Numbers 29:31
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Numbers 29:31
31 And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, 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 hope, sacrifice, fellowship. 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 provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. 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 29:31
31 And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering.
Analysis
One goat for a sin offering—The sixth repetition of this phrase in the Tabernacles liturgy (vv. 5, 11, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, 34, 38) underscores the relentless need for atonement. The chatat goat was not incidental but central—beside the continual burnt offering anchored each day's elaborate ritual in the reality of human sinfulness.
The daily sin offering during a joyful harvest festival reveals a profound theological truth: celebration before a holy God requires covering. This dual emphasis on joy and atonement finds fulfillment in Christ, through whom believers "rejoice with joy unspeakable" (1 Peter 1:8) because our sins are fully covered.
Historical Context
Unlike the Yom Kippur sin offering (Leviticus 16), which involved elaborate ceremonies and the high priest entering the Holy of Holies, the daily festival sin offerings were routine priestly duties. Yet both testified to the same need: sinful people require mediation to approach God.
Reflection
- How do you balance joyful celebration of God's blessings with sober awareness of your ongoing need for grace?
- What does the "beside the continual burnt offering" pattern teach about layering special devotion on regular spiritual disciplines?
- How does the repetitive nature of sin offerings throughout the festival deepen your gratitude for Christ's once-for-all atonement?
Word Studies
- Sin: חַטָּאת (Chatta'ah) H2403 - Sin, missing the mark