Numbers 7:82

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 7:82 concludes the detailed account of the dedicatory offerings presented by the tribal leaders of Israel for the newly consecrated Tabernacle. This specific verse highlights a crucial and consistent element of each prince's offering: a single kid of the goats designated as a sin offering. It underscores the meticulous nature of Mosaic worship and the ever-present, foundational need for atonement and purification within the community, ensuring they could maintain a holy and unblemished relationship with God in His sacred dwelling place.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers chapter 7 provides an exhaustive, day-by-day record of the offerings brought by the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel for the dedication of the Tabernacle and its altar, immediately following their anointing as described in [Numbers 7:1](/numbers/7-1 "Numbers 7:1 - Anointing of the Tabernacle"). This chapter is structured as a lengthy, repetitive catalog, with each of the twelve tribal princes bringing identical sets of gifts over twelve consecutive days. Verses 12-81 detail these individual contributions, which included silver and gold vessels, various animals for burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, and, significantly, sin offerings. Verse 82, along with the preceding verses, functions as part of this comprehensive tally, emphasizing the uniform pattern of dedication and the specific components, such as the sin offering, that were indispensable for maintaining ritual purity and fellowship with God within the newly established worship system. The chapter culminates in a summary of the total offerings in [Numbers 7:84-88](/numbers/7-84-88 "Numbers 7:84-88 - Summary of Offerings"), reinforcing the magnitude and completeness of this national act of worship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for Numbers 7 is pivotal in Israel's post-Exodus journey, occurring directly after the completion and consecration of the Tabernacle at Mount Sinai. This portable sanctuary served as the tangible dwelling place of Yahweh among His people, symbolizing His holy presence and establishing the epicenter of Israelite worship. The offerings detailed in this chapter were not spontaneous acts of devotion but were meticulously prescribed by the Mosaic Law, emphasizing the critical importance of precise obedience and reverence when approaching a holy God. The "sin offering" (Hebrew: *chaṭṭâʼâh*) was a foundational element of Israelite worship, primarily designed to atone for unintentional sins, ritual impurities, or inadvertent transgressions against God's commands. Its purpose was to cleanse and purify, thereby allowing individuals and the community to remain in an unblemished covenant relationship with Yahweh. This grand dedication ceremony, marked by these specific offerings, solidified the nation's commitment to the divinely ordained system of worship and their understanding of God's gracious provision for dealing with the pervasive reality of sin.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 7:82, within the broader context of the Tabernacle's dedication, contributes to several significant themes. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Holiness and Human Sinfulness**. The constant need for a sin offering, even during a joyous dedication, underscores the profound holiness of God and the pervasive reality of human sin, which necessitates ongoing purification to maintain fellowship. Secondly, it emphasizes **God's Meticulous Provision for Atonement**. The detailed instructions for the sin offering, including the specific animal, demonstrate God's precise and gracious way of dealing with sin, providing a means for His people to be cleansed and reconciled. This provision is consistently applied to all tribal leaders, indicating a unified system of access to atonement. Thirdly, the verse reinforces the theme of **Obedience and Covenant Fidelity**. The meticulous adherence to the prescribed offerings by each prince signifies Israel's commitment to the covenant and their obedience to God's commands regarding worship. The inclusion of the sin offering was not merely a ritual but a vital component for maintaining the integrity of their covenant relationship, ensuring that the defilement of sin would not hinder God's presence among them, a principle vital for the entire community's spiritual well-being as they journeyed towards the Promised Land, as seen in the broader narrative of [Numbers](/numbers "The Book of Numbers - Wilderness Wanderings").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sin offering (Hebrew, _chaṭṭâʼâh'_):** This term (H2403) is derived from a root meaning "to miss the mark" or "to err." In the context of offerings, it refers to a sacrifice specifically designed for expiation, purification, or atonement. It addresses the defiling effect of sin, whether an unintentional offense, ritual impurity, or inadvertent transgression, thereby restoring the offerer to a state of ritual purity and right standing before God. Its primary function was not to cover deliberate, high-handed rebellion, but to cleanse from the defilement that hindered access to God's holy presence, making purification possible.
* **Kid (Hebrew, _sâʻîyr'_):** This word (H8163) literally means "shaggy" and refers to a he-goat, often a young one. In the sacrificial system, specific animals were prescribed for different offerings and for individuals of varying social statuses. The use of a "kid" or young male goat for the sin offering in this context aligns with the requirements for a ruler or leader, as outlined in the Mosaic Law, underscoring the precise nature of the sacrifices.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"One kid of the goats":** This phrase specifies the exact animal required for this particular offering. The term "kid of the goats" (combining H8163 *sâʻîyr* and H5795 *ʻêz*) refers to a young male goat. The emphasis on "one" (H259 *ʼechâd*) highlights the singularity and specificity of the offering, indicating that each tribal leader brought this precise animal. In the divinely ordained sacrificial system, the type of animal was not arbitrary but carefully prescribed, often reflecting the status of the offerer or the nature of the sin. For a leader's unintentional sin, a male goat was typically required, demonstrating the uniform and meticulous adherence to God's commands by each of the twelve princes in their dedication of the Tabernacle.
* **"for a sin offering":** This clause unequivocally states the purpose of the animal sacrifice. The "sin offering" (H2403 *chaṭṭâʼâh*) was not intended for willful, defiant sins but primarily for unintentional transgressions, ritual impurities, or errors that defiled the individual or the sanctuary. Its essential purpose was to purify, cleanse, and make atonement, enabling the worshiper to maintain fellowship with a holy God. The consistent inclusion of the sin offering within these grand dedicatory gifts underscores the profound understanding that even in moments of national celebration and consecration, the pervasive reality of human sinfulness and the constant need for divine provision for purification remained paramount. It served as a perpetual reminder that access to God's presence was contingent upon His gracious provision for dealing with sin's defiling effects.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 7:82, within its broader literary context, primarily employs **Repetition** and **Symbolism**. The entire chapter is meticulously structured around the **Repetition** of identical offerings presented by each of the twelve tribal princes, day after day. This serves multiple purposes: it emphasizes the unity of the tribes in their dedication to God, highlights the meticulousness and precision of God's commands for worship, and underscores the comprehensive nature of the Tabernacle's anointing. Every component of the offering, including the "kid of the goats for a sin offering," is reiterated twelve times, reinforcing its essential importance and necessity within the divine economy of worship and atonement. Furthermore, the "kid of the goats" itself, specifically designated "for a sin offering," carries profound **Symbolism**. It symbolizes the substitutionary principle at the very heart of the Old Covenant sacrificial system: an innocent animal's life is given as a substitute to atone for the sin or impurity of the offerer. This act of sacrifice symbolically cleanses and purifies, enabling the offerer to be reconciled with God. The cumulative effect of this pervasive repetition and potent symbolism is to deeply impress upon the reader the gravity of sin, the absolute holiness of God, and the divine, gracious provision for reconciliation and purity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 7:82, though a seemingly minute detail within a lengthy catalog of offerings, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous and gracious provision for dealing with human sin and impurity. The sin offering (*chaṭṭâʼâh*) was a cornerstone of the Mosaic Law, demonstrating that sin, even unintentional, created a barrier between a holy God and His people, necessitating a specific, divinely ordained remedy. This constant need for atonement, evident even during a joyful and celebratory dedication ceremony, underscores the pervasive nature of sin and God's unwavering commitment to maintain a pure and accessible relationship with His covenant people. It points to a foundational theological truth: access to God's presence and the maintenance of covenant fellowship are predicated on purification and atonement, a principle that finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

