What is the meaning of Numbers 29:16? Include The feast schedule in Numbers 29 is already packed with sacrifices, yet the Lord adds another. He does not overlook even one provision for sin or fellowship. In Leviticus 23:33-36 He had already said, “You are to celebrate a feast to the LORD for seven days,” and here He meticulously details how. By telling Israel to “include” this extra animal, He reminds them—and us—that obedience is never optional or negotiable (James 2:10). One male goat A single goat may seem insignificant beside thirteen bulls, two rams, and fourteen lambs (Numbers 29:13-14), but God singles it out. • A goat had been the required substitute from the start of Israel’s sacrificial system (Leviticus 4:27-28). • The “one” underscores personal substitution: someone else dies in my place (Isaiah 53:6). • Being male, the animal represents strength offered wholly to God (Leviticus 1:3). As a sin offering The sin offering focuses on atonement for unintentional sins (Leviticus 4:2). When the priest placed his hands on the goat (Leviticus 4:24), guilt transferred symbolically, foreshadowing Christ who “was pierced for our transgressions” (Isaiah 53:5). The goat’s blood was then sprinkled on the altar, picturing cleansing (Hebrews 9:22). In addition to God layers sacrifices: the feast’s major burnt offerings, fellowship offerings, and now this special sin offering. The phrase shows: • Salvation is comprehensive—every facet of our need is addressed (Colossians 2:13-14). • Worship is cumulative—one act of devotion never replaces another (Romans 12:1). The regular burnt offering Morning and evening, two lambs were always burning (Numbers 28:3-4). This daily sacrifice symbolized continual surrender and undivided devotion. The feast offerings build on that constant foundation, much as our special gatherings rest on the consistent habit of daily worship (Psalm 141:2). With its grain offering Attached to every burnt offering was a grain offering of fine flour mixed with oil (Numbers 28:5). It celebrated God’s provision of daily bread and pictured consecrating our work to Him (Leviticus 2:1-3). The oil signified the Spirit’s empowering (Zechariah 4:6). And drink offering Wine poured out beside the altar (Numbers 28:7) expressed joy and covenant fellowship (Deuteronomy 14:26). Paul later draws on this image when he says, “I am already being poured out like a drink offering” (2 Timothy 4:6), showing willing self-sacrifice in response to Christ. summary Numbers 29:16 places a lone male goat for sin right beside daily burnt, grain, and drink offerings, teaching that: • God never ignores sin; He always provides atonement. • Special acts of worship rest on steady daily devotion. • Every dimension of life—sin, work, and joy—belongs on the altar. The verse quietly but powerfully points forward to Jesus, the singular, sufficient sacrifice who fulfills every offering and invites us into continual, wholehearted worship. |
    |