Numbers 29:16
And one kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering.
Original Language Analysis
עִזִּ֥ים
of the goats
H5795
עִזִּ֥ים
of the goats
Strong's:
H5795
Word #:
2 of 9
a she-goat (as strong), but masculine in plural (which also is used elliptically for goat's hair)
חַטָּ֑את
for a sin offering
H2403
חַטָּ֑את
for a sin offering
Strong's:
H2403
Word #:
4 of 9
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
מִלְּבַד֙
H905
מִלְּבַד֙
Strong's:
H905
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
עֹלַ֣ת
burnt offering
H5930
עֹלַ֣ת
burnt offering
Strong's:
H5930
Word #:
6 of 9
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
הַתָּמִ֔יד
beside the continual
H8548
הַתָּמִ֔יד
beside the continual
Strong's:
H8548
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re
Historical Context
The tamid lamb, first prescribed in Exodus 29:38-42, was Israel's most fundamental offering, maintaining covenant relationship. Even during Sukkot's extravagance, it continued unchanged. After the temple's 70 AD destruction, its cessation devastated Jewish worship, for Daniel had prophesied Messiah would 'cause the sacrifice to cease' (Daniel 9:27).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the daily sin offering during a joyful feast challenge 'prosperity gospel' theology that downplays ongoing repentance?
- What does the continual burnt offering's perpetuity teach about the need for constant worship, not merely seasonal enthusiasm?
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Analysis & Commentary
One kid of the goats for a sin offering—The single chatat daily throughout Sukkot acknowledged that even joyful harvest celebration occurred among sinners needing atonement. No festival exempted Israel from confronting sin. The juxtaposition of abundant burnt offerings (expressing worship) with the sin offering (confessing guilt) balanced joy with sobriety.
Beside the continual burnt offering (olat ha-tamid)—The twice-daily lamb (morning and evening) never ceased, even during festivals. This perpetual sacrifice symbolized uninterrupted communion with God, later fulfilled in Christ's eternal priesthood (Hebrews 7:25) and believers' unceasing access to the throne (Hebrews 4:16).