Numbers 7:52
One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
The Hebrew chatat (sin offering) appears over 50 times in Leviticus. Ancient Israel distinguished between intentional ('high-handed') sins requiring exile/death and unintentional sins requiring sacrifice. This system taught sin's seriousness while providing gracious provision for restoration. The goat's blood sprinkled on the altar satisfied divine justice.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the distinction between sin offerings (for unintentional sin) and capital punishment (for 'high-handed' sin) teach about the nature of repentance and presumption?
- How does the single goat for sin offering point toward the sufficiency of Christ's once-for-all sacrifice?
- In what ways does understanding sin offering as prerequisite for peace offering inform your approach to confession before worship?
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Analysis & Commentary
One kid of the goats for a sin offering (שְׂעִיר־עִזִּים לְחַטָּאת, se'ir-izim lechatat)—The sin offering (chatat) specifically atoned for unintentional sin and ritual uncleanness (Leviticus 4:1-5:13). Using a male goat (se'ir) rather than female (prescribed for individuals, Leviticus 4:28) reflected the prince's leadership status. The goat's role in atonement climaxes in Leviticus 16, where two goats on Yom Kippur—one sacrificed, one released—picture complete sin removal.
The singular one kid emphasizes sufficiency: a single sacrifice covered the tribe's guilt. This anticipates Hebrews 10:12: Christ 'offered one sacrifice for sins forever.' The chatat restored covenant relationship, making subsequent offerings (peace offerings) possible—reconciliation precedes fellowship.