* [Leviticus 4:27-31](/leviticus/4-27-31 "Leviticus 4:27-31 - Sin Offering for a Common Person")
* [Hebrews 9:13-14](/hebrews/9-13-14 "Hebrews 9:13-14 - Christ's Superior Blood")
* [Romans 3:23-25](/romans/3-23-25 "Romans 3:23-25 - Justification Through Christ's Atonement")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 7:82, nestled within the detailed accounts of the Tabernacle's dedication, might initially appear as a mere historical record of ancient rituals. However, it serves as a powerful reminder of timeless spiritual truths that transcend the Old Covenant. The consistent inclusion of the sin offering by each tribal leader speaks volumes about the human condition: even in our most dedicated and celebratory moments, sin remains a pervasive reality that requires divine intervention. For us today, this verse prompts profound gratitude for the once-for-all, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which has rendered animal sacrifices obsolete. We no longer need to bring a kid of the goats; rather, we rest in the finished work of the Lamb of God, whose blood provides complete and eternal purification. This verse challenges us to acknowledge the seriousness of sin, even our unintentional failings and impurities, and to continually lean into the boundless grace and forgiveness freely offered through Christ's atonement. It calls us to live lives of purity and holiness, not out of fear of ritual defilement, but out of profound love, reverence, and gratitude for the God who has made a new and living way for us to draw near to Him. Our response to such grace should be a life of worship and obedience, reflecting the cleansing we have received.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature and constant repetition of the sin offering in the Old Testament deepen your appreciation for the singularity and completeness of Christ's sacrifice?**
* **In what ways do you recognize the ongoing need for "purification" or spiritual cleansing in your own life, and how do you lean into God's provision for it through Christ?**
* **What does this verse teach us about God's unchanging character, particularly His holiness and His desire to maintain a pure relationship with His people despite their imperfections?**

