How does Numbers 28:30 emphasize the importance of offerings in worship practices? Setting the Scene • Numbers 28 details the daily, weekly, monthly, and festival sacrifices Israel was to present. • These offerings kept God’s people mindful that every part of life belongs to Him. Zooming in on Numbers 28:30 “Include one male goat to make atonement for you.” • The verse caps a list of costly animals and grain. • It singles out the sin offering—“one male goat”—after the burnt and grain offerings have been named. • By isolating this sacrifice, the Spirit highlights its irreplaceable role in approaching a holy God. Why the “one male goat”? • Atonement at the center – Leviticus 17:11: “It is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.” – Hebrews 9:22 affirms the same principle. • Personal responsibility – “For you” stresses that worship is not abstract; every worshiper must face sin and receive cleansing. • Completeness of worship – Grain and drink offerings celebrate God’s provision (Numbers 28:28,31). – Burnt offerings speak of devotion (Numbers 28:27). – The goat ensures nothing hinders fellowship; sin is dealt with before celebration continues. Lessons for our worship today • Sin must be confessed and covered before worship flourishes. • Offerings remain integral—now expressed through – gratitude (Hebrews 13:15), – generosity (Philippians 4:18), – and wholehearted devotion (Romans 12:1). • Numbers 28:30 foreshadows Christ, “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). His once-for-all sacrifice secures permanent atonement, yet the pattern still calls believers to gather, give, and worship with clean hearts. |
    |