Numbers 28:15

KJV

And one kid of the goats for a sin offering unto the LORD shall be offered, beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering.

KJV (with Strong's)

And one {H259} kid {H8163} of the goats {H5795} for a sin offering {H2403} unto the LORD {H3068} shall be offered {H6213}, beside the continual {H8548} burnt offering {H5930}, and his drink offering {H5262}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Also a male goat is to be offered as a sin offering to ADONAI, in addition to the regular burnt offering and its drink offering.

Berean Standard Bible

In addition to the regular burnt offering with its drink offering, one male goat is to be presented to the LORD as a sin offering.

American Standard Version

And one he-goat for a sin-offering unto Jehovah; it shall be offered besides the continual burnt-offering, and the drink-offering thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 28:15 specifies the inclusion of a kid of the goats as a sin offering for the LORD, mandated as part of the monthly New Moon sacrifices. This particular offering was to be presented in addition to the daily continual burnt offering and its associated drink offering, underscoring the comprehensive nature of Israel's worship, which consistently integrated atonement for sin alongside acts of devotion and thanksgiving.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 28-29 forms a detailed appendix to the wilderness wanderings, providing a comprehensive calendar of sacrifices that were to be observed once Israel settled in the Promised Land. Numbers 28 specifically outlines the daily, Sabbath, New Moon, and Passover offerings. Verse 15 concludes the New Moon section (Numbers 28:11-15), emphasizing the sin offering's crucial role in purifying the community at the start of each month. This offering was to supplement the burnt and drink offerings, which signified dedication and fellowship. The meticulous detail in these chapters reinforces the covenant relationship between God and Israel, ensuring that their worship was ordered according to divine prescription.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** These sacrificial regulations were given to the Israelites as they prepared to enter and inherit the Promised Land, establishing a structured system of worship for their settled life. While sacrifices were central to many ancient Near Eastern religions, Israel's system was unique in its monotheistic focus, divine origin, and emphasis on atonement for sin. The "kid of the goats" was a common and accessible sacrificial animal, making it suitable for communal offerings. The New Moon marked the beginning of a new lunar month, a significant time for communal gathering and spiritual renewal in ancient Israel. Its designation as an occasion for a sin offering highlights the importance of beginning each new period in a state of ceremonial purity and reconciliation with God, addressing any unintentional transgressions that might have occurred.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 28:15 highlights the **Divine Prescription for Worship**, demonstrating God's meticulous and unyielding instructions for how Israel was to approach Him, ensuring purity, order, and reverence in their communion. It underscores the perpetual **Need for Atonement and Purification**, as the sin offering specifically addressed unintentional sins or ceremonial impurities, reminding the people of their ongoing need for divine forgiveness even in their most dedicated acts of worship. Furthermore, it illustrates the **Completeness and Regularity of Sacrifice**, showing that atonement was not an occasional act but an integral, recurring component of Israel's covenant relationship with God, alongside offerings of devotion and thanksgiving, as seen in the broader context of the sacrificial calendar outlined in [Numbers 28](/numbers/28 "Numbers 28 - Sacrificial Calendar"). The integration of the sin offering "beside the continual burnt offering" (as mentioned in [Numbers 28:3](/numbers/28-3 "Numbers 28:3 - The Daily Burnt Offering")) emphasizes a holistic approach to maintaining fellowship with a holy God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Kid of the goats (Hebrew, _sa'ir izzim'_):** This term refers to a young male goat, specifically chosen for its suitability in certain sacrificial contexts. In the Old Testament, a "kid of the goats" was frequently prescribed for sin offerings (e.g., [Leviticus 4:23](/leviticus/4-23 "Leviticus 4:23 - Sin Offering for a Ruler")), symbolizing a substitute for the community's or individual's unintentional sins. Its selection highlights the precise requirements for different sacrificial types, each carrying specific theological significance.
