“And one kid of the goats for a sin offering unto the Lord shall be offered, beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering.”
Numbers 29:5 is part of a larger section in the book of Numbers that details the offerings and sacrifices to be made during the appointed feasts and holy days. In this specific verse, it refers to the offerings to be made on the tenth day of the seventh month, which is the Day of Atonement or Yom Kippur.
Context:To understand this verse better, let’s look at the broader context of Numbers 29. This chapter provides instructions for the offerings to be made during the various appointed times throughout the year, including the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles.
The Day of Atonement:The Day of Atonement was a significant observance in the Old Testament Jewish calendar. It was a solemn day of fasting and repentance, during which the high priest would enter the Most Holy Place in the tabernacle or later the temple to make atonement for the sins of the people.
Sin Offering:The verse mentions the requirement for a sin offering. The sin offering was a sacrifice made to atone for the sins committed by individuals or the community as a whole. It symbolized the removal of guilt and the restoration of a right relationship with God.
The Goat:Specifically, one kid of the goats was to be offered as a sin offering on the Day of Atonement. Goats were commonly used for sin offerings, and they symbolically carried the sins of the people upon themselves. This practice foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who would take upon Himself the sins of humanity and provide redemption through His death on the cross.
Continual Burnt Offering and Drink Offering:Besides the sin offering, the verse mentions the continual burnt offering and its accompanying drink offering. The continual burnt offering was a daily sacrifice made in the tabernacle or temple, symbolizing the complete dedication and surrender of the people to God. The drink offering, often consisting of wine, was poured out as an offering to God, signifying devotion and thanksgiving.
In summary, Numbers 29:5 provides instructions for the offerings to be made on the Day of Atonement, including a sin offering of one goat, in addition to the continual burnt offering and drink offering. This verse highlights the importance of repentance, atonement for sins, and the continual dedication of God’s people to Him. It also foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who became the perfect and final atonement for the sins of humanity.
