Numbers 28:22

And one goat for a sin offering, to make an atonement for you.

Numbers 28:22 (KJV)

Context

Numbers 28:22 belongs to God’s instructions to Moses about the regular offerings of Israel. The surrounding lines describe offerings for each day of the festival, including a grain offering with every lamb. This verse adds a goat as a sin offering, to make atonement for the people. The following line explains that these offerings were made beside the continual burnt offering of the morning.

Meaning

The verse gives a clear command: one goat is to be offered as a sin offering. The purpose is stated plainly: “to make an atonement for you.” This means the goat’s life was given in place of the people, covering their sin and restoring their relationship with God. The sin offering was for unintentional sins, showing human frailty and the ongoing need for forgiveness.

Even on holy days, a sin offering was required. This shows that human sinfulness persists even in worship. The goat’s blood was used to purify and make peace with the LORD. This offering was in addition to the continual burnt offering and its grain and drink offerings, emphasizing that atonement for sin was a regular and necessary part of Israel’s worship.

Biblical connections

The phrase “make an atonement for you” points to a substitutionary act. The animal’s life is given in place of the sinner. This foreshadows Christ, who takes away the sins of our holy things as well as all other sins. The repeated pattern of such offerings throughout the calendar underscores the seriousness of sin and the cost of reconciliation.

Application

For the Christian, this verse reminds us that our worship is acceptable only through the perfect atonement of Christ, who fulfilled what these sacrifices foreshadowed. It calls us to a continual awareness of our need for cleansing and gratitude for the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus. Faithfulness takes concrete form, and we must read these commands within their covenantal setting so that the original requirement and any later application are not confused.

Reflection

Readers should first identify exactly what is commanded and why. Application begins with reverence for God’s word, precise observation, and careful distinction between the original setting and present responsibilities. The meaning of Numbers 28:22 should be drawn from the verse itself and the lines around it, keeping explanation and application faithful to the text.