Numbers 7:28 (KJV)

What does Numbers 7:28 mean?

Numbers 7:28 records that one young male goat was offered as a sin offering. This verse is part of a detailed list describing the offerings brought by the leaders of Israel during the dedication of the altar.

In this setting, Moses is recording the gifts each tribal leader brings for the dedication ceremony. The "kid of the goats" refers to a young male goat, which was commonly used for sin offerings in Israelite worship. The sin offering symbolized atonement and the removal of sin, showing the importance of approaching God with a sense of humility and the need for forgiveness.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 7:28

• "One" (אֶחָד, 'echad) simply means a single animal, emphasizing that only one goat was required for this part of the offering.
• "Kid" (שָׂעִיר, sa'ir) refers to a young male goat, which was a typical animal for a sin offering, highlighting its ritual purpose.
• "Goats" (עֵז, ez) is the general word for a goat, clarifying the type of animal being offered.
• "Offering" (חַטָּאת, chatta't) specifically means a "sin offering," which was a sacrifice made to address sin and restore the relationship between the people and God.

Why Numbers 7:28 matters

• Numbers 7:28 clarifies that each tribal leader brought the same type of sin offering, showing fairness and equality among the tribes during the altar's dedication.
• The mention of a sin offering highlights the central role of atonement and forgiveness in Israel's worship practices, even during times of celebration.
• This verse connects to the larger narrative of Numbers 7, where each tribe's leader brings identical offerings, underscoring unity and shared responsibility in the community's relationship with God.