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Numbers 7:22 - Goat atones for sin?

Numbers 7:22 - במדבר 7:22

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 atonement of certain sins. The se'ir izim (goat) was a common offering for unintentional transgressions, particularly those committed by leaders or the community.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 4:23) clarifies that this offering is brought by a nasi (a leader or prince) who sins unintentionally. The goat serves as a means of atonement, emphasizing that even leaders must take responsibility for their mistakes. The choice of a goat may symbolize humility, as goats were common and less prestigious than cattle or sheep.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Shegagot (Laws of Unintentional Sins), Rambam (Maimonides) explains that the sin offering serves to atone for inadvertent violations of negative commandments. The goat's blood is sprinkled on the altar, representing the purification of the sinner's deeds before Hashem.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 5:5) connects the goat to the story of Yosef and his brothers, who used a goat's blood to deceive Yaakov. This teaches that the goat atones for sins involving deception or hidden matters.
  • Another Midrash (Tanchuma, Vayikra 8) suggests that the goat represents the yetzer hara (evil inclination), and offering it symbolizes subduing one's negative tendencies.

Halachic Significance

The Talmud (Zevachim 7b) discusses the precise procedures for offering the se'ir chatat, including where its blood is sprinkled and which parts are burned on the altar. The meticulous details highlight the seriousness of atonement and the need for proper intent (kavanah) during the sacrifice.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 37b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the laws of sin offerings and the types of animals that can be used for them.
📖 Menachot 93b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the various offerings and their requirements, particularly focusing on the sin offering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'one kid of the goats for a sin offering' mean in Numbers 7:22?
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 chosen for a sin offering?
A: The Torah designates goats for certain sin offerings because they were considered fitting for atonement. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah) connects this to the idea that goats are sturdy animals, symbolizing the strength needed to overcome sin. Rambam (Hilchot Maaseh Hakorbanot) also discusses the specific laws regarding goat offerings.
Q: How does the concept of a sin offering apply today without the Temple?
A: Since we cannot bring sacrifices without the Beit Hamikdash (Temple), our prayers (תְּפִלָּה), repentance (תְּשׁוּבָה), and acts of charity (צְדָקָה) serve in place of offerings, as taught in the Talmud (Berachot 26b) and by Jewish sages throughout history. The Rambam emphasizes sincere repentance as the primary means of atonement today.
Q: What is the difference between a sin offering and other types of sacrifices?
A: A sin offering (חַטָּאת) is brought for unintentional sins, while guilt offerings (אָשָׁם) are for specific intentional violations. The Talmud (Zevachim 5a) details the differences in how these sacrifices are offered. Rashi on Vayikra (Leviticus) 4:2 explains that the sin offering helps purify a person who erred unintentionally.