Numbers 7:70

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 7:70 records the eleventh day's dedication offering for the newly consecrated Tabernacle, presented by Pagiel, leader of the tribe of Asher. Among the various gifts for burnt, meal, and peace offerings, a "kid of the goats for a sin offering" was specifically included. This seemingly small detail underscores a profound theological truth: even in moments of great celebration and dedication, the pervasive reality of human sinfulness necessitates divine provision for atonement and purification to maintain a holy relationship with God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers chapter 7 provides an exhaustive, day-by-day account of the offerings brought by the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel for the dedication of the Tabernacle. Following its construction and anointing as detailed in [Numbers 7:1](/numbers/7-1 "Numbers 7:1 - Anointing of the Tabernacle"), this chapter meticulously records the identical gifts from each leader over twelve successive days. The highly repetitive nature of the text, with each tribal offering listed in full, emphasizes the meticulousness of God's instructions, the unity of the tribes in worship, and the complete provision for all aspects of Tabernacle service. Numbers 7:70 specifically details the sin offering from Pagiel, the leader of Asher, on the eleventh day, placing it within the broader context of comprehensive sacrifices designed to enable Israel to approach and serve a holy God. The inclusion of a sin offering alongside burnt, grain, and peace offerings highlights that even their most dedicated acts of worship required purification.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Numbers 7 occur shortly after the Tabernacle's completion and anointing, signifying God's dwelling among His people in the wilderness. This period was crucial for establishing the religious and social order of the Israelite nation as they prepared for their journey to the Promised Land. The Tabernacle served as the central point of worship and God's presence, making ritual purity paramount for the community. The Mosaic Law, freshly given at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Giving of the Law at Sinai"), meticulously outlined various sacrifices, each with a specific purpose. The "sin offering" (Hebrew: *chatta't*) was essential for atoning for unintentional sins and ceremonial impurities that would otherwise defile the camp and prevent God's holy presence from remaining among them. The dedication of the Tabernacle was a joyous occasion, yet the inclusion of a sin offering underscored the ever-present reality of human imperfection and the constant need for divine provision to bridge the gap between a holy God and His fallible people, ensuring their continued covenant relationship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Kid (Hebrew, _śāʿîr'_):** This term refers to a young goat, often specifically a male goat. In the sacrificial system, goats, particularly young ones, were frequently prescribed for sin offerings, especially for common people or for communal sins, as detailed in [Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - Laws for Sin Offerings"). The selection of a specific, unblemished animal underscored the seriousness of sin and the costliness of atonement, as an innocent life was offered as a substitute.
* **Sin Offering (Hebrew, _ḥaṭṭāʾt'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to miss the mark" or "to err," *ḥaṭṭāʾt* refers both to "sin" itself and to the "offering for sin." This sacrifice was primarily for unintentional sins, sins of ignorance, or ceremonial impurities that rendered an individual or the community unfit to approach God. Its purpose was to cleanse, purify, and restore the relationship between the worshiper and God, allowing the divine presence to remain in the midst of the camp without being defiled by human imperfection. It was distinct from other offerings like the burnt offering (for general atonement and devotion) or the peace offering (for fellowship and thanksgiving).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"One kid of the goats":** This phrase specifies the particular animal designated for the sacrifice. The singular "one" indicates a single animal was required for this specific offering, emphasizing its direct purpose. The "kid of the goats" was a standard, accessible animal for a sin offering, making the means of atonement available to all segments of Israelite society. Its offering symbolized the transfer of guilt and impurity onto an innocent substitute, leading to purification.
* **"for a sin offering":** This clarifies the precise purpose of the kid of the goats. It was not for general thanksgiving, burnt devotion, or fellowship, but specifically to address sin and impurity. In the context of the Tabernacle's dedication, its inclusion was a powerful reminder that even the most sacred acts performed by God's chosen people were not exempt from the need for cleansing and atonement, highlighting the pervasive nature of sin and the absolute holiness of God.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 7:70, like the entire chapter, is characterized by **Repetition**, a dominant literary device. The meticulous, almost identical recounting of each tribal leader's offering over twelve days serves to emphasize the unity of the tribes in their dedication, the comprehensive nature of the offerings, and the divine meticulousness in establishing the Tabernacle service. This repetition also underscores the importance of each component, including the sin offering, by reiterating its necessity for every leader. **Symbolism** is also central; the "kid of the goats" serves as a potent symbol of substitutionary atonement, where an innocent life is offered to cover the guilt of another. The entire "sin offering" ritual symbolizes the process of purification and restoration of relationship with a holy God. Furthermore, the very act of bringing an offering for sin during a celebratory dedication employs **Irony** or **Paradox**, as it highlights the persistent reality of human sinfulness even amidst joyous worship and divine blessing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The inclusion of "one kid of the goats for a sin offering" in the dedication of the Tabernacle profoundly underscores the twin theological truths of God's absolute holiness and humanity's pervasive sinfulness. Even at a moment of national celebration and divine indwelling, the Israelites were reminded that their best efforts and most dedicated acts of worship were still tainted by imperfection, necessitating a divinely ordained means of purification. This sin offering, an integral part of the Mosaic Law, served as a tangible demonstration that sin, whether intentional or unintentional, created a barrier between God and humanity, and that only through the shedding of innocent blood could atonement be made and fellowship restored. This principle laid the groundwork for a deeper understanding of God's provision for reconciliation.

