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 meticulously records the offering of "one kid of the goats for a sin offering" by each tribal leader during the dedication of the newly consecrated Tabernacle. This seemingly minor detail within a lengthy list of gifts profoundly underscores the foundational and persistent necessity of purification and atonement within the Mosaic covenant. It highlights the inherent human condition of sinfulness and the divine provision required for cleansing, ensuring that even in celebratory acts of worship and dedication, a holy relationship with God could be maintained.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers chapter 7 provides an exhaustive, day-by-day account of the dedication offerings presented by the twelve tribal leaders for the Tabernacle. Following its completion and anointing as detailed in [Numbers 7:1](/numbers/7-1 "Numbers 7:1 - Dedication of the Tabernacle"), each leader brought an identical and comprehensive set of gifts, including various animals for burnt, grain, peace, and sin offerings, alongside precious metals. The deliberate and extensive repetition of this precise list for each of the twelve tribes serves a crucial literary purpose: it emphasizes the unity, uniformity, and communal nature of Israel's worship, demonstrating that every segment of the nation participated equally in establishing the sacred protocols. The inclusion of the "kid of the goats for a sin offering" within this repetitive structure underscores the universal and constant requirement for atonement and purification for all Israel to stand acceptably before a holy God under the Old Covenant. This detailed enumeration 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 monumental turning point in Israel's post-Exodus history, signifying the tangible, permanent presence of God dwelling among His people. This event followed the meticulous construction of the Tabernacle according to divine blueprints laid out in [Exodus chapters 25-40](/exodus/25-40 "Exodus 25-40 - Tabernacle Construction"), culminating in the glory of the LORD filling the sanctuary ([Exodus 40:34](/exodus/40-34 "Exodus 40:34 - The Glory of the LORD Fills the Tabernacle")). In the broader ancient Near Eastern world, the consecration of temples and sacred spaces often involved elaborate rituals and numerous sacrifices to invoke divine favor and purify the site. For Israel, the offerings in Numbers 7 were not merely ceremonial but deeply theological, establishing the operational framework for worship and the maintenance of fellowship with a holy God. The consistent inclusion of a sin offering, even during a joyful and obedient dedication, profoundly communicated the understanding that human sinfulness—both intentional and unintentional—constantly necessitated divine provision for cleansing to maintain the covenant relationship. This practice was integral to [the Mosaic Law](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments"), which meticulously outlined a comprehensive sacrificial system designed to address various forms of sin and ritual impurity.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 7:16 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it reinforces the **Holiness of God** and the absolute necessity of purity for humanity to approach Him. The very presence of a sin offering in a dedication ceremony underscores that even the most sacred acts by a consecrated people require atonement. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Provision for Sin**. Despite humanity's inherent fallenness, God graciously instituted a sacrificial system to provide a means for reconciliation and forgiveness, demonstrating His mercy alongside His justice. Thirdly, the verse, as part of the larger chapter, emphasizes **Corporate Worship and Unity**. The identical offerings from each tribe symbolize Israel's unified commitment to God's prescribed worship and their shared need for atonement. Finally, it subtly points to the **Incompleteness of the Old Covenant Sacrifices**, foreshadowing a greater, more perfect sacrifice to come, as these animal offerings needed constant repetition to address ongoing sin and impurity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **One (Hebrew, _ʼechâd'_):** From H259, this numeral signifies unity or singularity. In Numbers 7:16, "one" emphasizes the precise, divinely ordained nature of the offering. Each tribal leader provided exactly one kid of the goats, underscoring the specific and non-negotiable requirements of God's law. It highlights the meticulous detail God expected in worship and the uniform standard applied to all tribes, reinforcing the idea of a singular, unified approach to atonement.
* **Kid (Hebrew, _sâʻîyr'_):** From H8163, this word refers to a he-goat, often a young one, and can also imply "shaggy." As a sacrificial animal, the "kid" or young goat was a common and specific requirement for certain sin offerings, particularly for individuals or leaders, as seen in [Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - Laws for Sin Offerings"). Its selection here indicates adherence to the specific type of animal prescribed for this particular purpose, emphasizing the value and appropriateness of the animal for the expiation of sin.
* **Sin Offering (Hebrew, _chaṭṭâʼâh'_):** From H2403, this term denotes an "offence" or "sin," but in the context of the sacrificial system, it refers to the specific offering made to atone for sin, ritual impurity, or defilement. Its primary function was to purify a person, place, or object from unintentional sins or ritual uncleanness, thereby restoring fellowship with God and maintaining the sanctity required for His presence. It was distinct from other offerings, focusing specifically on cleansing and making expiation for the defilement caused by sin, ensuring the offerer's acceptability before a holy God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"One kid of the goats":** This phrase precisely identifies the specific animal required for the offering. The term "kid" (sâʻîyr) typically refers to a young male goat, a common and divinely prescribed animal for sin offerings in the Mosaic Law, particularly for individual or congregational unintentional sins ([Leviticus 4:28](/leviticus/4-28 "Leviticus 4:28 - Sin Offering for a Common Person")). The singularity ("one") emphasizes the exactness of God's commands and the specific value placed on each individual sacrifice, highlighting the meticulous nature of the Tabernacle's dedication and the offerings presented.
* **"for a sin offering":** This clause explicitly states the purpose and theological significance of the animal. It was not intended for a burnt offering (signifying complete dedication), a grain offering (acknowledging God's provision), or a peace offering (celebrating fellowship), but specifically for atonement and purification. Its inclusion in a dedication ceremony, a moment of great joy and obedience, underscores the profound understanding that human imperfection and the potential for defilement were ever-present realities. This offering provided God's gracious provision for cleansing, enabling the people to maintain a pure and acceptable relationship with a holy God, even amidst their most sacred acts of worship.

#### 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 paramount 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. This pattern not only instructs but also deeply impresses upon the reader the consistent and pervasive requirement for dealing with sin.

### 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 absolute holiness and justice while simultaneously demonstrating His boundless mercy. It teaches that access to God's presence is always predicated on purification and that even the most devout acts require a divine covering for sin.

* [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 and their function in covering unintentional sins and impurities.
* [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, symbolic, and ultimately insufficient nature of these Old Testament sacrifices to provide ultimate cleansing.
* [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, perfect, and final fulfillment of all sin offerings in the person and work of 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, striving for purity in light of the ultimate sacrifice made on our behalf.

#### 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 or celebration?**
* **In what ways does understanding the Old Testament sin offering deepen your appreciation for the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross as the perfect and final sacrifice?**
* **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 and the need for ongoing repentance 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: *chaṭṭâʼâh*) 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 to preserve the sanctity of God's presence.

### 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.

Cross-References

Leviticus 4:23

Or if his sin, wherein he hath sinned, come to his knowledge; he shall bring his offering, a kid of the goats, a male without blemish:

Leviticus 4:25

And the priest shall take of the blood of the sin offering with his finger, and put [it] upon the horns of the altar of burnt offering, and shall pour out his blood at the bottom of the altar of burnt offering.