Include one male goatIn the sacrificial system of ancient Israel, the male goat was often used as a sin offering. The choice of a male goat is significant, as it was considered a valuable animal, symbolizing the costliness of sin and the need for a worthy sacrifice. The use of a goat also connects to the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) rituals, where one goat was sacrificed, and another was sent into the wilderness as a scapegoat, symbolizing the removal of sin from the community (
Leviticus 16:7-10).
as a sin offering
The sin offering was a crucial part of the sacrificial system, designed to atone for unintentional sins and to purify the people and the sanctuary. This offering underscores the seriousness of sin and the need for purification before God. The sin offering points forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who is described in the New Testament as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
to make atonement for you
Atonement involves reconciliation between God and humanity, achieved through the shedding of blood. In the Old Testament, atonement was a temporary covering of sin, requiring repeated sacrifices. This foreshadows the perfect and final atonement made by Jesus Christ on the cross, as described inHebrews 9:12-14, where His sacrifice is once for all, providing eternal redemption. The concept of atonement highlights God's holiness and justice, as well as His mercy and grace in providing a means for forgiveness and restoration.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites who received the laws and instructions from God, including the sacrificial system outlined in Numbers.
2.
IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who were given specific instructions on how to worship and make atonement for their sins through sacrifices.
3.
Sin OfferingA specific type of sacrifice commanded by God to atone for sins, symbolizing the need for purification and forgiveness.
4.
TabernacleThe portable dwelling place for the divine presence among the Israelites, where sacrifices were made.
5.
AtonementThe process of making amends or reparation for sin, which in the Old Testament was achieved through prescribed sacrifices.
Teaching Points
The Necessity of AtonementThe sin offering in
Numbers 28:22 underscores the seriousness of sin and the necessity of atonement. It reminds us that sin separates us from God and requires a means of reconciliation.
Symbolism of the SacrificeThe male goat as a sin offering symbolizes the transfer of sin and the need for a substitute. This points forward to Jesus Christ, who became the ultimate sin offering for humanity.
God’s Provision for ForgivenessThe provision of a sin offering demonstrates God's desire to forgive and restore His people. It encourages us to seek God's forgiveness through the means He has provided.
Continuity and Fulfillment in ChristThe sacrificial system in the Old Testament finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Understanding this connection helps us appreciate the depth of Christ's sacrifice and the completeness of His atonement.
Living a Life of RepentanceThe practice of offering a sin offering calls believers to live a life of continual repentance and reliance on God's grace, recognizing our ongoing need for His mercy.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Numbers 28:22?
2.How does Numbers 28:22 emphasize the importance of atonement in daily life?
3.What role do sin offerings play in maintaining a relationship with God?
4.How does Numbers 28:22 connect to Christ's ultimate sacrifice for sins?
5.How can we apply the concept of atonement in Numbers 28:22 today?
6.Why is it important to acknowledge sin regularly, as shown in Numbers 28:22?
7.Why does Numbers 28:22 require a goat as a sin offering for atonement?
8.How does Numbers 28:22 reflect the importance of ritual sacrifice in ancient Israelite religion?
9.What is the theological significance of sin offerings in Numbers 28:22?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 28?
11.How could the Israelites realistically supply the large number of animals required for the consecutive sacrifices in Numbers 29?
12.Numbers 15:24-29: If unintentional sins still require sacrifices, does this conflict with the notion of a merciful God who judges intent?
13.Numbers 3:39 - How plausible is the total of exactly 22,000 Levites, given population estimates of that era?
14.What evidence exists that these extensive rituals, detailed in Numbers 29, were historically observed or feasible at that scale?What Does Numbers 28:22 Mean
Include• The instruction begins with the word “Include,” signaling that this male goat is not optional but an integral part of the daily sacrificial schedule (compare the comprehensive daily requirements inNumbers 28:3–8).
• God adds this offering on top of the regular burnt offerings, showing that fellowship with Him requires both continual worship and continual cleansing (Leviticus 6:12–13;Romans 12:1).
One male goat• Specifying “one” highlights God’s precision; He prescribes exactly what He wants, teaching Israel—and us—that worship is not left to human improvisation (Exodus 25:40;Hebrews 8:5).
• Choosing a “male goat” recalls earlier sin offerings for leaders and the congregation (Leviticus 4:23, 28). The animal’s vigor and symbolic substitution underscore the seriousness of sin (Isaiah 53:6).
As a sin offering• The sin offering (Hebrew concept of ḥaṭṭāʾt) deals with unintentional sins and ritual impurity, restoring covenant relationship (Leviticus 4:2, 20).
• Blood from the goat would be applied to the altar, visually teaching that “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22).
• This provision anticipates the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ, “who offered Himself without blemish to God” (Hebrews 9:14).
To make atonement• “Atonement” refers to covering or reconciling; the sacrifice turns aside God’s righteous wrath (Leviticus 17:11;Romans 3:25).
• The ongoing need for atonement in Israel’s calendar pointed forward to the Day of Atonement and ultimately to Calvary (Leviticus 16:30;1 John 2:2).
• God Himself provides the means and declares it effective, assuring His people that guilt is truly dealt with (Psalm 32:1–2).
For you• The phrase personalizes the offer: God’s remedy is applied individually and corporately (Numbers 15:25;1 Peter 2:24).
• Israel could rest in God’s provision rather than their own merit, prefiguring salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9).
• The pronoun reminds believers today to appropriate Christ’s sacrifice personally: “The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).
summaryNumbers 28:22 underscores God’s unchanging demand for holiness and His gracious provision to meet that demand. By requiring one male goat as a sin offering, the Lord taught Israel that sin is real, atonement is necessary, and He Himself supplies the acceptable substitute. Every daily sacrifice looked forward to the perfect Lamb of God, whose blood fully atones “for you.”
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Include oneאֶחָ֑ד(’e·ḥāḏ)Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259:United, one, firstmale goatוּשְׂעִ֥יר(ū·śə·‘îr)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8163:Shaggy, a he-goat, a faunas a sin offeringחַטָּ֖את(ḥaṭ·ṭāṯ)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2403:An offence, its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, expiation, an offenderto make atonementלְכַפֵּ֖ר(lə·ḵap·pêr)Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3722:To cover, to expiate, condone, to placate, cancelfor you.עֲלֵיכֶֽם׃(‘ă·lê·ḵem)Preposition | second person masculine plural
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, against
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OT Law: Numbers 28:22 And one male goat for a sin (Nu Num.) 
