Numbers 7:16

KJV

One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

KJV (with Strong's)

One {H259} kid {H8163} of the goats {H5795} for a sin offering {H2403}:

Complete Jewish Bible

one male goat as a sin offering,

Berean Standard Bible

one male goat for a sin offering;

American Standard Version

one male of the goats for a sin-offering;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 7:16 concisely details the inclusion of "one kid of the goats for a sin offering" as part of the dedication gifts presented by each tribal leader for the newly consecrated Tabernacle. This specific offering underscores the foundational importance of purification and atonement within the Mosaic covenant, signifying the ever-present need for cleansing and reconciliation to maintain a holy relationship with God, even amidst celebratory acts of worship and dedication.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers chapter 7 meticulously records the identical offerings brought by the twelve tribal leaders over twelve consecutive days for the dedication of the Tabernacle. Following the completion and anointing of the Tabernacle (Numbers 7:1), each leader presented a comprehensive set of gifts, including silver dishes, gold pans, animals for burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, and sin offerings. The repetition of this precise list for each tribe, including the "kid of the goats for a sin offering," emphasizes the communal and uniform nature of worship and the universal requirement for atonement and purification for all Israel before God under the Old Covenant. This lengthy, detailed account highlights the Israelites' faithful obedience in establishing the prescribed practices for God's dwelling place among them.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dedication of the Tabernacle marked a pivotal moment in Israel's history, signifying God's permanent presence among His people after their exodus from Egypt. Following the detailed instructions for its construction in [Exodus chapters 25-40](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-40 - Tabernacle Construction"), the Tabernacle was consecrated, and its furnishings anointed, culminating in the glory of the LORD filling it ([Exodus 40:34](/exodus/40-34 "Exodus 40:34 - The Glory of the LORD Fills the Tabernacle")). The offerings in Numbers 7 were not merely ceremonial but deeply theological, establishing the operational protocols for worship and fellowship with a holy God. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, dedications often involved elaborate sacrifices to consecrate sacred spaces. For Israel, the inclusion of a sin offering, even during a joyful dedication, underscored the profound understanding that human sinfulness, both intentional and unintentional, constantly necessitated divine provision for cleansing to maintain a covenant relationship with a holy God. This practice was integral to the [Mosaic Law](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments"), which outlined a comprehensive sacrificial system to address various forms of sin and impurity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sin Offering (Hebrew, _chaṭṭāʾṯ'_):** The Hebrew word חַטָּאת (chaṭṭāʾṯ), most commonly translated as "sin offering," literally means "sin" or "guilt." However, in the context of the sacrificial system, it refers to the offering made to deal with sin, impurity, or defilement. Its primary function was to purify or cleanse a person, place, or object from ritual impurity or unintentional sins, thereby making atonement and restoring fellowship or holiness. It was distinct from the guilt offering (ʾāšām) and was crucial for maintaining the sanctity required for God's presence among His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"One kid of the goats":** This specifies the animal required for the offering. Goats, particularly young ones (kids), were common sacrificial animals in the ancient Near East and were frequently prescribed for sin offerings in the Mosaic Law ([Leviticus 4:28](/leviticus/4-28 "Leviticus 4:28 - Sin Offering for a Common Person")). The choice of a specific animal underscored the precise nature of God's commands and the value placed on the sacrifice.
* **"for a sin offering":** This phrase explicitly states the purpose of the goat. It was not for a burnt offering (which signified complete dedication) or a peace offering (which celebrated fellowship), but specifically for atonement and purification. Its inclusion highlights the understanding that even in acts of dedication and worship, the reality of human imperfection and the need for God's gracious provision for cleansing were ever-present and foundational to maintaining a relationship with a holy God.

#### Literary Devices
The meticulous **Repetition** of the tribal offerings throughout [Numbers chapter 7](/numbers/7 "Numbers 7 - Offerings of the Tribal Leaders") serves as a significant literary device. This anaphoric structure emphasizes the unity and communal nature of Israel's worship, demonstrating that every tribe, without exception, participated equally in the dedication and shared the universal need for atonement. Furthermore, the "kid of the goats" itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing the substitutionary nature of the sin offering. The innocent animal's life was given to cover the impurity or unintentional sin of the offerer, pointing forward to a greater, ultimate sacrifice. The very act of offering, repeated twelve times, also serves as a **Ritualistic Pattern**, reinforcing the established order of worship and the foundational importance of purification within the Mosaic covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 7:16, though a seemingly small detail in a lengthy list, profoundly underscores the pervasive reality of sin and the constant necessity of atonement within the Old Covenant. Even during a moment of national celebration and dedication—the consecration of God's dwelling place—the requirement for a sin offering highlighted that human imperfection and the potential for defilement were ever-present. This verse reveals God's gracious provision for His people to deal with their sin and maintain fellowship with Him, establishing a system by which their impurities could be covered and their relationship restored, thereby emphasizing His holiness and justice while simultaneously demonstrating His mercy.

