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Book of Numbers - Chapter 28 - Verse 30

28:30
And one kid of the goats, to make an atonement for you.

Meaning

In this verse, the act of sacrificing one kid of the goats was a ritual performed in order to make atonement for the sins of the people. The concept of atonement is a key component in many religions, including Christianity and Judaism. It is the idea that through certain actions, such as sacrifices or prayers, individuals can seek forgiveness for their sins or wrongdoings. In the context of this verse, the sacrifice of the goat symbolizes the offering of a valuable possession as a way to reconcile with God and seek forgiveness for one's transgressions. The act of atonement was seen as a way to restore harmony and balance in relationships, both between individuals and between humanity and the divine. By offering the goat as a sacrifice, the people believed they were making amends for their sins and seeking reconciliation with God.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the phrase "to make an atonement for you" is significant in the context of Old Testament sacrificial practices. The term "atonement" stems from the Hebrew word "kaphar," meaning to cover or to ransom. The act of atonement was crucial in the Israelite religion as it symbolized the reconciliation between humanity and God through the shedding of blood. The "kid of the goats" refers to a young goat chosen as a sacrificial offering to cleanse the people from their sins and maintain a right relationship with God. This practice foreshadows the ultimate atonement made by Jesus Christ in the New Testament, as Christians believe that his sacrifice on the cross serves as the final and complete atonement for all sin. By understanding the theological implications of this verse and studying the original Hebrew words, we can grasp the depth of God's mercy and love manifested through the concept of atonement in both the Old and New Testaments.

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