* [Leviticus 4:27-31](/leviticus/4-27 "Leviticus 4:27-31 - Law for Sin Offering of a Common Person")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Necessity of Blood for Forgiveness")
* [Romans 3:23-25](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23-25 - All Have Sinned and Are Justified by Grace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 7:70, though seemingly a minor detail in an ancient ritual, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It confronts us with the enduring reality of sin—not just overt rebellion, but also the subtle imperfections and unintentional failings that separate us from God's perfect holiness. The meticulous requirement for a sin offering, even during a celebratory dedication, reminds us that no human effort, no matter how sincere or grand, can fully bridge the gap created by sin. This should cultivate a deep sense of humility and a profound appreciation for God's grace. We are called to acknowledge our constant need for cleansing and to live in light of the ultimate provision God has made. This verse encourages us to examine our own lives, recognizing that even our best intentions require divine grace, and to embrace the complete and perfect atonement offered through Christ, allowing it to shape our worship, our walk, and our understanding of God's unwavering commitment to reconciliation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulousness of God's instructions for the sin offering in Numbers 7:70 deepen your appreciation for His holiness and justice?**
* **In what ways does this verse, even in its Old Testament context, point to our ongoing need for atonement and purification?**
* **How does understanding the purpose of the Old Testament sin offering enhance your gratitude for the finished work of Christ?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary purpose of the sin offering in the Old Testament sacrificial system?**

Answer: The sin offering (Hebrew: *chatta't*) was primarily designed to atone for unintentional sins, sins committed in ignorance, or ceremonial impurities that rendered an Israelite or the community ritually unclean. Unlike the burnt offering, which was a general atonement for sin and an act of devotion, the sin offering specifically purified the individual or the Tabernacle/Temple from defilement caused by specific transgressions or impurities, thereby restoring their ability to approach a holy God and maintain fellowship within the covenant. It served to cleanse and make restitution, allowing God's presence to remain among His people without being defiled.

**Why was a sin offering included in the dedication of the Tabernacle, which was a celebratory and joyous event?**

Answer: The inclusion of a sin offering in the Tabernacle's dedication, even amidst celebration, underscores the pervasive and inescapable reality of human sinfulness. It highlights that even the most sacred and divinely commanded acts of worship, performed by God's chosen people, were not immune to the taint of sin and imperfection. The Tabernacle, as God's dwelling place, needed to be consecrated and kept pure, and the people approaching it also needed ritual cleansing. This requirement served as a constant reminder that no human endeavor, no matter how grand or well-intentioned, could be perfectly pure before a holy God without His gracious provision for atonement. It taught Israel that purity and access to God were always dependent on His mercy and the prescribed means of dealing with sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 7:70, with its mention of "one kid of the goats for a sin offering," serves as a profound foreshadowing of the ultimate and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sin offering, though divinely instituted, was inherently temporary and repetitive, requiring countless animals and constant reapplication because the blood of goats and bulls could never truly take away sins ([Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - The Inadequacy of Animal Sacrifices")). This ritual pointed forward to the one, final, and sufficient offering. Jesus, the spotless [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), perfectly fulfilled every aspect of the sin offering. He did not offer the blood of an animal, but His own precious blood, making a once-for-all atonement for the sins of humanity ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Unlike the temporary cleansing provided by the kid of the goats, Christ's sacrifice provides eternal redemption and perfect purification, not just from ceremonial impurity but from the very guilt and power of sin itself. Through Him, we are made righteous and granted direct access to God's presence, fulfilling the deepest longing for reconciliation that the ancient sin offering could only symbolize ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")).

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.