Numbers 29:5
And one kid of the goats for a sin offering, to make an atonement for you:
Original Language Analysis
עִזִּ֥ים
of the goats
H5795
עִזִּ֥ים
of the goats
Strong's:
H5795
Word #:
2 of 6
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 6
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
Historical Context
The seventh month (Tishri) was the most solemn in Israel's calendar, marked by Trumpets (summons), Atonement (judgment), and Tabernacles (joy). This progression from warning to forgiveness to celebration mirrors the gospel: conviction of sin, atonement through Christ, and joy of salvation. Paul's description of salvation in Romans 5:1-11 follows this same pattern: justification (atonement) leads to peace and rejoicing.
Questions for Reflection
- Why would even a New Year's celebration (Trumpets) require a sin offering?
- How does the repetitive nature of Old Testament sacrifices highlight Christ's once for all finality?
- What does the movement from Trumpets (warning) to Atonement (cleansing) to Tabernacles (joy) teach about spiritual life?
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Analysis & Commentary
And one kid of the goats for a sin offering, to make an atonement—again, the chattat (חַטָּאת) sin offering accompanies even the joyful Feast of Trumpets. Every festival required atonement, underscoring human sinfulness as a perpetual condition requiring constant remedy. The goat kid (שְׂעִיר, se'ir) was appropriate for sin offerings due to its lesser economic value than bulls or rams, making atonement accessible across economic classes.
The annual Day of Atonement (nine days after Trumpets) would employ two goats—one sacrificed, one sent into the wilderness bearing Israel's sins (Leviticus 16). But even on days leading up to Yom Kippur, daily atonement continued. This rhythm demonstrates that forgiveness is not earned by one dramatic act but received through persistent faith in God's provision. Christ's sacrifice ended the repetition by being once for all (ἐφάπαξ, ephapax—Hebrews 7:27; 9:12; 10:10).