Numbers 29:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Numbers 29:5
5 And one kid of the goats for a sin offering, to make an atonement for you:
Chapter Context
Numbers 29 is a mixed narrative and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of mercy, sacrifice, creation. 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 reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. 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 29:5
5 And one kid of the goats for a sin offering, to make an atonement for you:
Analysis
And one kid of the goats for a sin offering, to make an atonement—again, the chattat (חַטָּאת) sin offering accompanies even the joyful Feast of Trumpets. Every festival required atonement, underscoring human sinfulness as a perpetual condition requiring constant remedy. The goat kid (שְׂעִיר, se'ir) was appropriate for sin offerings due to its lesser economic value than bulls or rams, making atonement accessible across economic classes.
The annual Day of Atonement (nine days after Trumpets) would employ two goats—one sacrificed, one sent into the wilderness bearing Israel's sins (Leviticus 16). But even on days leading up to Yom Kippur, daily atonement continued. This rhythm demonstrates that forgiveness is not earned by one dramatic act but received through persistent faith in God's provision. Christ's sacrifice ended the repetition by being once for all (ἐφάπαξ, ephapax—Hebrews 7:27; 9:12; 10:10).
Historical Context
The seventh month (Tishri) was the most solemn in Israel's calendar, marked by Trumpets (summons), Atonement (judgment), and Tabernacles (joy). This progression from warning to forgiveness to celebration mirrors the gospel: conviction of sin, atonement through Christ, and joy of salvation. Paul's description of salvation in Romans 5:1-11 follows this same pattern: justification (atonement) leads to peace and rejoicing.
Reflection
- Why would even a New Year's celebration (Trumpets) require a sin offering?
- How does the repetitive nature of Old Testament sacrifices highlight Christ's once for all finality?
- What does the movement from Trumpets (warning) to Atonement (cleansing) to Tabernacles (joy) teach about spiritual life?
Word Studies
- Sin: חַטָּאת (Chatta'ah) H2403 - Sin, missing the mark
Cross-References
- Sin: Numbers 28:15
- Parallel theme: Numbers 28:30