Numbers 29:31

Numbers 29:31 details a specific offering required during the ancient Israelite Feast of Tabernacles, emphasizing the ongoing need for atonement even amidst joyous celebration. This verse specifies "one goat for a sin offering," which was to be presented in addition to the regular "continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering."

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Numbers 29 (verses 12-38) that meticulously outlines the offerings for the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), a seven-day festival celebrating the harvest and commemorating God's provision during Israel's wilderness wanderings. Each day of the feast had a prescribed set of sacrifices, diminishing in number of bulls but consistently including a sin offering. Verse 31 specifically refers to the offerings for the seventh day of this significant pilgrimage festival.

Key Themes

• Completeness of Worship: The detailed instructions for each offering—burnt, meat, drink, and sin—underscore God's desire for thorough and obedient worship from His people. Every aspect of their lives, including their unintentional sins, needed to be addressed before Him.
• Atonement for Sin: The inclusion of the "sin offering" (Hebrew: chatta't) even during a festive period highlights the constant reality of human sin and the perpetual need for divine atonement. This offering specifically dealt with unintentional sins and ceremonial impurities, ensuring the worshipper remained in right standing with God.
• Divine Provision and Grace: God Himself instituted these sacrificial systems, providing a way for His people to deal with their shortcomings and maintain fellowship with Him. This demonstrates His grace and faithfulness within the covenant.
• Continual Dependence: The "continual burnt offering" (also known as the daily sacrifice, described in Exodus 29:38-42 and Numbers 28:3-8) was the foundation upon which all other festival offerings were built. It symbolized Israel's constant dedication and need for daily purification, a reminder that even special occasions did not negate their foundational commitment.

Linguistic Insights

The term "sin offering" translates the Hebrew word chatta't (חַטָּאת). While literally meaning "sin," in the context of offerings, it refers to the specific sacrifice made to purify from sin and ceremonial defilement. It underscores that even in celebration, the Israelites were continually reminded of their human fallenness and the necessity of God's prescribed means of forgiveness.

Practical Application

Numbers 29:31, like all Old Testament sacrifices, points forward to the ultimate and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. He became the final "sin offering" for all humanity, fulfilling the purpose of these ancient rituals (Hebrews 9:28). For believers today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder:

• Even in our times of greatest joy and gratitude, we must remain aware of our need for God's grace and forgiveness, made possible through Christ's atoning work.
• True worship involves acknowledging our sin and receiving the purification offered by God.
• Our relationship with God is not just about grand celebrations, but also about the "continual" daily dedication and reliance on His provision for our lives and sins.