Commentary on Numbers 28:30

Numbers 28:30 states, "And one kid of the goats for a sin offering, to make an atonement for you." This verse is part of the broader instructions given to the Israelites regarding their offerings and the maintenance of their covenant relationship with God. The sacrificial system outlined in the Old Testament is integral to understanding God's plan for redemption and the foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate sacrifice.

Context of the Sacrificial System

In the book of Numbers, the Lord provides the Israelites with comprehensive guidelines for worship, including offerings that must be made regularly. The various types of offerings—including burnt offerings, grain offerings, and sin offerings—demonstrate the multifaceted nature of atonement and devotion:

• Burnt Offerings symbolize total dedication to God.
• Grain Offerings represent gratitude and acknowledgment of God’s provision.
• Sin Offerings involve atonement for unintentional sins and reconciliation with God.

The Importance of the Kid of the Goats

The specific mention of a goat for the sin offering highlights several key theological themes:

• Substitutionary Atonement: The goat serves as a substitute for the people, bearing their iniquities.
• Symbol of Purity and Innocence: Goats were commonly used due to their association with sin offerings, representing the need for purity.
• Foreshadowing Christ: The sacrifice of the goat symbolically points ahead to Christ's sacrificial death for humanity's sins.

The Role of the Priesthood

The priest's role is paramount when it comes to offerings. Commentators such as Matthew Henry emphasize that the priest acts as a mediator between the people and God. The offering of the goat for sin must be executed by a priest, reaffirming the necessity of appointed mediators:

• Intercessory Role: The priest intercedes on behalf of the people, making the offering acceptable to God.
• Holiness Requirement: The offerings must be made with strict adherence to God's commands, emphasizing the holiness required in approaching Him.

Lessons for Today

For modern readers—pastors, students, and theologians—Numbers 28:30 holds significant theological implications:

• Understanding Atonement: This verse serves as a reminder of the cost of sin and the continuous need for atonement, shedding light on the depths of God's grace.
• Importance of Obedience: The precise nature of the offering reflects God's desire for His people to follow His commands meticulously.
• Preparation for Worship: Today’s believers must also prepare their hearts and lives as they approach God in worship, recognizing the seriousness of sin and the grace available through Christ.

Conclusion

Numbers 28:30 encapsulates essential aspects of the Old Testament sacrificial system while foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Through a goat offered for sin, it reminds believers of the necessity of atonement, the seriousness of sin, and the grace of God that has been fully revealed in the New Testament.

In application, it challenges pastors and theologians to articulate the richness of biblical truth and maintain a focus on the redemptive work of Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of the sacrificial system introduced in the Pentateuch.