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Numbers 7:58 - Goat atones for sin?

Numbers 7:58 - במדבר 7:58

Hebrew Text

שְׂעִיר־עִזִּים אֶחָד לְחַטָּאת׃

English Translation

one kid of the goats for a sin offering:

Transliteration

Se'ir-izim echad lechatat.

Hebrew Leining Text

שְׂעִיר־עִזִּ֥ים אֶחָ֖ד לְחַטָּֽאת׃
שְׂעִיר־עִזִּ֥ים אֶחָ֖ד לְחַטָּֽאת׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Sin Offering (Chatat) of a Goat

The verse "שְׂעִיר־עִזִּים אֶחָד לְחַטָּאת" (one kid of the goats for a sin offering) refers to a specific type of korban (sacrifice) brought for unintentional sins. The se'ir izim (goat) was a common offering for atonement, particularly for communal or individual transgressions.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 4:23) explains that the se'ir izim was designated as a chatat (sin offering) for specific sins, such as those committed by a nasi (tribal leader) or the entire community. The goat serves as a means of atonement, emphasizing the seriousness of unintentional wrongdoing and the need for repentance.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Shegagot (Laws of Unintentional Sins), Rambam (Maimonides) elaborates that the chatat offering, including the goat, was required when a person or group violated a Torah prohibition b'shogeg (unintentionally). The offering served as a spiritual rectification, reinforcing the principle that even inadvertent sins require correction.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 5:5) connects the goat offering to the episode of Yosef and his brothers, where they slaughtered a goat to deceive Yaakov (Genesis 37:31). This teaches that the goat atones for hidden sins, just as the brothers' actions were concealed but later required reconciliation.

Halachic Significance

  • The se'ir izim was one of several animals used for korbanot chatat, alongside bulls and lambs, depending on the sinner's status (Kohen, Sanhedrin, individual, etc.).
  • Its blood was sprinkled in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) or Beit HaMikdash (Temple), and its fats were burned on the altar (Vayikra 4:25-26).
  • The remaining flesh was eaten by Kohanim in the Azarah (Temple courtyard), symbolizing the transfer of sin and its resolution through sacred service.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 66b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the sin offerings brought on Yom Kippur, specifically regarding the goat that was sent away.
📖 Menachot 45a
Mentioned in the context of discussing the various types of sin offerings and their requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'one kid of the goats for a sin offering' mean in Numbers 7:58?
A: This verse refers to a specific sacrifice brought by one of the tribal leaders during the dedication of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). A 'kid of the goats' (שְׂעִיר־עִזִּים) was a young goat offered as a chatat (sin offering) to atone for unintentional sins. Rashi explains that this was part of the voluntary offerings brought by the leaders to express their devotion to Hashem and to inaugurate the altar.
Q: Why was a goat specifically chosen for a sin offering?
A: The goat was commonly used for sin offerings because it symbolizes bearing the weight of sin (Vayikra 16:21-22). The Midrash (Tanchuma Acharei Mot 8) teaches that goats have a connection to atonement, as seen in the Yom Kippur service where one goat was offered to Hashem and another (the scapegoat) carried away sins. The choice of a goat emphasizes the seriousness of repentance and purification.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today without the Temple?
A: Since we no longer have the Beit HaMikdash (Temple), we cannot bring animal sacrifices. However, the Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 1:1-3) teaches that sincere teshuvah (repentance), prayer, and acts of charity serve as substitutes for sacrifices. The message of this verse—taking responsibility for mistakes and seeking atonement—remains central to Jewish life today.
Q: What is the significance of the leaders bringing this offering in Numbers 7?
A: The tribal leaders brought these offerings to demonstrate unity and commitment to Hashem’s service. The Talmud (Chullin 60b) notes that each leader brought identical offerings to show equality before G-d, despite their individual status. This teaches that repentance and devotion are obligations for everyone, regardless of position.