* [Leviticus 4:2-35](/leviticus/4-2-35 "Leviticus 4:2-35 - Laws for Various Sin Offerings") - Provides detailed instructions for different types of sin offerings, demonstrating their pervasive role in Israelite worship.
* [Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - The Inadequacy of Animal Blood") - States that "it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins," revealing the temporary and symbolic nature of these Old Testament sacrifices.
* [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - John the Baptist Identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God") - John the Baptist's declaration of Jesus as "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world," pointing to the ultimate fulfillment of all sin offerings in Christ.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 7:16, nestled within the meticulous details of the Tabernacle's dedication, serves as a timeless reminder of profound spiritual truths that transcend the Old Covenant. It compels us to confront the pervasive nature of sin, recognizing that even our best intentions and most sacred acts can be marred by imperfection, requiring divine cleansing. The inclusion of a sin offering, even in a moment of great joy and obedience, underscores God's absolute holiness and the gravity of any transgression against Him. Yet, it simultaneously highlights His boundless grace, demonstrating that He has always provided a way for reconciliation and forgiveness. This historical practice should deepen our appreciation for the perfect and complete work of Jesus Christ, who, unlike the temporary animal sacrifices, offered Himself once and for all, providing eternal purification and an enduring pathway to fellowship with God. Our understanding of the Old Testament sin offering should lead us to profound gratitude for the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice and motivate us to live lives that reflect the holiness and grace we have received.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the inclusion of a "sin offering" in a dedication ceremony challenge our assumptions about sin and holiness, even in moments of spiritual achievement?**
* **In what ways does understanding the Old Testament sin offering deepen your appreciation for the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross?**
* **How can the principle of purification and atonement, as seen in Numbers 7:16, inform our daily walk with God and our approach to personal sin today?**

### FAQ
**Why was a sin offering necessary even during the dedication of the Tabernacle?**

Answer: A sin offering was necessary even during the joyful dedication of the Tabernacle because it addressed the pervasive reality of human sinfulness and ritual impurity, which could defile sacred space and hinder fellowship with a holy God. The "sin offering" (Hebrew: *chaṭṭāʾṯ*) was primarily for unintentional sins, errors, or ceremonial uncleanness, rather than deliberate, high-handed rebellion. The Tabernacle, as God's dwelling place, had to remain absolutely holy. The offerings, including the sin offering, ensured that the people and the sacred space were ritually clean and acceptable before God, allowing His presence to remain among them. This demonstrated that even in moments of great obedience and celebration, the need for atonement was constant, highlighting God's absolute holiness and His gracious provision for His people to maintain a pure relationship with Him. This concept is foundational to the [Mosaic Law](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - Laws for Sin Offerings"), which established a comprehensive system for dealing with various forms of sin and impurity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 7:16, with its seemingly simple mention of "one kid of the goats for a sin offering," finds its profound and ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sin offerings, though divinely commanded, were inherently temporary and imperfect, serving as a shadow of the coming reality ([Hebrews 10:1](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1 - The Law as a Shadow of Good Things to Come")). Each goat or lamb sacrificed pointed forward to the true [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Jesus did not merely cover sins; He bore them completely, becoming the ultimate "sin offering" on our behalf ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Unlike the repetitive sacrifices required under the Law, Christ offered Himself once for all time, securing eternal redemption and perfect purification ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption") and [Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through Christ's Sacrifice")). Through His singular, perfect sacrifice, the need for animal offerings ceased, and believers now have direct, confident access to God's presence, not through the blood of goats, but through the precious blood of Christ ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Confidence to Enter the Most Holy Place")). Thus, Numbers 7:16 is not just a historical detail but a prophetic whisper, echoing the profound truth that only through the perfect sacrifice of Christ can true and lasting atonement be achieved, enabling a holy God to dwell among and within a sinful people.

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.