Numbers 29:22

KJV

And one goat [for] a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering.

KJV (with Strong's)

And one {H259} goat {H8163} for a sin offering {H2403}; beside the continual {H8548} burnt offering {H5930}, and his meat offering {H4503}, and his drink offering {H5262}.

Complete Jewish Bible

also one male goat as a sin offering; in addition to the regular burnt offering with its grain and drink offerings.

Berean Standard Bible

Include one male goat as a sin offering, in addition to the regular burnt offering with its grain offering and drink offering.

American Standard Version

and one he-goat for a sin-offering; besides the continual burnt-offering, and the meal-offering thereof, and the drink-offering thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 29:22 meticulously specifies the offering of "one goat for a sin offering" on the seventh day of the Feast of Tabernacles, a command given in addition to the regular daily sacrifices. This precise liturgical instruction highlights the perpetual need for atonement and ritual purification within Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh, underscoring the foundational role of cleansing and forgiveness even amidst the joyous celebrations of God's provision and faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 29:22 is embedded within a highly structured and detailed liturgical calendar presented in Numbers chapters 28 and 29. These chapters meticulously outline the specific sacrifices required for various annual feasts, new moons, and the daily "continual burnt offering" (`tâmîyd`). This particular verse pertains to the seventh day of the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), a significant seven-day festival immediately followed by an eighth-day solemn assembly. The preceding verses (Numbers 29:1-21) detail the offerings for the first six days of Sukkot, establishing a distinctive pattern: a decreasing number of bullocks offered daily, yet a consistent requirement for "one goat for a sin offering" and the unwavering presence of the daily "continual burnt offering" with its associated grain and drink offerings. This meticulous repetition and variation serve to emphasize the divine precision expected in worship and underscore the foundational nature of atonement within all communal and festive observances, ensuring that even in celebration, the need for purification is not overlooked.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot, was one of the three major pilgrimage festivals in ancient Israel, celebrated in the autumn after the harvest. Its primary purposes were dual: to commemorate God's miraculous provision and protection during the forty years of wilderness wanderings, where Israel dwelt in temporary shelters (booths or tabernacles), and to give thanks for the year's abundant harvest. The practice of dwelling in temporary shelters, as commanded in [Leviticus 23:42-43](/leviticus/23-42-43 "Leviticus 23:42-43 - Dwelling in Booths"), served as a tangible, annual reminder of their nomadic past and God's enduring faithfulness. The elaborate sacrificial system, of which the sin offering was a vital component, was central to Israelite worship, providing a divinely ordained means for addressing sin and maintaining ritual purity. This system enabled the community to dwell in the presence of a holy God, whose holiness demanded precise adherence to His prescribed rituals. The offerings described in Numbers 29, including the sin offering, were performed at the Tabernacle, and later the Temple, by the Levitical priests, reinforcing the structured, divinely appointed, and communal nature of Israel's worship.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 29:22 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Atonement and Purity**, which was indispensable for the covenant community. The "sin offering" (Hebrew: _chaṭṭâʼâh_) was crucial not only for moral transgressions but also for ritual defilement, ensuring the people remained clean enough to approach God. Its daily inclusion, even amidst a joyous harvest festival, underscored the constant need for purification and forgiveness, a truth deeply rooted in the laws found in [Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - Laws of the Sin Offering"). Secondly, the mention of the "continual burnt offering" and its accompaniments reinforces the theme of **Continual Worship and Dependence**. This daily offering, detailed in [Numbers 28:3](/numbers/28-3 "Numbers 28:3 - The Continual Burnt Offering"), signified Israel's ongoing devotion and reliance on God's sovereignty and provision, serving as the bedrock upon which all special feast offerings were built. Finally, the meticulous detail of the instructions in [Numbers 29](/numbers/29 "Numbers 29 - Offerings for Feasts") exemplifies God's **Meticulous Law and Holiness**. Every specification, from the type and quantity of animals to the accompanying offerings, reflected God's holy character and His desire for an ordered, intentional, and pure relationship with His people, teaching Israel the profound importance of obedience and reverence in His presence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **goat (Hebrew, _sâʻîyr'_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "shaggy," refers to a he-goat. In the Old Testament sacrificial system, goats were frequently designated for sin offerings, particularly for the community or its leaders, as detailed in [Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - Laws of the Sin Offering"). The consistent selection of a goat for the sin offering on each day of the Feast of Tabernacles underscores its specific role in purification and atonement for unintentional sins or ceremonial defilements, distinguishing it from other offerings like burnt offerings which primarily symbolized dedication.
