Numbers 29:38

Include one male goat as a sin offering, in addition to the regular burnt offering with its grain offering and drink offering.

Study Bible

Include one male goat
The instruction to "include one male goat" as a sin offering is significant in the context of ancient Israelite worship. The Hebrew word for "goat" here is "sa'ir," which often refers to a hairy goat or a buck. In the sacrificial system, the male goat was frequently used as a sin offering, symbolizing the removal of sin and impurity from the community. This reflects the seriousness with which God views sin and the necessity of atonement. The choice of a male goat underscores the importance of strength and vitality in the offering, pointing to the need for a perfect and unblemished sacrifice.

as a sin offering
The term "sin offering" in Hebrew is "chatat," which denotes a sacrifice made specifically for atonement of unintentional sins. This offering was a crucial part of the sacrificial system, emphasizing the holiness of God and the need for His people to be cleansed from sin. The sin offering served as a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, according to Christian belief, became the perfect sin offering for humanity. This highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan throughout Scripture.

in addition to the regular burnt offering
The phrase "in addition to the regular burnt offering" indicates that the sin offering was not to replace the daily sacrifices but to complement them. The "regular burnt offering," or "olah" in Hebrew, was a continual offering made every morning and evening, symbolizing the people's ongoing dedication and worship to God. This regularity underscores the importance of consistent devotion and the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty in daily life. The addition of the sin offering signifies the layered complexity of worship and atonement in the Old Testament, pointing to the comprehensive nature of God's provision for sin.

with its grain offering
The "grain offering," or "minchah" in Hebrew, was a tribute offering made of fine flour, oil, and frankincense. It accompanied the burnt offering and represented the fruits of human labor and thanksgiving to God. The inclusion of the grain offering alongside the sin offering highlights the holistic nature of worship, where atonement for sin and gratitude for God's provision are intertwined. This reflects the biblical principle that true worship involves both repentance and thanksgiving.

and drink offering
The "drink offering," or "nesek" in Hebrew, was a libation of wine poured out in worship. It symbolized the pouring out of one's life in service and devotion to God. The drink offering, when combined with the burnt and grain offerings, created a complete sacrificial act, representing the totality of worship—spirit, soul, and body. This comprehensive approach to offerings in the Old Testament points to the New Testament call for believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, wholly dedicated to God (Romans 12:1).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received the laws and instructions from God, including the sacrificial system outlined in Numbers.

2. Israelites
The people of God who were given these specific instructions for worship and atonement.

3. Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the divine presence, where these offerings were made.

4. Sin Offering
A specific type of sacrifice made to atone for sin, highlighting the need for purification and forgiveness.

5. Feast of Tabernacles
The context of this verse, which is part of the instructions for offerings during this important festival.

Teaching Points

The Necessity of Atonement
The sin offering underscores humanity's need for atonement and reconciliation with God. It reminds us of the seriousness of sin and the provision God has made for forgiveness.

The Role of Sacrifice in Worship
Sacrifices were central to Israelite worship, symbolizing dedication and obedience to God. Today, our worship involves offering our lives as living sacrifices, wholly devoted to God.

Christ as the Fulfillment of the Sacrificial System
The repeated offerings in the Old Testament point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law and provided a once-for-all atonement for sin.

The Importance of Obedience
The detailed instructions for offerings highlight the importance of obedience to God's commands. Our obedience today is a reflection of our love and reverence for God.

Community and Corporate Worship
The communal aspect of these offerings reminds us of the importance of gathering together as a body of believers to worship and seek God's presence.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of a sin offering in Numbers 29:38 help us understand the gravity of sin and the need for atonement?

2. In what ways does the sacrificial system in the Old Testament point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ?

3. How can we apply the principle of offering sacrifices to our lives today, as described in Romans 12:1?

4. What does the detailed nature of the sacrificial instructions teach us about the importance of obedience in our relationship with God?

5. How can we incorporate the communal aspect of worship seen in the Israelite sacrificial system into our modern-day church practices?

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 making intercession for the people.

Hebrews 10
Discusses the insufficiency of animal sacrifices and points to Christ as the ultimate and final sin offering.

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