Numbers 7:40
One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
The sin offering required confession of specific sins when known, or general acknowledgment of defilement when the specific sin was unclear. This practice maintained humility and prevented presumption. The consistent need for sin offerings taught Israel that access to God always required acknowledgment of sin and trust in substitutionary atonement.
Questions for Reflection
- How does ongoing confession of sin coexist with confidence in complete forgiveness?
- What does the placement of sin offerings before fellowship offerings teach about approaching God?
- In what ways does acknowledging sin enhance rather than diminish Christian joy?
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Analysis & Commentary
The kid of the goats for sin offering continues to address sin even in joyful dedication. This repetition emphasizes that confronting sin is not negative or pessimistic but realistic and necessary. We cannot celebrate reconciliation without acknowledging the sin that necessitated it. The sin offering doesn't dampen celebration but makes it possible. The Reformed doctrine that assurance of salvation includes ongoing conviction of sin is reflected here—we simultaneously rejoice in forgiveness and acknowledge ongoing sin.