* **sin offering (Hebrew, _chaṭṭâʼâh'_):** While _chaṭṭâʼâh_ can broadly refer to "an offense" or "sinfulness," in the context of ritual sacrifices, it specifically denotes the sacrifice made for expiation or purification from sin. This offering was crucial for addressing both moral transgressions and ritual impurities that would otherwise prevent an individual or the community from being in God's holy presence. Its purpose was to maintain the holiness of the Tabernacle/Temple and the purity of the community, thereby enabling fellowship with a holy God.
* **continual (Hebrew, _tâmîyd'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to stretch," _tâmîyd_ properly signifies "continuance" or "indefinite extension." As an adjective, it means "constant," and adverbially, "constantly." In the context of the sacrificial system, it elliptically refers to the "regular" or "daily" sacrifice. Its inclusion here emphasizes that the special feast offerings were *in addition to* the unbroken, perpetual rhythm of daily worship, signifying Israel's unwavering devotion and constant dependence on God's sovereignty and provision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And one goat [for] a sin offering;":** This clause specifies the requirement for a particular type of sacrifice—a sin offering—to be made on the seventh day of the Feast of Tabernacles. The consistent inclusion of this offering throughout the feast, despite the joyous nature of the celebration, emphasizes the perpetual reality of human sinfulness—even unintentional sins—and the ongoing need for divine provision for purification and atonement. It underscores that even in times of thanksgiving and joy, the need for spiritual cleansing remains paramount to maintain a right relationship with a holy God.
* **"beside the continual burnt offering,":** This phrase clarifies that the special offerings for the feast, including this sin offering, were not replacements for, but rather additions to, the daily "continual burnt offering." This daily sacrifice, offered morning and evening, symbolized Israel's unbroken dedication and constant dependence on God. Its mention here signifies the foundational and non-negotiable nature of daily worship and acknowledgement of God's sovereignty, upon which all other communal and festive observances were built.
* **"and his meat offering, and his drink offering.":** These elements were standard accompaniments to the burnt offering, completing the daily sacrificial ritual. The "meat offering" (more accurately, grain offering or meal offering) represented a tribute of the produce of the land, acknowledging God as the provider and expressing gratitude. The "drink offering" (a libation of wine) was an act of worship and devotion poured out before the Lord. Their inclusion here confirms that the full complement of daily sacrifices was maintained alongside the special feast offerings, reinforcing the completeness, regularity, and holistic nature of Israel's worship.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs **Liturgical Language**, which is a hallmark of the priestly codes within the Pentateuch. This language is characterized by its precise, prescriptive, and formulaic nature, providing meticulous instructions for worship. Such detailed articulation ensures clarity, uniformity, and order in ritual practice, reflecting the divine order and holiness expected in approaching God. Furthermore, **Repetition** is a prominent literary device, particularly evident in the recurring phrase "one goat for a sin offering" (with slight variations in quantity for other animals) across the daily instructions for the Feast of Tabernacles in [Numbers 29](/numbers/29 "Numbers 29 - Offerings for Feasts"). This repetition serves to underscore the consistent and non-negotiable nature of atonement and purification within Israel's worship life, emphasizing its foundational importance regardless of the specific day or other offerings. Finally, **Symbolism** is inherent in each offering: the goat symbolizes the means of purification, the burnt offering symbolizes total dedication, the grain offering symbolizes gratitude and sustenance, and the drink offering symbolizes devotion. Together, these elements paint a rich and multi-layered picture of a covenant people's relationship with their holy God, mediated through divinely appointed rituals.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 29:22, with its emphasis on the sin offering alongside other daily sacrifices, serves as a profound theological pointer within the Old Testament sacrificial system. It highlights the pervasive nature of sin and defilement, even unintentional, and the constant need for divine provision for purification to maintain fellowship with a holy God. The temporary and repetitive nature of these animal sacrifices—requiring daily and yearly re-enactment—underscored their inherent inadequacy to perfectly and permanently remove sin. They were shadows, types, and pedagogical tools designed to teach Israel about the gravity of sin, the holiness of God, and the necessity of atonement, all while anticipating a future, ultimate sacrifice that would truly and eternally cleanse. This verse, therefore, is not merely a historical record of ancient rituals but a theological beacon, illuminating the persistent human condition and God's gracious, though provisional, response, which ultimately finds its perfect fulfillment in Christ.

