“And one kid of the goats, to make an atonement for you.”
Context:The book of Numbers records the events that took place during the Israelites’ journey from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land. In this chapter, God provides detailed instructions for the daily, Sabbath, monthly, and annual offerings to be made at the tabernacle. These offerings were a central part of the Israelites’ worship and were meant to demonstrate their obedience, gratitude, and atonement for their sins.
Explanation:Numbers 28:30 specifically refers to the daily offering of a goat to make atonement for the people. Atonement means to reconcile or make amends for wrongdoing. In the Old Testament sacrificial system, the shedding of blood was required as a temporary means of atonement for sin.
Symbolism of the Goat:The goat offered as a sacrifice symbolises the transfer of sin and guilt from the people to the animal. The act of sacrificing the goat demonstrated that sin requires a penalty and that an innocent life is given as a substitute for the guilty.
Atonement and Forgiveness:The daily offering of the goat emphasised the need for ongoing atonement and forgiveness. It reminded the Israelites of their constant need to recognise their sinfulness and seek God’s forgiveness. It was a tangible expression of their dependence on God’s mercy and grace.
Foreshadowing Christ’s Sacrifice:The sacrificial system in the Old Testament served as a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God, became the perfect and final sacrifice for the sins of humanity. Through His death on the cross, He provided complete atonement and forgiveness for all who believe in Him.
Application:Although we no longer observe the Old Testament sacrificial system, the principle of atonement remains relevant to our lives today. As Christians, we recognise that Jesus Christ’s sacrifice has fulfilled the requirements of the Law and provided eternal forgiveness for our sins.
Recognising our Need for Atonement:Just as the Israelites acknowledged their sinfulness through the daily offering, we should also humbly acknowledge our need for forgiveness. We can approach God with a repentant heart, confessing our sins and seeking His forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ.
Embracing Christ’s Atonement:By accepting Jesus Christ as our Saviour, we receive the fullness of His atoning work. Through faith in Him, we can experience the assurance of forgiveness, reconciliation with God, and the gift of eternal life.
Living in Response to Atonement:Knowing that we have been forgiven, we are called to live in gratitude and obedience to God. We are encouraged to walk in righteousness, love, and mercy, reflecting the character of Christ in our daily lives.
In summary, Numbers 28:30 highlights the importance of atonement for the Israelites through the daily offering of a goat. This act of sacrifice symbolised the transfer of sin and guilt from the people to the animal, emphasising the ongoing need for forgiveness. Today, as believers in Jesus Christ, we recognise His ultimate atonement and are called to respond with repentance, faith, and a life that honours Him.
