Numbers 29:11
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Numbers 29:11
11 One kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the sin offering of atonement, and the continual burnt offering, and the meat offering of it, and their drink offerings.
Chapter Context
Numbers 29 is a mixed narrative and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, faith, 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 21-40: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. 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 29:11
11 One kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the sin offering of atonement, and the continual burnt offering, and the meat offering of it, and their drink offerings.
Analysis
One kid of the goats for a sin offering (שְׂעִיר חַטָּאת, se'ir chatat)—This additional chatat supplemented Leviticus 16's elaborate Day of Atonement ritual with its twin goats (scapegoat and sacrificed goat). The multiplicity of sin offerings underscored sin's pervasiveness and the inadequacy of animal blood (Hebrews 10:4).
Beside the sin offering of atonement—Literally 'besides the chatat ha-kippurim' (the sin offering of coverings/atonements). This language distinguished the special Yom Kippur goat whose blood entered the Holy of Holies from this supplementary offering, layering atoning blood for comprehensive cleansing.
Historical Context
Written for second-generation wilderness Israelites (Numbers 1:1), this passage anticipated temple worship. The 'continual burnt offering' (olat ha-tamid) referenced the twice-daily lamb sacrifice established in Exodus 29:38-42, never to cease even on the holiest day.
Reflection
- Why did God require multiple sin offerings on Yom Kippur, and what does this reveal about sin's seriousness?
- How do these layered Old Testament atonements magnify the sufficiency of Christ's once-for-all sacrifice?
Word Studies
- Sin: חַטָּאת (Chatta'ah) H2403 - Sin, missing the mark
Cross-References
- Sin: Leviticus 16:3, 16:5