* [Leviticus 4:1-35](/leviticus/4-1-35 "Leviticus 4:1-35 - Laws of the Sin Offering") - Details the procedures for various sin offerings for unintentional sins, providing the theological framework for Numbers 29:22.
* [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice") - Contrasts the temporary nature of Old Covenant animal sacrifices with Christ's eternal redemption through His own blood.
* [Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1-4 "Hebrews 10:1-4 - The Law as a Shadow") - Explains how the Law's sacrifices could never truly take away sins, serving as a shadow of the good things to come, which are realized in Christ.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 29:22, though rooted in ancient Israelite ritual, offers timeless truths for believers today. The consistent requirement for a sin offering, even during a joyous celebration like the Feast of Tabernacles, serves as a potent reminder of the ongoing reality of human imperfection and the pervasive nature of sin, both intentional and unintentional. It teaches us that even in our moments of greatest joy, gratitude, or spiritual fervor, we remain utterly dependent on God's grace for forgiveness and purification. This verse also underscores the importance of a "continual" rhythm of worship and dependence in our lives, not just during special events but as a daily posture of the heart that acknowledges God's sovereignty and provision. For New Covenant believers, this commitment is expressed not through animal sacrifices, but through a life of repentance, faith, and obedience, lived in light of Christ's finished work. Ultimately, this passage directs our gaze to the profound sufficiency of Jesus' sacrifice, which has perfectly and eternally addressed the need for atonement that these Old Testament rituals could only temporarily cover. We are called to live in the freedom and confidence that His sacrifice provides, allowing us to approach God with a clean conscience and a heart of gratitude, continually offering ourselves as living sacrifices.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the inclusion of a sin offering, even during a joyful feast, speak to the ongoing reality of human sin and the persistent need for divine grace in our lives?**
* **In what ways can we, as New Covenant believers, cultivate a "continual burnt offering" of worship and dependence in our daily lives, reflecting our gratitude and reliance on God's provision?**
* **How does understanding the temporary nature of Old Testament sacrifices deepen our appreciation for the complete and final work of Christ, and how should this understanding shape our approach to God and our daily walk?**

### FAQ

**Why was a sin offering required every day, even during a joyous feast like Tabernacles?**

Answer: The daily requirement for a sin offering during the Feast of Tabernacles, as observed in [Numbers 29](/numbers/29 "Numbers 29 - Offerings for Feasts"), underscored several crucial theological points. Firstly, it emphasized the pervasive nature of human sinfulness, both intentional and unintentional. Even in moments of communal celebration and thanksgiving, the people of Israel were still prone to sin and ritual impurity. The sin offering provided a divinely ordained means for ritual purification, ensuring that the community remained clean enough to dwell in the presence of a holy God and that their worship was acceptable. Secondly, it served as a constant reminder that access to God was always predicated on atonement. No matter how joyous or significant the occasion, the underlying need for cleansing from sin was ever-present. This daily offering also foreshadowed the ongoing need for grace and forgiveness, ultimately pointing to the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who continually intercedes for us and whose blood cleanses us from all sin ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). It taught Israel that even their most joyful and righteous acts were still tainted by sin, necessitating God's gracious provision for purification.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 29:22, with its specific mention of "one goat for a sin offering" alongside the daily rituals, serves as a powerful Old Testament shadow pointing directly to the ultimate reality found in Jesus Christ. The repetitive nature of these animal sacrifices—daily, yearly, for various sins—underscored their inherent inadequacy to truly take away sin or perfect the worshiper ([Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1-4 "Hebrews 10:1-4 - The Law as a Shadow")). They were temporary provisions, designed by God to teach His people about the gravity of sin, the necessity of atonement, and His holiness, all while building anticipation for the perfect sacrifice to come. Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of every sin offering; He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Unlike the goats and bulls whose blood merely covered sins, Christ's precious blood actually cleanses and purifies us from all unrighteousness, once and for all ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")). His single, perfect sacrifice on the cross has forever accomplished what countless animal offerings could not: He has provided eternal redemption and perfect access to God ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")). Thus, Numbers 29:22, far from being an obsolete ritual, becomes a profound testament to the necessity and efficacy of Christ's atoning work, inviting us to live in the freedom and confidence of His finished work, continually drawing near to God through Him ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Confidence to Enter the Most Holy Place")).

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.

Cross-References

Psalms 16:4

Their sorrows shall be multiplied [that] hasten [after] another [god]: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips.

Joel 2:14

Who knoweth [if] he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; [even] a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?

Joel 1:13

Gird yourselves, and lament, ye priests: howl, ye ministers of the altar: come, lie all night in sackcloth, ye ministers of my God: for the meat offering and the drink offering is withholden from the house of your God.

Joel 1:9

The meat offering and the drink offering is cut off from the house of the LORD; the priests, the LORD'S ministers, mourn.