Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does 'one kid of the goats for a sin offering' mean in Numbers 7:16?
A: This verse refers to a specific sacrifice brought as a sin offering (חַטָּאת) in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). A male goat (שְׂעִיר־עִזִּים) was offered to atone for certain sins. Rashi explains that this was part of the offerings brought by the tribal leaders during the dedication of the Mishkan.
Q: Why was a goat specifically used for a sin offering?
A: The goat was chosen for sin offerings because it represents bearing the burden of sin (as goats are sturdy animals that carry loads). The Talmud (Yoma 67b) teaches that different animals were designated for different sacrifices based on their symbolic meanings, and goats were specifically assigned for certain types of atonement.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today without the Temple?
A: While we cannot bring animal sacrifices today without the Beit HaMikdash (Temple), the Rambam teaches in Hilchot Teshuvah that sincere repentance (תשובה), prayer (תפילה), and acts of charity (צדקה) now take the place of sacrifices. The concept of atonement remains central in Jewish life.
Q: What is the significance of the sin offering being 'one' goat?
A: The word 'one' (אֶחָד) emphasizes the unity and singular purpose of the offering. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 13:15) notes that just as the offering is one, so too the Jewish people should strive for unity, especially when seeking atonement before Hashem.
Q: Were all sin offerings goats?
A: No, different sin offerings required different animals depending on the situation. For example, wealthy individuals brought sheep or cattle, while those who couldn't afford them brought birds or flour offerings (see Vayikra 5:7-11). The goat in this verse was specifically for certain communal or leadership-related offerings.
The Sin Offering (חַטָּאת) in Jewish Tradition
The verse "שְׂעִיר־עִזִּים אֶחָד לְחַטָּאת" (one kid of the goats for a sin offering) refers to the korban chatat, a sacrifice brought to atone for unintentional sins. Rashi (Bamidbar 7:16) explains that this offering was commonly brought by leaders (נשיאים) and individuals for various transgressions, particularly those committed בִּשְׁגָגָה (unintentionally).
Significance of the Goat
The choice of a שעיר עזים (goat) as the sin offering carries deep symbolism. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 5:6) connects this to the goat sold by Yaakov Avinu to simulate Eisav's hairy skin (Bereishit 27:16), suggesting that the goat atones for deception and trickery. Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:46) explains that goats were commonly used in idolatrous practices, and using them for holy offerings serves to counteract negative influences.
Halachic Requirements
Atonement Mechanism
The Talmud (Zevachim 7a) discusses how the chatat offering effects atonement through four components: slaughter, collection of blood, sprinkling of blood, and burning of fats. The Sefer Hachinuch (Mitzvah 95) explains that the physical act of bringing the offering helps awaken the sinner to sincere repentance (תשובה).
Distinction from Other Offerings
Unlike the עולה (burnt offering) which was completely consumed on the altar, the chatat was partially burned and partially eaten by the kohanim (Vayikra 6:19). The Kli Yakar (Vayikra 4:23) notes this represents how sin affects both the spiritual and physical realms, requiring both Divine service and human participation in the atonement process.