What is the meaning of Numbers 28:15? In addition to The words “In addition to” remind us that the goat sacrifice was not a replacement but an extra provision. • God had already established daily offerings (Numbers 28:3-4) and wanted His people to see that fellowship with Him involves both routine obedience and special moments of repentance. • Cross reference Exodus 29:38-39, where two lambs were offered every day; the goat here adds an emphatic layer of cleansing. God graciously multiplies opportunities for atonement so no sin lingers unresolved. the regular burnt offering The “regular burnt offering” was a daily morning and evening sacrifice (Numbers 28:4-6). • It symbolized total dedication to the LORD, because it was entirely consumed by fire (Leviticus 1:9). • By placing the goat sacrifice alongside this regular worship rhythm, God connected forgiveness of sin with wholehearted devotion—two sides of the same coin (Romans 12:1). with its drink offering “Drink offering” refers to the wine poured out beside the altar (Numbers 15:5-7). • The pairing of grain, wine, and meat mirrored a complete meal, portraying joyful communion with God (Psalm 104:14-15). • Paul later likens his own life to a drink offering “being poured out” (Philippians 2:17), underscoring costly surrender that accompanies forgiveness. one male goat A single, unblemished male goat was chosen. • Goats carried symbolism of substitution; on the Day of Atonement one goat was slain and another released (Leviticus 16:9-10). • The male aspect points to headship and representation—anticipating the perfect Substitute, Christ, “who appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself” (Hebrews 9:26). is to be presented to the LORD The animal was brought “before the LORD,” emphasizing personal encounter. • Presentation means surrendering ownership; nothing is kept back (Leviticus 1:3). • Hebrews 9:24 explains that Jesus now appears “in God’s presence on our behalf,” fulfilling what every Old Testament presentation foreshadowed. as a sin offering The purpose is plainly “a sin offering.” • Sin offerings addressed unintentional sins, highlighting humanity’s constant need for grace (Leviticus 4:2-3). • The blood of the goat pointed to “the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God” (Hebrews 9:14). • 2 Corinthians 5:21 declares, “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us,” the ultimate and final sin offering. summary Numbers 28:15 adds a special sin-offering goat to the daily burnt and drink offerings, reinforcing that: • Regular worship is essential, yet God also provides specific moments for cleansing. • Total dedication (burnt offering) and joyful fellowship (drink offering) rest on secure atonement (sin offering). • The male goat prefigures Christ, our perfect Substitute, whose blood truly removes sin. The verse thus calls believers to continual devotion, joyful communion, and grateful trust in the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus. |
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