of forgiveness and grace in our relationship with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 4
Provides detailed instructions on the sin offering, emphasizing the need for atonement and the role of the priest in the sacrificial system.

Hebrews 10
Discusses the insufficiency of animal sacrifices and points to Christ as the ultimate and perfect sacrifice for sin.

Psalm 51
Highlights the importance of a contrite heart and genuine repentance, which the sin offering symbolizes.

Romans 12:1
Encourages believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the sacrificial system as a form of worship.

1 John 1:9
Stresses the importance of confession and God's faithfulness in forgiving sins, reflecting the purpose of the sin offering.