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Book of Numbers - Chapter 7 - Verse 52

7:52
One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

Meaning

The verse "One kid of the goats for a sin offering" is found in the book of Leviticus in the Old Testament of the Bible. In the context of the Israelite sacrificial system, this verse refers to the specific instructions given by God to Moses regarding the offering of sacrifices for atonement of sins. In this particular case, a goat was to be brought as a sin offering to make amends for the sins of the people. The choice of a goat for this sacrifice was not arbitrary; goats were often used in ancient cultures as objects of sacrifice due to their symbolism of purity and innocence. By offering a goat as a sin offering, the Israelites believed that they were symbolically transferring their sins onto the animal, which would then be sacrificed as a way to seek forgiveness from God. This ritual was an important part of the Israelite religious practice and served as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance and reconciliation with God.

Theological Overview

When examining the phrase "One kid of the goats for a sin offering" in Leviticus 4:23, it is important to delve into its theological significance within the context of ancient Hebrew sacrificial practices. The act of offering a goat as a sin offering was a critical aspect of the Israelites' atonement process for unintentional sins. The selection of a young goat specifically for this purpose symbolized the transfer of the individual's sin onto the animal, which would then be sacrificed to absolve the person of their guilt before God. This ritual was not meant to permanently remove sin but to provide temporary cleansing and reconciliation with God until the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. Furthermore, a deeper word study of the Hebrew terms used in this verse underscores the concept of substitutionary atonement, highlighting the need for a pure and blameless offering to bear the consequences of sin on behalf of the sinner.

American Standard Version

one male of the goats for a sin-offering;
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