Numbers 29:22
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Numbers 29:22
22 And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering.
Chapter Context
Numbers 29 is a mixed narrative and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, salvation, obedience. 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 demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. 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 29:22
22 And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering.
Analysis
One goat for a sin offering—Day three's chatat uses sa'ir (שָׂעִיר, male goat) rather than se'ir, though meaning is identical. The goat, commonly used for sin offerings (Leviticus 4:23, 9:3, 16:9), symbolized sin-bearing, contrasted with lambs representing innocence.
The goat/lamb distinction illuminated Christ's dual typology: the lamb led to slaughter (Isaiah 53:7, John 1:29) and the scapegoat bearing iniquity into wilderness (Leviticus 16:21-22). Each day's single goat reminded Israel that atonement was always necessary, even during joyful celebration.
Historical Context
Goats, hardier than sheep, thrived in Judea's rocky terrain. Their use in sin offerings may reflect their association with wilderness (scapegoat sent to Azazel) versus sheep's pastoral domesticity. Priestly manuals specified age, gender, and type of animal for each offering category.
Reflection
- Why did God designate goats rather than lambs for most sin offerings, and what does this teach about atonement's nature?
- How does the daily sin offering's regularity challenge the presumption that spiritual maturity eliminates the need for confession?
Word Studies
- Sin: חַטָּאת (Chatta'ah) H2403 - Sin, missing the mark