TRV
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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Numbers 28:16–31.
Here is, I. The appointment of the pass-over sacrifices; not that which was the chief, the paschal lamb (sufficient instructions had formerly been given concerning that), but those which were to be offered upon the seven days of unleavened bread, which followed it, Num 28:17-25. The first and last of those seven days were to be sanctified as sabbaths, by a holy rest and a holy convocation, and on each of the seven days they were to be liberal in their sacrifices, in token of their great and constant thankfulness for their deliverance out of Egypt: Two bullocks, a ram, and seven lambs. A gospel conversation, in gratitude for Christ our passover who was sacrificed, is called the keeping of this feast (Co1 5:8); for it is not enough that we purge out the leavened bread of malice and wickedness, but we must offer the bread of our God, even the sacrifice of praise, continually, and continue herein unto the end. 2. The sacrifices are likewise appointed which were to be offered at the feast of pentecost, here called the day of the first-fruits, Num 28:26. In the feast of unleavened bread they offered a sheaf of their first-fruits of barley (which with them was first ripe) to the priest (Lev 23:10), as an introduction to the harvest; but now, about seven weeks after, they were to bring a new meat-offering to the Lord, at the end of harvest, in thankfulness to God, who had not only given, but preserved to their use, the kindly fruits of the earth, so as that in due time they did enjoy them. It was at this feast that the Spirit was poured out (Act 2:1, etc.), and thousands were converted by the preaching of the apostles, and were presented to Christ, to be a kind of first-fruits of his creatures. The sacrifice that was to be offered with the loaves of the first-fruits was appointed, Lev 23:18. But over and above, besides that and besides the daily offerings, they were to offer two bullocks, one ram, and seven lambs, with a kid for a sin-offering, Num 28:27-30. When God sows plentifully upon us he expects to reap accordingly from us. Bishop Patrick observes that no peace-offerings are appointed in this chapter, which were chiefly for the benefit of the offerers, and therefore in them they were left more to themselves; but burnt-offerings were purely for the honour of God, were confessions of his dominion, and typified evangelical piety and devotion, by which the soul is wholly offered up to God in the flames of holy love; and sin-offerings were typical of Christ's sacrifice of himself, by which we and our services are perfected and sanctified.
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Summary
Numbers 28:30 specifies the inclusion of "one kid of the goats" as a sin offering within the meticulously detailed sacrificial calendar given to Israel. This particular offering, designated for communal atonement, was a vital component of the prescribed worship, ensuring the community's ritual purity and right standing before a holy God, thereby allowing His presence to dwell among them without consuming them due to their defilement.
Context
Literary Context
Numbers 28:30 is precisely positioned within a comprehensive liturgical calendar spanning Numbers 28-29, which meticulously details the communal offerings required for daily, weekly (Sabbath), monthly (New Moon), and annual festivals. This section serves as a divine blueprint for Israel's corporate worship, emphasizing the constant need for atonement and thanksgiving. Specifically, Numbers 28 outlines the regular burnt offerings and accompanying sin offerings, leading into Numbers 29, which elaborates on the sacrifices for the major annual feasts. Numbers 28:30 itself refers to the sin offering accompanying the burnt offerings for the Feast of Trumpets, marking the beginning of the seventh month. The placement of this specific instruction within the broader framework of joyous celebrations underscores the pervasive and constant need for purification and reconciliation, even amidst national rejoicing, highlighting that sin's defilement requires continuous divine provision.
Historical & Cultural Context
These instructions were imparted to the Israelites during their formative wilderness journey, a crucial period for establishing their national identity and covenant relationship with Yahweh. As they transitioned from a nomadic collection of tribes to a structured nation, the Tabernacle served as the tangible center of God's presence among them. While sacrificial systems were common in the ancient Near East, Israel's system was uniquely divine in origin, emphasizing holiness, expiation, and propitiation rather than mere appeasement of deities. The "kid of the goats" was a readily available and economically accessible animal, frequently designated for purification or sin offerings (Hebrew: ḥaṭṭāʾt). Its role was to ritually absorb or remove the community's impurity or sin, thereby maintaining the sanctity of the Tabernacle and ensuring the ongoing covenant relationship between a holy God and His chosen, yet fallen, people. These offerings were not simply rituals but vital theological acts that enabled God's holy presence to remain in their midst.
Key Themes
The inclusion of "one kid of the goats, to make an atonement for you" in Numbers 28:30 illuminates several profound theological themes central to the Pentateuch. Foremost is the Holiness of God and the Gravity of Sin. The persistent requirement for a sin offering, even for unintentional communal transgressions or ritual impurities, vividly demonstrates God's absolute purity and the profound defiling nature of sin, no matter how seemingly minor. Secondly, it underscores Divine Provision and Grace, as God Himself graciously institutes the means by which His people can be reconciled to Him, providing a pathway for fellowship despite their inherent sinfulness. This atonement was not earned but was a sovereign gift. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes Corporate Responsibility and Unity, as this was a communal offering, signifying that the entire assembly shared in the need for purification and collectively benefited from the atonement. Finally, these detailed sacrificial laws, including the sin offering, served as a Pedagogical and Typological system. They instructed Israel about the nature of sin, the cost of reconciliation, and pointed forward to the ultimate and perfect sacrifice that would one day truly and eternally take away sin, establishing a new and better covenant.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This numeral emphasizes singularity and unity. In the context of the offering, it specifies the exact quantity required, highlighting the meticulous precision of God's instructions. It also subtly reinforces the idea of a singular, designated substitute for the communal sin.
