God’s people need regular reminders of their dependence on the LORD.
In this verse, the command to bring “one male goat for a sin offering to the LORD; it shall be offered with its drink offering in addition to the continual burnt offering” (v.15) demonstrates the ongoing need for atonement before God. These instructions were delivered through Moses around the 15th century BC, while the Israelites were at the threshold of the Promised Land. Although Numbers 28:15 does not mention a specific geographic location, it fits within the broader context of the Israelites’ desert wanderings, during which Moses served as God’s chosen leader. From the book of Exodus to Deuteronomy, Moses guided the people from their miraculous departure from Egypt (1446 BC) to their preparation to enter Canaan (1406 BC).
By requiring a sin offering “in addition to the continual burnt offering” (v.15), the LORD underscores that even the routine daily sacrifices were not sufficient for covering all transgression. A separate male goat was to be presented every month for purification’s sake. Such an offering highlighted the seriousness of sin and the grace God extended in providing a method to deal with it. This reflection on the ever-present need for confession and repentance looks ahead to how Jesus would ultimately fulfill the meaning of all sin offerings (Hebrews 10:10).
In keeping this command, the Israelites demonstrated obedience and faithfulness, recognizing their need to continually return to a state of spiritual cleanliness. While the goat served as a temporary substitute in ancient Israel’s worship, it pointed forward to a more perfect resolution in Christ. The emphasis on “one male goat for a sin offering” (v.15) conveys the personal nature of atonement, illustrating that each of God’s people was included in His desire for reconciliation.
Set to dark mode
Numbers 28:15 meaning
In this verse, the command to bring “one male goat for a sin offering to the LORD; it shall be offered with its drink offering in addition to the continual burnt offering” (v.15) demonstrates the ongoing need for atonement before God. These instructions were delivered through Moses around the 15th century BC, while the Israelites were at the threshold of the Promised Land. Although Numbers 28:15 does not mention a specific geographic location, it fits within the broader context of the Israelites’ desert wanderings, during which Moses served as God’s chosen leader. From the book of Exodus to Deuteronomy, Moses guided the people from their miraculous departure from Egypt (1446 BC) to their preparation to enter Canaan (1406 BC).
By requiring a sin offering “in addition to the continual burnt offering” (v.15), the LORD underscores that even the routine daily sacrifices were not sufficient for covering all transgression. A separate male goat was to be presented every month for purification’s sake. Such an offering highlighted the seriousness of sin and the grace God extended in providing a method to deal with it. This reflection on the ever-present need for confession and repentance looks ahead to how Jesus would ultimately fulfill the meaning of all sin offerings (Hebrews 10:10).
In keeping this command, the Israelites demonstrated obedience and faithfulness, recognizing their need to continually return to a state of spiritual cleanliness. While the goat served as a temporary substitute in ancient Israel’s worship, it pointed forward to a more perfect resolution in Christ. The emphasis on “one male goat for a sin offering” (v.15) conveys the personal nature of atonement, illustrating that each of God’s people was included in His desire for reconciliation.