Numbers 7:34
One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
The regular sin offering taught Israel that sin's consequences couldn't be ignored or minimized. Each offering required the shedding of blood, reinforcing that sin's penalty is death and only substitutionary death could atone. The accumulation of sin offerings throughout Israel's history pointed forward to the need for a final, perfect sacrifice.
Questions for Reflection
- How does ongoing confession of sin differ from doubting the completeness of Christ's atonement?
- What does the repeated nature of sin offerings teach about the Christian's battle with sin?
- In what ways does regular confession of sin keep us humble and dependent on grace?
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Analysis & Commentary
The kid of the goats for sin offering addresses the ongoing reality that even redeemed people continue to sin and need atonement. The repeated sin offering day after day throughout the dedication emphasizes that dealing with sin is not a one-time event but an ongoing necessity. This prefigures the Christian life where we continually confess sin and receive forgiveness, not because Christ's sacrifice was insufficient but because our need is ongoing. The Reformed emphasis on progressive sanctification is relevant here.