Numbers 7:70 (KJV)

What does Numbers 7:70 mean?

Numbers 7:70 records that one young goat was offered as a sin offering. This verse is part of a list describing the specific offerings brought by the leaders of Israel during the dedication of the altar.

The setting is the dedication of the tabernacle altar, where each tribal leader brings offerings on behalf of their tribe. Moses is recording what each leader brings, and here, the focus is on the "kid of the goats" meant as a sin offering, which was a sacrifice for atonement. The verse is brief because it is part of a repeated pattern, showing the careful and orderly way the Israelites approached worship and sacrifice.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 7:70

• "One" (אֶחָד, 'echad'): This word emphasizes that a single animal was brought, highlighting the specific and individual nature of the offering.
• "Kid" (שָׂעִיר, sa‘ir): This refers to a young male goat, which was a common animal used for sin offerings in Israelite worship.
• "Goats" (עֵז, ‘ez): This is the general word for goat, clarifying the species of the animal being offered.
• "Offering" (חַטָּאת, chatta't): This word means "sin offering," a sacrifice made to seek forgiveness for unintentional sins, showing the importance of atonement in Israelite worship.

Why Numbers 7:70 matters

• Numbers 7:70 helps clarify that each tribe brought the same type of sin offering, showing equality and shared responsibility among the tribes in seeking forgiveness.
• The verse connects to the larger passage by showing the repeated, orderly pattern of offerings, which underlines the seriousness and structure of Israelite worship.
• Noting the specific animal and its purpose helps a modern reader understand the practical details of Old Testament sacrifices and the emphasis on atonement.