Numbers 15:24 - then it shall be, if it was done unwittingly, without the knowledge of the congregation, that all the congregation shall offer one young bull for a burnt offering, for a pleasant aroma to Yahweh, with its meal offering, and its drink offering, according to the ordinance, and one male goat for a sin offering.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Numbers 15:24" mean?
Numbers 15:24 outlines the procedure for atonement when the entire community of Israel unintentionally commits a sin. Let's break down the meaning:
"then it shall be, if it was done unwittingly, without the knowledge of the congregation...": This sets the context. The sin in question is one committed unintentionally and without the entire community being aware that they were doing something wrong. This wasn't a deliberate act of rebellion, but an error made in ignorance.
"...that all the congregation shall offer one young bull for a burnt offering, for a pleasant aroma to Yahweh...": The entire community is responsible for bringing a specific sacrifice: a young bull as a burnt offering. A burnt offering was completely consumed on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication and atonement. The phrase "pleasant aroma to Yahweh" (or "sweet savor" in some translations) refers to God's acceptance of the sacrifice. It doesn't mean God literally smells the offering, but rather that the offering is a way of expressing repentance and seeking reconciliation with God.
"...with its meal offering, and its drink offering, according to the ordinance...": The burnt offering wasn't offered alone. It was accompanied by a "meal offering" (fine flour mixed with oil and frankincense) and a "drink offering" (wine). These were part of the standard sacrificial protocol and specified the fullness of the offering. "According to the ordinance" means these offerings were to be done precisely as prescribed in other parts of the law.
"...and one male goat for a sin offering.": In addition to the burnt offering, the community also had to offer a male goat as a "sin offering." The sin offering focused specifically on atonement for the transgression itself. Part of the sin offering involved the blood being applied to the altar or within the tabernacle/temple, signifying the removal of the sin's stain.
In summary:
The verse describes a communal sin offering for unintentional sins. The offering involved:
Acknowledging the unintentional sin: Recognizing that even unintentional errors require atonement.
A Burnt Offering: Symbolizing complete dedication and seeking forgiveness from God (young bull, meal offering, drink offering).
A Sin Offering: Specifically addressing the sin itself and its defiling effect (male goat).
Theological significance:
God's holiness and the seriousness of sin: Even unintentional sins require atonement. This underscores the holiness of God and the pervasiveness of sin, even in the best intentions.
Communal responsibility: The entire community bears responsibility for the actions of its members, even if those actions were unintentional.
Atonement through sacrifice: The sacrificial system provided a way for Israel to atone for their sins and maintain their covenant relationship with God. These sacrifices prefigure the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the sins of humanity.
Importance of following God's law: The instruction to perform the sacrifices "according to the ordinance" highlights the importance of adhering to God's specific instructions for worship and atonement.
Numbers 15:24 - then it shall be, if it was done unwittingly, without the knowledge of the congregation, that all the congregation shall offer one young bull for a burnt offering, for a pleasant aroma to Yahweh, with its meal offering, and its drink offering, according to the ordinance, and one male goat for a sin offering.
What does "Numbers 15:24" mean?
Numbers 15:24 outlines the procedure for atonement when the entire community of Israel unintentionally commits a sin. Let's break down the meaning:
"then it shall be, if it was done unwittingly, without the knowledge of the congregation...": This sets the context. The sin in question is one committed unintentionally and without the entire community being aware that they were doing something wrong. This wasn't a deliberate act of rebellion, but an error made in ignorance.
"...that all the congregation shall offer one young bull for a burnt offering, for a pleasant aroma to Yahweh...": The entire community is responsible for bringing a specific sacrifice: a young bull as a burnt offering. A burnt offering was completely consumed on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication and atonement. The phrase "pleasant aroma to Yahweh" (or "sweet savor" in some translations) refers to God's acceptance of the sacrifice. It doesn't mean God literally smells the offering, but rather that the offering is a way of expressing repentance and seeking reconciliation with God.
"...with its meal offering, and its drink offering, according to the ordinance...": The burnt offering wasn't offered alone. It was accompanied by a "meal offering" (fine flour mixed with oil and frankincense) and a "drink offering" (wine). These were part of the standard sacrificial protocol and specified the fullness of the offering. "According to the ordinance" means these offerings were to be done precisely as prescribed in other parts of the law.
"...and one male goat for a sin offering.": In addition to the burnt offering, the community also had to offer a male goat as a "sin offering." The sin offering focused specifically on atonement for the transgression itself. Part of the sin offering involved the blood being applied to the altar or within the tabernacle/temple, signifying the removal of the sin's stain.
In summary:
The verse describes a communal sin offering for unintentional sins. The offering involved:
Acknowledging the unintentional sin: Recognizing that even unintentional errors require atonement.
A Burnt Offering: Symbolizing complete dedication and seeking forgiveness from God (young bull, meal offering, drink offering).
A Sin Offering: Specifically addressing the sin itself and its defiling effect (male goat).
Theological significance:
God's holiness and the seriousness of sin: Even unintentional sins require atonement. This underscores the holiness of God and the pervasiveness of sin, even in the best intentions.
Communal responsibility: The entire community bears responsibility for the actions of its members, even if those actions were unintentional.
Atonement through sacrifice: The sacrificial system provided a way for Israel to atone for their sins and maintain their covenant relationship with God. These sacrifices prefigure the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the sins of humanity.
Importance of following God's law: The instruction to perform the sacrifices "according to the ordinance" highlights the importance of adhering to God's specific instructions for worship and atonement.