Numbers 7:34
one male goat for a sin offering;
one male goat
The phrase "one male goat" refers to the specific animal chosen for the sin offering. In Hebrew, the word for goat is "sa'ir," which often denotes a hairy or shaggy goat. The selection of a male goat is significant in the sacrificial system of ancient Israel. Male goats were commonly used in offerings due to their value and symbolism. In the context of the sin offering, the male goat represents the substitutionary atonement for sin, pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who bore the sins of humanity. The choice of a single goat underscores the personal and individual nature of atonement, reminding believers of the personal relationship each person must have with God.

for a sin offering
The term "sin offering" in Hebrew is "chatta'ah," which signifies an offering made to atone for sin. This offering was a crucial part of the Levitical sacrificial system, designed to restore the relationship between the Israelites and God when they had transgressed His commandments. The sin offering was not merely a ritualistic act but a profound expression of repentance and the need for divine forgiveness. It foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, as the Lamb of God, took upon Himself the sins of the world. The sin offering in Numbers 7:34 serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the grace of God in providing a means for reconciliation. It calls believers to a life of holiness and gratitude for the redemptive work of Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received the instructions from God regarding the offerings.

2. Israelites
The people of God who were commanded to bring offerings for the dedication of the altar.

3. Tabernacle
The sacred place where the Israelites worshiped God and where the offerings were made.

4. Tribe of Ephraim
The tribe responsible for bringing the offering on this particular day.

5. Sin Offering
A specific type of offering made to atone for sin, symbolizing purification and reconciliation with God.
Teaching Points
Understanding the Sin Offering
The sin offering in Numbers 7:34 symbolizes the need for atonement and purification. It reminds us of the seriousness of sin and the necessity of seeking God's forgiveness.

The Role of Sacrifice in Worship
Sacrifices were central to Israelite worship, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Reflect on how Christ's sacrifice fulfills the Old Testament sacrificial system.

The Importance of Obedience
The Israelites' obedience in bringing the prescribed offerings demonstrates the importance of following God's commands. Consider how obedience to God is a form of worship today.

Community and Worship
Each tribe's participation in the offerings highlights the communal aspect of worship. Reflect on how we can engage in communal worship and support one another in our faith journeys.

Christ as Our Sin Offering
Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of the sin offering, providing complete atonement for our sins. Embrace the freedom and forgiveness found in Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of a sin offering in Numbers 7:34 help us understand the nature of sin and the need for atonement?

2. In what ways does the sin offering in the Old Testament point to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ in the New Testament?

3. How can we apply the principle of obedience demonstrated by the Israelites in our daily walk with God?

4. What role does community play in our worship today, and how can we foster a sense of communal worship in our church or small group?

5. Reflect on the significance of Jesus as our sin offering. How does this understanding impact your personal relationship with God and your approach to repentance and forgiveness?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 4
Provides detailed instructions on the sin offering, emphasizing its role in atonement and purification.

Hebrews 9
Discusses the limitations of Old Testament sacrifices and points to Christ as the ultimate sin offering.

1 John 1:9
Highlights the ongoing need for confession and forgiveness, connecting the concept of sin offerings to New Testament teachings on repentance.
The Free-Will Offering of the PrincesE.S. Prout Numbers 7:1-88
The Princes and Their Princely OfferingW. Binnie Numbers 7:1-89
Communion with GodNumbers 7:10-89
Communion with GodNumbers 7:10-89
Indications of the IncarnationHenry, MatthewNumbers 7:10-89
Rich Givers and Rich GiftsHenry, MatthewNumbers 7:10-89
Such as have Greatest Blessings and GiftsW. Attersoll.Numbers 7:10-89
The Condescension of God, and the Privileges of ManW. Jones.Numbers 7:10-89
The Ear of the HeartNumbers 7:10-89
The Princes' Offerings for the Dedication of the AltarW. Jones.Numbers 7:10-89
The Speech of the Divine SpiritProfessor Gess.Numbers 7:10-89
The Support of Religious InstitutionsD. Lloyd.Numbers 7:10-89
People
Aaron, Abidan, Ahiezer, Ahira, Ammihud, Amminadab, Ammishaddai, Asher, Benjamin, Dan, Deuel, Eliab, Eliasaph, Elishama, Elizur, Enan, Gad, Gamaliel, Gershon, Gershonites, Gideoni, Helon, Issachar, Ithamar, Kohath, Levites, Manasseh, Merari, Merarites, Moses, Nahshon, Naphtali, Nethaneel, Ocran, Pagiel, Pedahzur, Reuben, Reuel, Shedeur, Shelumiel, Simeon, Zebulun, Zuar, Zurishaddai
Places
Sinai
Topics
Buck, Goat, Goats, Kid, Male, Offering, Sin, Sin-offering
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Numbers 7:29

     7364   fellowship offering

Numbers 7:28-29

     4651   goat

Library
Separation and Service.
Numbers vi, vii. INTRODUCTORY. For many years these chapters had no special interest to me; but I have never ceased to be thankful that I was early led to read the Word of GOD in regular course: it was through this habit that these chapters first became specially precious to me. I was travelling on a missionary tour in the province of CHEH-KIANG, and had to pass the night in a very wicked town. All the inns were dreadful places; and the people seemed to have their consciences seared, and their hearts
James Hudson Taylor—Separation and Service

Our Lord's Prayer for his People's Sanctification
In this wonderful prayer, our Lord, as our great High Priest, appears to enter upon that perpetual office of intercession which he is now exercising at the right hand of the Father. Our Lord ever seemed, in the eagerness of his love, to be anticipating his work. Before he was set apart for his life-work, by the descent of the Holy Ghost upon him, he must needs be about his Father's business; before he finally suffered at the hands of cruel men, he had a baptism to be baptized with, and he was straitened
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 32: 1886

Prophecy.
PROPHECY. Isaiah iii. 13; liii. "Behold, my servant shall deal prudently; he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high. As many were astonished at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men: so shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider. Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?
William Paley—Evidences of Christianity

Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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