* **Sin offering (Hebrew, _chatta't'_):** This pivotal Hebrew term carries a dual meaning, signifying both "sin" itself and "an offering for sin." It represents a specific type of sacrifice designed to atone for unintentional transgressions or ceremonial impurities, thereby restoring the relationship between the offerer (individual or community) and God. Unlike the burnt offering, which focused on total dedication, the _chatta't_ specifically addressed the defilement of sin, providing a means for purification and reconciliation.
* **Continual burnt offering (Hebrew, _olat tamid'_):** This phrase refers to the daily morning and evening burnt offerings (e.g., [Exodus 29:38-42](/exodus/29-38 "Exodus 29:38-42 - The Continual Burnt Offering")), which symbolized ongoing dedication, general atonement, and the constant communion between God and Israel. Its mention in Numbers 28:15 emphasizes that the New Moon sin offering was an *addition* to this foundational, perpetual act of worship, highlighting the comprehensive and layered nature of Israel's sacrificial system.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And one kid of the goats for a sin offering unto the LORD shall be offered":** This clause precisely identifies the animal—a single young male goat—and its specific purpose: to serve as a sin offering. The phrase "unto the LORD" underscores that this sacrifice is directed solely to Yahweh, emphasizing His absolute holiness and the divine initiative in providing a means for His people to address their sin and maintain covenant relationship. The offering of the goat signifies the transfer of sin and the provision of atonement, allowing for the ceremonial cleansing of the community.
* **"beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering":** This crucial phrase clarifies that the sin offering for the New Moon is not a standalone ritual but an *addition* to the established daily sacrifices. The "continual burnt offering" (Leviticus 6:8-13; Exodus 29:38-42) symbolized constant devotion and general atonement for the nation, while the accompanying "drink offering" (Numbers 15:1-10) often represented homage, thanksgiving, or the sealing of a covenant. By stipulating that the sin offering is "beside" these regular offerings, the text emphasizes that even in their daily and monthly acts of worship, the Israelites were continually reminded of their inherent sinfulness and their ongoing reliance on God's provision for purification and forgiveness.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 28:15, embedded within a larger block of sacrificial legislation, employs several literary devices to convey its message with precision and emphasis. The text utilizes **Precise Enumeration** by specifying "one kid of the goats," highlighting the exactitude required in Israel's worship and the divine origin of these commands. The phrase "beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering" functions as a **Refrain** or **Formulaic Language** that recurs throughout Numbers 28 and 29, consistently reminding the reader that these special offerings are supplementary to the foundational daily sacrifices. This cumulative listing contributes to a sense of **Ritual Completeness**, demonstrating God's comprehensive provision for every aspect of Israel's spiritual life, from daily devotion to monthly purification. The entire chapter, including this verse, serves as a **Legal Code**, laying out prescriptive laws for communal worship, characterized by its detailed and systematic approach to religious practice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 28:15 powerfully illustrates the Old Covenant's emphasis on atonement and purification as indispensable components of worship. The requirement for a sin offering, even during regular monthly observances like the New Moon, underscores the pervasive reality of human sin and the constant need for divine provision to bridge the gap between a holy God and an imperfect people. It reveals God's gracious initiative in establishing a system by which His people could maintain covenant relationship despite their failings, pointing to His desire for fellowship and purity. This elaborate system of sacrifices, while burdensome and repetitive, served as a tangible reminder of the gravity of sin and the cost of reconciliation, preparing the way for a deeper understanding of ultimate atonement.

