What is the meaning of Numbers 7:58? one - The verse Numbers 7:58 records “one male goat for a sin offering;” highlighting that a single animal was presented. - “One” underscores individuality and sufficiency—each tribal leader brought exactly what God prescribed, no more and no less (Numbers 7:12–83 shows the identical pattern for every tribe). - Scripture often stresses the power of one divinely appointed act or sacrifice: one ark saved Noah’s family (Genesis 7:1); one lamb per household spared Israel at Passover (Exodus 12:3); ultimately, one sacrifice of Christ perfects forever those being sanctified (Hebrews 10:12–14). - The literal record assures us God notices and values precise obedience, calling each person to respond personally (Romans 14:12). male goat - A male goat was the required animal for many sin offerings (Leviticus 4:23, Leviticus 9:3). By specifying “male,” God set a standard of strength and representative headship. - Goats, unlike lambs offered for peace or burnt offerings, were closely linked with atonement for sin. On the Day of Atonement, one male goat was sacrificed and another sent into the wilderness bearing Israel’s iniquities (Leviticus 16:7–10). - The consistency—every tribe bringing the same kind—teaches that all Israel shared an equal need for cleansing. Paul echoes this truth when he writes that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). - The unblemished male goat prefigures Christ, who “knew no sin” yet stood in the sinner’s place (2 Corinthians 5:21). for a sin offering - The purpose is clearly stated: atonement. A sin offering addressed unintentional sins and restored fellowship between the worshiper and God (Leviticus 4:2, 26). - By bringing the goat “for a sin offering,” each leader publicly acknowledged the tribe’s need for forgiveness before proceeding with other gifts (Numbers 7:59–88 lists additional offerings only after the sin offering is named). - Blood from the sin offering was applied to the altar, dramatizing that “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22). - This ritual pointed forward to the ultimate sin offering—Jesus, whom God “presented as an atoning sacrifice, through faith in His blood” (Romans 3:25). - The literal fulfillment in Christ assures believers today that their sin debt is fully paid (1 John 1:7). summary Numbers 7:58 reminds us that God required exactly one male goat from each tribe to deal with sin. The precision of “one” calls for personal obedience, the “male goat” pictures a spotless substitute, and the phrase “for a sin offering” signals God’s gracious provision of atonement. Together they foreshadow the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ, inviting us to rest confidently in His completed work. |
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