Numbers 7:68

one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense;

Study Bible

one male goat
The phrase "one male goat" refers to a specific type of animal offering that was common in the sacrificial system of ancient Israel. The Hebrew word for "goat" is "sa'ir," which often denotes a hairy or shaggy goat, a common animal in the pastoral life of the Israelites. The choice of a male goat is significant, as it was considered a valuable offering, representing strength and vitality. In the context of the sacrificial system, the male goat was often used for sin offerings, symbolizing the transfer of sin from the people to the animal, which would then be sacrificed to atone for those sins. This reflects the seriousness with which sin was regarded and the necessity of atonement in maintaining a right relationship with God.

for a sin offering
The term "sin offering" comes from the Hebrew word "chatta'ah," which means "sin" or "sin offering." This type of offering was instituted by God as a means for the Israelites to atone for unintentional sins and to cleanse themselves from impurity. The sin offering was a crucial part of the sacrificial system, emphasizing the holiness of God and the need for His people to be purified from sin. The offering of a male goat as a sin offering underscores the gravity of sin and the costliness of atonement. It points forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, as the Lamb of God, took upon Himself the sins of the world, providing a once-for-all atonement for sin. This sacrificial system foreshadows the redemptive work of Christ, highlighting the continuity of God's plan for salvation throughout the Scriptures.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Tribe of Ephraim
This verse is part of the offerings brought by the leaders of the tribes of Israel during the dedication of the altar. The tribe of Ephraim, represented by its leader, is one of the tribes making an offering.

2. Sin Offering
The male goat mentioned in this verse is designated as a sin offering, a significant aspect of the sacrificial system in the Old Testament, symbolizing atonement and purification from sin.

3. Tabernacle Dedication
The context of this verse is the dedication of the Tabernacle, a central place of worship for the Israelites, where God’s presence dwelt among His people.

Teaching Points

Understanding Sin Offerings
The sin offering in the Old Testament was a tangible reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement. It points us to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law and provided a once-for-all atonement for sin.

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, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1).

The Importance of Repentance
The sin offering underscores the necessity of repentance and seeking forgiveness. As believers, we are called to regularly examine our hearts, confess our sins, and rely on God’s grace for cleansing and renewal.

Community and Worship
The collective offerings of the tribes during the Tabernacle dedication highlight the communal aspect of worship. As a church, we are called to come together in unity, supporting one another in our spiritual journeys.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of a sin offering in Numbers 7:68 help us understand the nature of sin and the need for atonement?

2. In what ways does the dedication of the Tabernacle reflect the importance of setting apart sacred spaces and times for worship in our lives today?

3. How can we apply the principle of offering sacrifices to God in our modern context, considering Romans 12:1?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that our worship remains sincere and focused on God, rather than merely ritualistic?

5. How does understanding the communal aspect of the offerings in Numbers 7 encourage us to engage more deeply with our church community?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 4
This chapter provides detailed instructions on sin offerings, emphasizing the importance of atonement and the role of sacrifices in maintaining a right relationship with God.

Hebrews 10
This New Testament passage discusses the insufficiency of animal sacrifices and points to Christ as the ultimate and perfect sacrifice for sin.

1 John 1:9
This verse highlights the ongoing need for confession and forgiveness, connecting the Old Testament practice of sin offerings to the New Testament understanding of forgiveness through Christ.