Question 1

What does Numbers 7:64 mean?

Accepted Answer

Numbers 7:64 states that one young male goat was offered as a sin offering. This verse records a specific part of the offerings brought by the leaders of Israel during the dedication of the altar, highlighting the required sacrifice for sin. During the dedication of the tabernacle altar, each tribal leader brought a set of offerings, and this verse details the inclusion of a young goat for a sin offering. The passage is part of a larger list, showing the careful and repeated pattern of sacrifices that God instructed the Israelites to follow as part of their worship and atonement practices.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Numbers 7:64

Accepted Answer

"One" (אֶחָד, 'echad): This word emphasizes that a single animal was required, not multiple, underlining the specific and personal nature of the offering. "Kid" (שָׂעִיר, sa'ir): This word refers to a young male goat, which was a common animal used in sin offerings, symbolizing innocence and substitution. "Goats" (עֵז, ez): This is the general term for a goat, clarifying the type of animal being offered. "Offering" (חַטָּאָה, chatta'ah): This word means "sin offering," a sacrifice specifically meant to deal with sin and restore the relationship between the people and God.

Question 3

Why Numbers 7:64 matters

Accepted Answer

Numbers 7:64 shows that even in a time of celebration and dedication, the need for atonement and dealing with sin was not overlooked, reflecting the seriousness of maintaining a right relationship with God. The verse highlights the uniformity and orderliness of Israel’s worship, as each leader brought the same offerings, showing equality and shared responsibility among the tribes. By specifying the type and number of animals, the verse connects to the broader system of sacrifices described in the Law, helping readers see the continuity and structure of Israel’s worship practices.

Numbers 7:64 (KJV)