This verse reinforces the principle that proper offerings draw the community closer to God and remind them of the need for continued consecration.
Moses continues describing the sacrifices Israel is to present, emphasizing each item in the sacrifice to the LORD. In the midst of the instructions for offerings, he states, “and one male goat for a sin offering, besides the continual burnt offering, its grain offering and its drink offering” (Numbers 29:16). This verse highlights the specific requirement of a sin offering that complements the daily offerings. Sin offerings in this context serve as a means for the people to acknowledge their wrongdoing and seek atonement under the covenantal system given at Mount Sinai (Leviticus 4:27-31). Although there is no direct geographic reference in this single verse, these instructions were delivered to the people of Israel during their wilderness wanderings, in preparation for entering the Promised Land east of the Jordan River, sometime around 1406 BC when Moses was at the end of his leadership.
The call for a male goat in “…a sin offering…” (v.16) reveals the seriousness with which the community was to treat sin and uncleanliness. In the historical timeline, this period falls under Moses’ leadership (c. 1446 - 1406 BC). Moses, an Israelite born during Israel’s enslavement in Egypt, was chosen by God to lead His people out of bondage and guide them through the wilderness toward Canaan. Here, God uses Moses to instruct Israel on sacred offerings—an important part of Israel’s worship system—before they settle in their new homeland.
These offerings point forward to the ultimate sacrifice fulfilled in Jesus Christ in the New Testament (Hebrews 10:10). While the Israelites needed ongoing sacrifices, Jesus’ sacrifice addressed sin completely, providing a once-and-for-all solution for humanity’s spiritual needs. In this way, “one male goat for a sin offering” (v.16) becomes a foreshadowing of the greater redemption God planned through Christ.
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Numbers 29:16 meaning
Moses continues describing the sacrifices Israel is to present, emphasizing each item in the sacrifice to the LORD. In the midst of the instructions for offerings, he states, “and one male goat for a sin offering, besides the continual burnt offering, its grain offering and its drink offering” (Numbers 29:16). This verse highlights the specific requirement of a sin offering that complements the daily offerings. Sin offerings in this context serve as a means for the people to acknowledge their wrongdoing and seek atonement under the covenantal system given at Mount Sinai (Leviticus 4:27-31). Although there is no direct geographic reference in this single verse, these instructions were delivered to the people of Israel during their wilderness wanderings, in preparation for entering the Promised Land east of the Jordan River, sometime around 1406 BC when Moses was at the end of his leadership.
The call for a male goat in “…a sin offering…” (v.16) reveals the seriousness with which the community was to treat sin and uncleanliness. In the historical timeline, this period falls under Moses’ leadership (c. 1446 - 1406 BC). Moses, an Israelite born during Israel’s enslavement in Egypt, was chosen by God to lead His people out of bondage and guide them through the wilderness toward Canaan. Here, God uses Moses to instruct Israel on sacred offerings—an important part of Israel’s worship system—before they settle in their new homeland.
These offerings point forward to the ultimate sacrifice fulfilled in Jesus Christ in the New Testament (Hebrews 10:10). While the Israelites needed ongoing sacrifices, Jesus’ sacrifice addressed sin completely, providing a once-and-for-all solution for humanity’s spiritual needs. In this way, “one male goat for a sin offering” (v.16) becomes a foreshadowing of the greater redemption God planned through Christ.