“Then ye shall sacrifice one kid of the goats for a sin offering, and two lambs of the first year for a sacrifice of peace offerings.”
Numbers 28:19 is part of a larger passage that outlines the offerings and sacrifices that the Israelites were commanded to present to the Lord on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. In this verse, specific instructions are given regarding the offerings to be made during the Feast of Weeks (also known as Pentecost or the Festival of Harvest).
Context and Background:
- The book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible and describes events that took place during the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.
- At this point in the narrative, the Israelites are encamped near Mount Sinai, and God is instructing Moses on various laws, regulations, and rituals.
Feast of Weeks:
- The Feast of Weeks was a significant festival in Israel, celebrated seven weeks (50 days) after the Passover.
- It marked the end of the grain harvest and was a time of thanksgiving and offering of firstfruits to the Lord (Exodus 34:22; Deuteronomy 16:10).
- It later became known as Pentecost in the New Testament when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples (Acts 2:1-4).
Offerings during the Feast of Weeks:
- In Numbers 28:19, the Israelites are instructed to bring specific offerings during the Feast of Weeks.
- The offerings include one young goat as a sin offering and two one-year-old male lambs as peace offerings.
- The sin offering was made to atone for the people’s sins and seek forgiveness from God. It symbolized the removal of guilt and cleansing from sin.
- The peace offerings were voluntary offerings expressing gratitude, devotion, and fellowship with God. They represented reconciliation and harmony with God and one another.
Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons:
- The sin offering of one young goat foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who would give Himself as the perfect and final atonement for the sins of humanity (Hebrews 10:10).
- The peace offerings of two lambs highlight the desire for fellowship and peace with God. Through Jesus, believers are reconciled to God, experiencing peace with Him and enjoying the blessings of His presence (Romans 5:1; Ephesians 2:14-18).
- The Feast of Weeks reminds us of the importance of gratitude and thanksgiving for God’s provision and blessings in our lives. It encourages us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices to God (Romans 12:1) and to express our gratitude through acts of worship and service.
In summary, Numbers 28:19 provides instructions for the offerings to be presented during the Feast of Weeks. This verse reminds us of the significance of sin atonement and the desire for peace and fellowship with God. It also points to Jesus Christ as the ultimate sacrifice for sin and encourages us to express gratitude and thanksgiving for God’s blessings in our lives.
