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Numbers 29:31 - Atonement through sacrificial offerings?

Numbers 29:31 - במדבר 29:31

Hebrew Text

וּשְׂעִיר חַטָּאת אֶחָד מִלְּבַד עֹלַת הַתָּמִיד מִנְחָתָהּ וּנְסָכֶיהָ׃

English Translation

and one goat for a sin offering; besides the continual burnt offering, its meal offering, and its drink offerings.

Transliteration

Useir chatat echad milevad olat hatamid minchatah unsacheha

Hebrew Leining Text

וּשְׂעִ֥יר חַטָּ֖את אֶחָ֑ד מִלְּבַד֙ עֹלַ֣ת הַתָּמִ֔יד מִנְחָתָ֖הּ וּנְסָכֶֽיהָ׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
וּשְׂעִ֥יר חַטָּ֖את אֶחָ֑ד מִלְּבַד֙ עֹלַ֣ת הַתָּמִ֔יד מִנְחָתָ֖הּ וּנְסָכֶֽיהָ׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Bamidbar 28:15) discusses the additional offerings (קרבנות מוסף) brought on Rosh Chodesh (the new month), specifying a goat as a sin offering alongside the daily Tamid offering. This reflects the unique sanctity of Rosh Chodesh, which, while not a full Yom Tov, still requires additional sacrifices.

Purpose of the Sin Offering

Rashi (Bamidbar 28:15) explains that the goat offered as a chatat (sin offering) atones for potential impurities in the Mikdash (Temple) or its sacred objects. This aligns with the Talmud's teaching (Shevuot 9a) that public sin offerings atone for unintentional transgressions related to the Beit HaMikdash.

Connection to the Tamid Offering

The Rambam (Hilchot Temidin uMusafin 1:3) emphasizes that the additional Rosh Chodesh offerings do not replace the daily Tamid but are brought "milvad olat hatamid" (in addition to the continual burnt offering). This underscores the unchanging nature of the Tamid as the foundation of Avodah (Temple service).

Symbolism of the Goat

  • The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:11) connects this goat to the sin offering brought by the nasi (prince) during the Mishkan's dedication, symbolizing leadership responsibility.
  • Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch notes the goat's inclusion represents atonement for materialistic tendencies (symbolized by Esav, whom goats recall), especially relevant at the month's renewal.

Halachic Implications

The Mishnah (Menachot 4:3) details that this sin offering follows the same procedures as other public chatat offerings, including the sprinkling of blood on the outer altar. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 404) derives from this verse the ongoing obligation to bring Musaf offerings even when the Temple is not standing, in prayer form.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Menachot 45b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the daily offerings and the additional sin offering, particularly in the context of the Temple service.
📖 Shevuot 9a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the atonement process and the role of the sin offering in relation to other sacrifices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the purpose of the goat sin offering mentioned in Numbers 29:31?
A: The goat sin offering (שעיר חטאת) in Numbers 29:31 was brought as part of the additional sacrifices (מוספים) on Rosh Chodesh (the New Month) to atone for unintentional sins. The Rambam explains in Hilchot Temidin u'Musafin that these offerings helped maintain the spiritual purity of the Jewish people and the Mishkan/Temple.
Q: Why does the verse mention the continual burnt offering (עולת התמיד) alongside the sin offering?
A: Rashi explains that this teaches us the sin offering was in addition to the daily Tamid offering (brought morning and evening). The Talmud (Menachot 91a) states this shows that special occasion offerings never replace the regular daily service - both are essential in serving Hashem properly.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from Numbers 29:31 today?
A: The Midrash Tanchuma teaches that just as regular and additional offerings were both needed in Temple times, today we must combine consistent daily practices (like prayer and Torah study) with special mitzvah opportunities. The verse reminds us that spiritual growth requires both routine and extra effort.
Q: Why were drink offerings (נסכים) brought with the sacrifices?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot) explains that the wine libations (נסכים) represented joy in serving Hashem. The Talmud (Berachot 35a) connects this to the idea that wine 'gladdens the heart,' showing our service should be with happiness, not just obligation.
Q: How does this verse connect to Rosh Chodesh observance today?
A: Although we no longer bring sacrifices, the Tur (Orach Chaim 417) explains we mark Rosh Chodesh with special prayers (Musaf) recalling these offerings. The verse reminds us to use the new month for spiritual renewal, just as the sin offering facilitated atonement.