Numbers 15:28

Context

Numbers 15:28 is part of a section (verses 22-31) that details God's instructions to Israel regarding offerings for sins committed unintentionally. This particular verse focuses on the atonement process for an individual who sins "ignorantly" or inadvertently. It stands in contrast to the laws for deliberate, "presumptuous" sins mentioned later in the chapter, for which no sacrifice was prescribed and severe consequences awaited (Numbers 15:30-31). This distinction highlights God's justice in dealing with wilful rebellion, while also revealing His mercy and provision for human fallibility under the Mosaic Covenant.

Key Themes

• Divine Provision for Unintentional Sin: God, in His wisdom and mercy, understood that even His people would err unintentionally. He provided a clear pathway for reconciliation and cleansing for such sins. This demonstrates His desire for His people to remain in fellowship with Him.
• The Role of the Priest: The priest served as the divinely appointed intermediary, performing the specific rituals necessary to "make an atonement." This emphasized the sacred nature of approaching God and the necessity of a mediator under the Old Covenant.
• Forgiveness through Atonement: The verse explicitly states, "and it shall be forgiven him." This underscores that the purpose of the atonement ritual was genuine divine forgiveness, restoring the individual to a right standing before the LORD.
• God's Balanced Justice and Mercy: By distinguishing between ignorant and presumptuous sins, God demonstrated both His strict justice against willful disobedience and His profound mercy towards those who err without malicious intent.

Linguistic Insights

The word "atonement" in the KJV often translates the Hebrew word kaphar (כָּפַר), which fundamentally means "to cover," "to purge," or "to reconcile." It signifies a covering of sin that makes reconciliation with God possible. The term "ignorantly" or "by ignorance" comes from the Hebrew bishgagah (בִּשְׁגָגָה), meaning "by error," "inadvertently," or "unintentionally." This is crucial, as it differentiates sins of oversight or mistake from those committed with a "high hand" or defiant attitude against God's commands.

Practical Application and Reflection

While the Old Testament sacrificial system no longer applies to believers today, this verse offers profound theological insights:

• God's Nature: It reveals God's compassionate nature, providing a way for forgiveness even when His people stumble. This mercy was not arbitrary but came through a prescribed means of atonement.
• The Ultimate Atonement: The Old Covenant sacrifices, including those for ignorant sins, were temporary and had to be repeated. They foreshadowed the perfect, once-for-all atonement offered by Jesus Christ. Through His death, Christ became the ultimate sacrifice, covering all sins—intentional and unintentional—for those who believe in Him (Hebrews 10:14).
• Grace and Responsibility: We are reminded that while God's grace is abundant, sin, even if unintentional, still requires a divine remedy. Our forgiveness today is not earned by rituals but received through faith in Christ's finished work. This should lead to a humble reliance on God's mercy and a diligent pursuit of understanding and obeying His will.