Numbers 7:46

one male goat for a sin offering;

Study Bible

one male goat
The phrase "one male goat" refers to a specific animal chosen for the sin offering. In Hebrew, the word for goat is "שָׂעִיר" (sa'ir), which often denotes a hairy or shaggy goat. The male goat was a common sacrificial animal in ancient Israelite worship, symbolizing strength and vitality. Historically, goats were abundant in the region and were used for various purposes, including milk, meat, and sacrificial offerings. The choice of a male goat for the sin offering underscores the importance of offering something valuable and significant to God, reflecting the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement.

for a sin offering
The term "sin offering" in Hebrew is "חַטָּאת" (chatta'ath), which signifies an offering made to atone for sin. The sin offering was a crucial part of the sacrificial system established by God for the Israelites, as detailed in Leviticus. It served as a means for the people to seek forgiveness and purification from their sins. Theologically, the sin offering points to the need for reconciliation with God and prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who is described in the New Testament as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). The sin offering highlights the gravity of sin and the necessity of a substitute to bear the penalty on behalf of the sinner, a concept fulfilled in the sacrificial death of Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The people of God who are receiving instructions for offerings and worship practices.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who is overseeing the dedication of the altar and the offerings brought by the leaders of the tribes.

3. The Tabernacle
The dwelling place of God among His people, where the offerings are being made.

4. The Leaders of the Tribes
Representatives from each tribe of Israel who bring offerings for the dedication of the altar.

5. The Male Goat
The animal specified for the sin offering, symbolizing atonement and purification.

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 reconciliation requires a sacrifice.

Symbolism of the Male Goat
The male goat as a sin offering symbolizes substitutionary atonement. It points forward to Jesus Christ, who became the ultimate sacrifice for our sins.

The Role of Leaders in Worship
The leaders of the tribes bringing offerings highlight the importance of leadership in guiding others in worship and obedience to God.

The Holiness of God
The detailed instructions for offerings reflect God's holiness and the need for His people to approach Him with reverence and purity.

Christ as Our Sin Offering
In the New Testament, Jesus is identified as the fulfillment of the sin offering, providing a once-for-all sacrifice that cleanses us from all unrighteousness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of a sin offering in Numbers 7:46 help us understand the seriousness of sin in our own lives?

2. In what ways does the role of the leaders in bringing offerings apply to spiritual leadership today?

3. How can we see the foreshadowing of Christ's sacrifice in the Old Testament sin offerings?

4. What does the requirement of a male goat for a sin offering teach us about God's expectations for purity and holiness?

5. How can we apply the principles of confession and atonement in our daily walk with God, as seen in 1 John 1:9?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 4
Provides detailed instructions on sin offerings, emphasizing the need for atonement and the role of the priest in making intercession for the people.

Hebrews 9
Discusses the limitations of Old Testament sacrifices and points to Christ as the ultimate sin offering, fulfilling the law and providing eternal redemption.

1 John 1:9
Highlights the ongoing need for confession and the assurance of forgiveness through Jesus Christ, our ultimate sin offering.