What is the meaning of Numbers 15:28? And the priest shall make atonement This opening phrase highlights God’s appointed mediator. • In Israel, the priest acted as a bridge between a holy God and sinful people (Leviticus 4:20; Hebrews 5:1). • Atonement required a blood sacrifice (Leviticus 17:11), pointing ahead to the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ, our great High Priest (Hebrews 9:12). • The verse reminds us that we cannot atone for ourselves; God provides and accepts the sacrifice through His chosen representative (Isaiah 53:5–6). before the LORD Everything about atonement happens in God’s presence. • Sin is ultimately an offense against the LORD (Psalm 51:4). • The priest does not merely perform a ritual; he appears where God dwells (Exodus 25:22). • Christ’s fulfillment of this picture is seen in His entry “into heaven itself, now to appear in God’s presence for us” (Hebrews 9:24). on behalf of the person who erred by sinning unintentionally The focus is on inadvertent sin rather than defiant rebellion. • God distinguishes between unintentional mistakes and deliberate high-handed sin (Numbers 15:30–31; Hebrews 10:26). • Even unintentional sin requires cleansing; ignorance is no excuse before a holy God (Leviticus 5:17). • The provision underscores God’s mercy—He makes a way even when we stumble unknowingly (1 John 1:9). and when atonement has been made for him The result is tied to the completed sacrificial act. • The priest’s work is effective; once the offering is presented, the barrier is removed (Leviticus 16:30). • This anticipates Christ’s cry, “It is finished” (John 19:30)—the decisive moment when the ultimate atonement was accomplished (Hebrews 10:14). • Assurance flows from God’s promise, not from our feelings; the completed sacrifice secures acceptance (Romans 5:11). he will be forgiven The closing promise is full and final. • Forgiveness is God’s gracious declaration of restored relationship (Psalm 32:1–2). • It is a legal release—sin no longer counted against the person (Romans 8:1). • The pattern foreshadows the gospel: “This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28). • The verse assures every repentant believer that God delights to forgive (Micah 7:18–19). summary Numbers 15:28 presents a concise picture of God’s redemptive plan: a divinely appointed priest offers a sacrifice in God’s presence to cover even unintended sins, and the sinner walks away forgiven. The verse magnifies God’s holiness, underscores human need, and foreshadows the perfect, once-for-all atonement accomplished by Jesus Christ. |
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