* [Leviticus 4:1-35](/leviticus/4-1-35 "Leviticus 4 - Laws for Sin Offerings") provides the foundational and detailed instructions for various types of sin offerings, highlighting their purpose in atoning for unintentional sins and ceremonial uncleanness.
* [Exodus 29:38-42](/exodus/29-38 "Exodus 29:38-42 - The Continual Burnt Offering") establishes the institution of the foundational "continual burnt offering," which the New Moon sacrifices, including the sin offering, were designed to supplement.
* [Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1-4 - The Inadequacy of Old Covenant Sacrifices") articulates the inherent limitation of these Old Testament sacrifices, stating that they could never truly take away sins but served as a shadow of the perfect sacrifice to come.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 28:15, though rooted in ancient Israelite ritual, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that our approach to a holy God must always be marked by an awareness of our sinfulness and a reliance on His provision for atonement. While the Old Testament sacrifices were temporary and symbolic, they powerfully communicated the truth that sin is serious and requires a divine remedy. For us, this means recognizing that our worship and daily lives must be lived in light of the ultimate sin offering—Jesus Christ. Our spiritual cleanliness is not achieved through animal sacrifice but through faith in His finished work on the cross. This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of humility, repentance, and profound gratitude, continually acknowledging our need for grace and resting in the perfect purification offered through Christ. It encourages us to live lives that reflect the holiness we have been granted through His sacrifice, striving for purity in thought, word, and deed, knowing that our forgiveness is complete and our access to God is unhindered by the barriers of sin.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of God's instructions for the sin offering in Numbers 28:15 shape your understanding of His holiness and justice?**
* **In what ways does the Old Testament emphasis on continual atonement for sin inform your appreciation for the "once for all" sacrifice of Jesus Christ?**
* **How can we, as New Covenant believers, maintain a posture of humility and awareness of our ongoing need for grace, even though animal sacrifices are no longer required?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the "kid of the goats" for a sin offering?**

Answer: The "kid of the goats" (or young male goat) was a common and accessible animal for sacrifice in ancient Israel. In the context of the sin offering, it symbolized a substitute for the community's or individual's unintentional sins or ritual impurities. Its death represented the penalty for sin, and its blood, applied according to specific rituals, was understood to make atonement, ceremonially cleansing the people and restoring their relationship with God. The selection of a specific animal type underscored the divine prescription and the seriousness of the offering, distinguishing it from other types of sacrifices like burnt offerings or peace offerings, which had different purposes (see [Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - Laws for Sin Offerings") for more details on sin offerings).

**Why was a sin offering required "beside the continual burnt offering" for the New Moon?**

Answer: The inclusion of a sin offering "beside the continual burnt offering" for the New Moon (Numbers 28:11-15) highlights the comprehensive nature of Israel's worship and the perpetual need for atonement. The "continual burnt offering" (established in [Exodus 29:38-42](/exodus/29-38 "Exodus 29:38-42 - The Continual Burnt Offering")) was a daily sacrifice symbolizing general devotion and ongoing atonement for the nation. The New Moon sin offering was an *additional* purification, specifically addressing any unintentional sins or impurities that might have accumulated during the preceding month. This demonstrated that even in their regular, dedicated worship, the Israelites were reminded of their inherent sinfulness and their constant reliance on God's provision for forgiveness and ceremonial cleansing, ensuring they began each new month in a state of renewed purity before the LORD.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 28:15, with its meticulous command for a sin offering, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sacrifices, including the kid of the goats for atonement, were but a shadow of the reality to come, as [Hebrews 10:1](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1 - The Law as a Shadow") clearly states. While these animal sacrifices had to be offered repeatedly because they could never truly take away sins ([Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - Inadequacy of Animal Sacrifices")), Christ, by His single, perfect sacrifice, has "perfected forever those who are being sanctified" ([Hebrews 10:14](/hebrews/10-14 "Hebrews 10:14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). He is the ultimate [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") who takes away the sin of the world, serving as both the priest and the perfect, unblemished offering. Through His shed blood, we receive not merely ceremonial cleansing but true, eternal forgiveness and reconciliation with God, making the Old Covenant sin offerings obsolete. Our access to God is no longer dependent on the blood of goats or calves, but on the precious blood of Christ, who entered the heavenly sanctuary once for all ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Entry into the Heavenly Sanctuary")). Thus, Numbers 28:15, in its very limitation and repetition, powerfully anticipates the glorious, once-for-all, and completely sufficient work of Christ, our perfect sin offering.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.