Numbers 7:64
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 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 "chatta'ah," 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 was designed to purify the people from their sins and restore their relationship with God. The sin offering was not just about the act of sacrifice but also about the heart of repentance and the desire for reconciliation with God. In the broader scriptural context, the sin offering foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, as the Lamb of God, takes away the sin of the world. This offering points to the need for a perfect and final atonement, fulfilled in Christ, emphasizing the grace and mercy of God in providing a way for humanity to be cleansed from sin.

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

2. Israelites
The people of God who are in the wilderness, receiving laws and instructions for worship.

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

4. Tribe of Naphtali
The tribe making the offering on this particular day, as part of the dedication of the altar.

5. Sin Offering
A specific type of sacrifice made to atone for sin, symbolizing purification and forgiveness.
Teaching Points
Understanding the Sin Offering
The sin offering in Numbers 7:64 symbolizes the need for atonement and purification from sin. It points to the seriousness of sin and the necessity of seeking God's forgiveness.

Christ as the Fulfillment
The sin offering foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who provides complete atonement for sin. Believers are called to trust in His finished work on the cross.

The Importance of Obedience
The Israelites' adherence to God's instructions for offerings demonstrates the importance of obedience in worship. Christians are encouraged to follow God's commands faithfully.

The Role of Confession and Repentance
Just as the sin offering required acknowledgment of sin, believers today are called to confess and repent, trusting in God's promise of forgiveness.

Community and Worship
The collective participation of the tribes in offering sacrifices highlights the communal aspect of worship. Christians are reminded of the importance of gathering together in worship and supporting one another in faith.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the sin offering in Numbers 7:64 reflect the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement?

2. In what ways does the sin offering point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, as described in the New Testament?

3. How can we apply the principles of obedience and faithfulness seen in the Israelites' offerings to our own lives today?

4. What role does confession and repentance play in our relationship with God, and how is this reflected in the practice of the sin offering?

5. How can we foster a sense of community and shared worship in our own church or faith community, drawing from the example of the Israelites' collective offerings?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 4
Provides detailed instructions on the sin offering, emphasizing its role in atonement and purification.

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

1 John 1:9
Highlights the promise of forgiveness and cleansing from sin through confession, connecting to the purpose of the sin offering.
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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