Numbers 29:5

And one kid of the goats for a sin offering, to make an atonement for you:

Numbers 29:5 (KJV)

Context

Numbers 29:5 appears within the instructions for Israel’s appointed feasts. The chapter lists offerings for the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles. This verse belongs to the Day of Atonement, a solemn time of fasting and repentance on the tenth day of the seventh month.

Meaning

The verse commands one male goat as a sin offering, made beside the continual burnt offering and its drink offering. The sin offering cleansed the people from unintentional sins and restored their relationship with God. The goat bore the guilt of the community as a substitute. The phrase “to make an atonement for you” shows that this was both personal and communal. Atonement means to reconcile or make amends for wrongdoing. In the Old Testament, the shedding of blood was required as a temporary means of atonement. This offering was central to the sacrificial system, providing cleansing and restoring fellowship with God.

Biblical connections

The continual burnt offering signified the people’s ongoing dedication to God. Even on this solemn day, regular worship continued. The drink offering, usually wine, expressed devotion and thanksgiving. Together these offerings showed that repentance and daily surrender belonged together. The goat also symbolizes the transfer of sin and guilt from the people to the animal, emphasizing the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement.

Application

This verse reminds believers that sin is serious and requires a remedy. God provided a way for His people to be cleansed and restored. Believers today can approach God with humility, confessing sin and trusting in His provision. The rhythm of regular worship should continue even in times of solemn reflection. God’s provision for sin calls for a response of repentance and faith.

Reflection

The goat offering points forward to Jesus Christ, who took humanity’s sins upon Himself and secured final atonement. Unlike repeated animal sacrifices, Christ offered Himself once for all. Numbers 29:5 highlights repentance, divine forgiveness, and the prophetic foreshadowing of Christ’s redemptive work. The temporary nature of these sacrifices finds its ultimate fulfillment in Him.