This verse points to humanity’s need for continual cleansing and the sufficiency of God’s prescribed atonement.
In this passage, Moses—who led Israel during the 15th century to the early 14th century BC—communicates sacred instructions regarding sacrificial offerings. After detailing the specialized offerings for each day, the text emphasizes the importance of renewing one’s commitment to the LORD and consecrating oneself from sin. It says, “also one male goat for a sin offering, besides the continual burnt offering, its grain offering and its drink offering” (v.31). Notice that this additional sacrifice is joined to the ongoing daily offering that the Israelites were to present. This underscores the ongoing nature of seeking forgiveness and maintaining fellowship with God—a principle seen throughout the Torah. Although these commands were primarily delivered in the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, they would soon serve as the pattern God’s people used in the Promised Land.
When focusing on “one male goat for a sin offering” (v.31), we see God’s provision for covering unintentional sins and restoring communion with Him (see Leviticus 4:22-23). The command to sacrifice a goat highlights the seriousness of transgressions against the covenant. In this context, a sin offering served to cleanse the sanctuary and the people from the impurities that threatened their relationship with the LORD. Scripture consistently points to the need for pure worship, culminating in the New Testament with the sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:10), who permanently atoned for sin. Though ancient Israel operated under the Mosaic Law, the principle of obtaining forgiveness through an appointed sacrifice foreshadows how Jesus would become the final and perfect offering.
Furthermore, the verse mentions that this goat is presented “besides the continual burnt offering, its grain offering and its drink offering” (v.31), indicating it was in addition to the daily sacrifices the Israelites already offered every morning and evening. This holistic approach to worship incorporated both the consistent dedication to God through daily offerings and the special atonement for sin. Such a pattern reminds believers that a life devoted to the LORD requires both ongoing faithfulness and sincere repentance. Although Israel’s specific sacrificial system no longer applies under the New Covenant (see Galatians 3:23-25), the principle of constant devotion and reliance on God’s gracious forgiveness remains relevant to all believers.
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Numbers 29:31 meaning
In this passage, Moses—who led Israel during the 15th century to the early 14th century BC—communicates sacred instructions regarding sacrificial offerings. After detailing the specialized offerings for each day, the text emphasizes the importance of renewing one’s commitment to the LORD and consecrating oneself from sin. It says, “also one male goat for a sin offering, besides the continual burnt offering, its grain offering and its drink offering” (v.31). Notice that this additional sacrifice is joined to the ongoing daily offering that the Israelites were to present. This underscores the ongoing nature of seeking forgiveness and maintaining fellowship with God—a principle seen throughout the Torah. Although these commands were primarily delivered in the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, they would soon serve as the pattern God’s people used in the Promised Land.
When focusing on “one male goat for a sin offering” (v.31), we see God’s provision for covering unintentional sins and restoring communion with Him (see Leviticus 4:22-23). The command to sacrifice a goat highlights the seriousness of transgressions against the covenant. In this context, a sin offering served to cleanse the sanctuary and the people from the impurities that threatened their relationship with the LORD. Scripture consistently points to the need for pure worship, culminating in the New Testament with the sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:10), who permanently atoned for sin. Though ancient Israel operated under the Mosaic Law, the principle of obtaining forgiveness through an appointed sacrifice foreshadows how Jesus would become the final and perfect offering.
Furthermore, the verse mentions that this goat is presented “besides the continual burnt offering, its grain offering and its drink offering” (v.31), indicating it was in addition to the daily sacrifices the Israelites already offered every morning and evening. This holistic approach to worship incorporated both the consistent dedication to God through daily offerings and the special atonement for sin. Such a pattern reminds believers that a life devoted to the LORD requires both ongoing faithfulness and sincere repentance. Although Israel’s specific sacrificial system no longer applies under the New Covenant (see Galatians 3:23-25), the principle of constant devotion and reliance on God’s gracious forgiveness remains relevant to all believers.