Numbers 28:22
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Numbers 28:22
22 And one goat for a sin offering, to make an atonement for you.
Chapter Context
Numbers 28 is a mixed narrative and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of love, sacrifice, wisdom. Written during Israel's wilderness period (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The wilderness journey occurred between Egypt's dominance and the Canaanite tribal systems.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-31: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Numbers and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Numbers 28:22
22 And one goat for a sin offering, to make an atonement for you.
Analysis
One goat for a sin offering, to make an atonement (שְׂעִיר־עִזִּים אֶחָד לְחַטָּאת לְכַפֵּר, se'ir-izzim echad lechattat lechaper)—the sin offering (חַטָּאת, chattat) dealt with unintentional sins and ritual impurity. The verb kaper (כָּפַר, "to atone") means "to cover" or "to purge." Even during joyful Passover celebrations, atonement remained necessary, acknowledging persistent human sinfulness requiring ongoing cleansing.
The goat's blood was applied to the altar, purifying the sacred space from contamination by human sin (Leviticus 16). This daily sin offering during Passover week anticipated Yom Kippur's comprehensive atonement. Hebrews 10:4 declares such blood could not actually remove sin but was a "reminder" (ἀνάμνησις, anamnesis) pointing to Christ, who by one offering perfected forever them that are sanctified (Hebrews 10:14).
Historical Context
The sin offering was introduced in the Mosaic law, distinct from older patriarchal sacrifices. It addressed Israel's covenant relationship, providing ritual means to restore fellowship broken by sin. In Jesus's sacrificial death, all categories—burnt offering (total consecration), sin offering (purification), peace offering (fellowship)—converge in one sufficient sacrifice.
Reflection
- Why would even a feast celebrating redemption (Passover) require ongoing sin offerings?
- How does the repeated need for atonement in the Old Testament highlight the sufficiency of Christ's once-for-all sacrifice?
- What does it mean that Christ serves as both the sacrifice and the High Priest offering it (Hebrews 9:11-14)?
Word Studies
- Sin: חַטָּאת (Chatta'ah) H2403 - Sin, missing the mark