Refers specifically to a hairy male goat, often a young one. In the Old Testament sacrificial system, male goats were frequently designated for sin offerings or purification offerings. The choice of this specific animal, typically unblemished, symbolized the purity required for the substitute, whose life was offered in place of the lives of the sinful community, demonstrating the principle of substitutionary sacrifice.
This verb literally means "to cover," "to purge," or "to make reconciliation." In the context of the Israelite sacrificial system, it denotes the divinely ordained process by which sin or defilement is covered, cleansed, and removed, thereby restoring a proper relationship between a sinful person or community and a holy God. It encompasses both propitiation (appeasing God's righteous wrath against sin) and expiation (removing or purging the sin itself). The ultimate goal was to enable God's holy presence to remain among His people without consuming them due to their impurity.
Verse Breakdown
"And one kid of the goats"
This phrase precisely identifies the animal required for this particular sin offering. The specificity in divine instruction underscores the meticulous nature of God's requirements for worship and atonement, leaving no room for human improvisation. It highlights the principle of substitution, where an innocent animal's life was given to cover the sins or impurities of the community, setting the stage for the purpose that follows.
"to make an atonement for you"
This clause explicitly states the profound theological purpose of the offering. The "you" here is plural, referring to the entire community of Israel. The offering was not merely a ritualistic act but a divinely ordained means to cleanse the people from their unintentional sins or ritual impurities, thereby restoring their right standing and allowing them to continue in covenant relationship with a holy God. This atonement was absolutely essential for the maintenance of God's holy presence among them, preventing their defilement from separating them from His blessing or incurring His judgment.
Literary Devices
Numbers 28:30, embedded within a larger legal and liturgical text, employs several significant literary devices. Prescriptive Language is paramount, characterized by direct commands and highly detailed instructions, which underscore the divine authority and the non-negotiable nature of these requirements for Israel's worship and maintenance of covenant. The verse also utilizes Symbolism, where the "kid of the goats" functions as a potent symbol of substitution and purity, its innocent life representing the life offered in place of the community's defilement. Furthermore, the broader context of Numbers 28-29 is marked by Repetition and Enumeration, as similar phrases and specific animal counts are reiterated for various feasts, reinforcing the pervasive and constant need for atonement and the comprehensive, unchanging nature of God's provision for His people.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Numbers 28:30, with its focus on atonement through sacrifice, echoes a foundational theological truth woven throughout the Old Testament: sin requires a payment, and God, in His mercy, provides the means for that payment. This verse underscores the principle that "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" (Hebrews 9:22). The communal aspect of this sin offering for the Feast of Trumpets highlights that sin, even unintentional, affects the entire community and requires corporate reconciliation. It points to God's unwavering commitment to maintain His relationship with His people despite their fallenness, by providing a way for their impurities to be covered and their fellowship with Him to be restored. This constant need for atonement in the Old Covenant beautifully foreshadows the once-for-all, perfect sacrifice of Christ, who would fulfill and transcend all these temporary provisions.
Reflection and Application
While the ritualistic animal sacrifices of the Old Covenant are no longer required for believers in Christ, Numbers 28:30 retains profound spiritual significance for contemporary faith. It serves as a stark reminder of the gravity of sin—that even unintentional transgressions or impurities necessitate divine intervention for reconciliation. This should cultivate a deep humility within us, recognizing our constant need for God's grace and the immense cost of our redemption. Furthermore, it highlights God's incredible initiative and meticulous provision for dealing with sin. Just as He meticulously prescribed a way for Israel to be atoned for, He has provided the ultimate and perfect solution in Jesus Christ. Our response, therefore, should be one of profound gratitude for the complete and sufficient work of Christ on the cross, leading us to live lives of increasing holiness, reflecting the purity and righteousness that God has graciously imputed to us. This gratitude should also extend to our corporate life, recognizing that we are part of a community continually in need of God's grace and called to live in purity and unity before Him, striving together to honor His name.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did God require animal sacrifices for atonement in the Old Testament?
God required animal sacrifices primarily to teach His people about the seriousness of sin and the necessity of a substitute to bear its penalty. The shedding of blood symbolized the giving of a life for a life, illustrating that "the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one's life" (Leviticus 17:11). These sacrifices were not inherently capable of removing sin permanently but served as a temporary covering, a pedagogical tool that pointed forward to the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. They were a vivid object lesson, impressing upon Israel the cost of sin and God's gracious provision for reconciliation, preparing them for the coming of the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Numbers 28:30, with its instruction for "one kid of the goats, to make an atonement for you," finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The entire Old Testament sacrificial system, including this specific sin offering, was a profound shadow pointing to the substance that is Christ (Colossians 2:17). Just as the kid of the goats was an innocent substitute offered for the community's sin and impurity, Jesus, the Lamb of God without blemish or defect, offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice for the sins of the world (1 Peter 1:18-19). His precious blood, unlike that of goats and calves, truly cleanses the conscience and provides eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12-14). He became sin for us, though He knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21), completely fulfilling the purpose and promise of every Old Testament atonement. Through His finished work, He established a new and living way to God, granting us bold access into the holiest place by His blood (Hebrews 10:19-20).