What is the meaning of Numbers 7:28?

one

- The verse highlights a single animal: “one male goat for a sin offering” (Numbers 7:28).

- One sacrifice, not several, underscores:

• The unity of Israel’s worship—each tribal leader brought the same solitary gift on his assigned day (Numbers 7:12-88).

• God’s provision that one atoning act is enough in His economy, anticipating the “one sacrifice for sins for all time” accomplished by Christ (Hebrews 10:12).

- Similar singularity appears at Passover: “You are to select a lamb or young goat for each household” (Exodus 12:3-5), foreshadowing one Redeemer for all.

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male

- A male animal was required (Leviticus 4:23; 4:28); the choice pointed to:

• Strength and vigor—giving God the best, not the leftover.

• Representation—God later sent His Son in male form to fulfill every shadow (Galatians 4:4-5).

- The pattern runs through earlier offerings: “Then he shall offer a male goat without blemish” (Leviticus 9:3), reinforcing consistency in God’s standards.

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goat

- Goats were common, accessible, and valuable; no tribe could claim cost as an excuse.

- Throughout Leviticus 16, goats play a dual role: one slain, one released, both portraying sin removal. Here, the slain goat alone is in view.

- The goat reminds of substitution: “He shall lay his hand on the goat’s head and slaughter it… to make atonement” (Leviticus 4:24). The sinner’s guilt transfers; the innocent dies.

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for a sin offering

- A sin offering addressed unintentional sin (Leviticus 4:2). Even unmeant defilement broke fellowship, requiring blood.

- The goal was cleansing, not fellowship alone; “the priest will make atonement for him, and he will be forgiven” (Leviticus 4:35).

- Numbers 7 places the sin offering alongside burnt and peace offerings (vv. 27-29), teaching that atonement (sin offering) must precede devotion (burnt offering) and fellowship (peace offering).

- Ultimately, Christ fulfilled every sin offering: “He has appeared once for all… to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself” (Hebrews 9:26-28).

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summary

Numbers 7:28 records one male goat offered for sin: a single, strong, substitutionary animal whose blood secured forgiveness. It affirms God’s unwavering pattern—sin requires sacrifice, and He Himself provides the perfect fulfillment in Jesus, the once-for-all sin bearer.