How does Numbers 29:15 relate to the concept of atonement in Leviticus? Numbers 29:15 in Context “Include one male goat as a sin offering, in addition to the regular burnt offering with its grain and drink offerings.” (Numbers 29:15) • Numbers 29 lists the offerings for the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). • Each day calls for a single male goat—specifically labeled a “sin offering.” • This goat does not stand alone; it is offered “in addition to” the burnt, grain, and drink offerings, underscoring a layered worship pattern: celebration plus continual need for cleansing. Sin Offering: Atonement’s Backbone in Leviticus Leviticus details what that “sin offering” accomplishes: • Leviticus 4:20, 26, 31, 35 repeatedly: “the priest will make atonement for them, and they will be forgiven.” • Leviticus 6:24-30 explains the priest’s role—blood applied to the altar, flesh eaten in a holy place—“it is most holy” (v. 29). • Leviticus 17:11 anchors the theology: “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls.” So, whenever a goat is labeled “sin offering,” the reader is meant to import the entire Levitical atonement framework: substitutionary blood, priestly mediation, resulting forgiveness. Comparative Themes: Goat for Sin Offering—Festival vs. National Atonement " Aspect " Numbers 29:15 (Tabernacles) " Leviticus 16 (Day of Atonement) " "--------"----------------------------"----------------------------------" " Frequency " Daily during the seven-day feast " Once per year " " Audience " Pilgrims rejoicing before the LORD " Whole nation in solemn assembly " " Goat usage " One goat each day, slaughtered " Two goats: one slaughtered, one sent away " " Outcome " Ongoing purification within joyful worship " Comprehensive annual cleansing of sanctuary and people " Both settings reinforce: • Sin must be acknowledged even amid celebration. • Blood of a goat is God’s appointed means for atonement (Leviticus 16:15-16; 17:11). • The provision is continuous—daily in Numbers, yearly in Leviticus—highlighting God’s gracious persistence. Continuity of Blood and Substitution Think of Genesis 3:21—God clothes Adam and Eve; Exodus 12:13—the Passover lamb’s blood protects; Leviticus codifies the pattern; Numbers 29 keeps it cycling through Israel’s calendar. Each layer presses the same truth: without shed blood there is no forgiveness (cf. Hebrews 9:22). Practical Takeaways for Today • Consistent Need: Even in seasons of joy, sin still requires atonement; cleansing is never optional. • Divine Provision: God not only demands holiness; He supplies the sacrifice. • Forward Glance: Every goat in Numbers 29 anticipates the once-for-all sacrifice—“The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). |
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