### FAQ
**Why was a "kid of the goats" specifically chosen for the sin offering in this context?**

Answer: In the elaborate system of the Mosaic Law, the type of animal required for a sin offering varied significantly depending on the status of the offerer and the nature of the sin. For example, a bull was prescribed for the high priest or the whole congregation, a female goat or lamb for a common person, and even birds for the poor. In Numbers 7, the offerings are presented by the "princes" or "leaders" of the tribes. According to the specific regulations found in [Leviticus 4:22-26](/leviticus/4-22-26 "Leviticus 4:22-26 - Sin Offering for a Ruler or Leader"), a male goat was the prescribed animal for a ruler's unintentional sin. The phrase "kid of the goats" (Hebrew: *sâʻîyr ʻêz*) in [Numbers 7:82](/numbers/7-82 "Numbers 7:82 - One Kid of the Goats for a Sin Offering") refers to a young male goat, which is entirely consistent with the requirements for a leader's sin offering. This highlights the precise and uniform nature of the dedication gifts from each tribal head, demonstrating their adherence to the divine standard.

**What is the difference between a "sin offering" and other types of offerings mentioned in Numbers 7?**

Answer: Numbers 7 enumerates several types of offerings, each with a distinct purpose within the Israelite sacrificial system. The **burnt offering** (Hebrew: *ʻōlâ*) was entirely consumed on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication and general atonement for sinfulness, as detailed in [Leviticus 1](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Law of Burnt Offerings"). The **grain offering** (Hebrew: *minḥâ*) was a bloodless offering of flour, oil, and frankincense, often accompanying other sacrifices, symbolizing devotion, thanksgiving, and acknowledgment of God's provision ([Leviticus 2](/leviticus/2 "Leviticus 2 - The Law of Grain Offerings")). The **peace offering** (Hebrew: *šĕlāmîm*) involved a shared meal between God, the priest, and the offerer, symbolizing fellowship, thanksgiving, or the fulfillment of a vow ([Leviticus 3](/leviticus/3 "Leviticus 3 - The Law of Peace Offerings")). In contrast, the **sin offering** (Hebrew: *chaṭṭâʼâh*), as highlighted in [Numbers 7:82](/numbers/7-82 "Numbers 7:82 - One Kid of the Goats for a Sin Offering"), was specifically for atonement for unintentional sins and ritual impurities, serving to purify the offerer and restore them to a state of ritual purity and right relationship with God, thereby allowing continued access to His holy presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 7:82, with its specific mention of "one kid of the goats for a sin offering," serves as a profound and poignant foreshadowing of the ultimate and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sin offerings, though divinely instituted and essential for their time, were inherently incomplete and temporary; they had to be repeated continually because the blood of animals could not truly take away sin or perfect the conscience ([Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - The Inability of Animal Blood to Take Away Sins")). They functioned as a shadow, pointing forward to the substantial reality found in Christ. Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), became our once-for-all, perfect sin offering, bearing the full penalty for humanity's sin on the cross. As [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us") declares, "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." Unlike the temporary and ritualistic cleansing provided by the blood of goats and bulls, Christ's perfect and eternal sacrifice provides complete redemption and thorough purification for all who place their faith in Him ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")). He is the true and final atonement, through whom we now have bold and confident access to God's holy presence, no longer needing animal sacrifices, for His blood has opened a new and living way ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Bold Access Through Christ's Blood")). The humble kid of the goats in Numbers 7:82 thus stands as a powerful type, fulfilled in the glorious and saving reality of Christ's finished work on the cross.

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.