What is the meaning of Numbers 29:31? Include one male goat “Include one male goat…” (Numbers 29:31) • The sacrifice roster for the seventh day of the Feast of Tabernacles singles out a male goat. The choice of a goat is consistent with earlier commands (Numbers 15:24-26; Leviticus 16:5) where a goat represents substitutionary atonement. • God’s instructions do not leave room for substitutes—one specific animal, one specific purpose. This underscores His authority and mankind’s need to approach Him on His terms alone (Genesis 4:3-5; Hebrews 9:22). As a sin offering “…as a sin offering…” (Numbers 29:31) • A sin offering deals with unintentional or ceremonial sins that interrupt fellowship with God (Leviticus 4:27-31). • During Tabernacles, Israel rejoiced over harvest blessings (Leviticus 23:40-43), yet the sin offering reminded the people that celebration must be rooted in cleansing. Joy without holiness is empty (Psalm 51:12-13; 1 John 1:7-9). • The goat anticipates Christ, “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29; 2 Corinthians 5:21). In addition to the regular burnt offering “…in addition to the regular burnt offering…” (Numbers 29:31) • The daily burnt offering (Numbers 28:3-8) burned continually, symbolizing total dedication. The sin offering came on top of that, showing that forgiveness precedes and fuels consecration (Romans 12:1; Ephesians 5:2). • God layers sacrifices rather than replacing them, teaching that redemption and devotion are inseparable (Psalm 40:6-8; Hebrews 10:5-10). With its grain offering and drink offering “…with its grain offering and drink offering.” (Numbers 29:31) • Grain offerings (Leviticus 2) expressed gratitude for daily provision; drink offerings (Exodus 29:40-41) symbolized poured-out lives. Both accompanied the burnt offering to form a complete worship package (Philippians 2:17). • The sequence—sin dealt with, life surrendered, gratitude expressed—illustrates God’s orderly approach to worship (1 Corinthians 14:40; Colossians 3:17). summary Numbers 29:31 folds a single male goat for sin into a larger worship framework. God first removes guilt, then invites whole-hearted dedication, thanksgiving, and rejoicing. In every element the verse anticipates Christ’s final atonement and models the believer’s daily rhythm: cleansed by His blood, consecrated to His service, and grateful for His continual provision. |
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