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Numbers 7:52 - Sin offering atonement purpose?

Numbers 7:52 - במדבר 7:52

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) is one of the animals designated for the chatat (sin offering), as outlined in Vayikra (Leviticus) 4:23-28.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 4:23) clarifies that this offering applies to a nasi (a leader or prince) who sins unintentionally. The goat serves as atonement for his transgression. Rashi emphasizes that the term "שְׂעִיר" (goat) is specified to distinguish it from other animals that may be brought for different types of sin offerings.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Shegagot (Laws of Unintentional Sins), the Rambam (Maimonides) explains that the goat offering serves as a means of repentance and atonement. He notes that the animal must be without blemish, as any physical defect invalidates the sacrifice (based on Vayikra 22:20-25).

Symbolism of the Goat

  • The goat is often associated with atonement, as seen on Yom Kippur with the se'ir la'Azazel (scapegoat).
  • The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 5:6) suggests that the goat atones for the sin of the sale of Yosef, where his brothers used a goat's blood to deceive Yaakov (Bereishit 37:31).
  • The Chatat serves as a reminder that even unintentional sins require correction and spiritual realignment.

Halachic Details

The Talmud (Zevachim 7b) discusses the precise procedures for offering the goat, including:

  • The animal must be slaughtered in the northern part of the Azarah (Temple courtyard).
  • Its blood is sprinkled on the corners of the Mizbeach (altar).
  • The fats and certain organs are burned on the altar, while the remaining flesh is eaten by the Kohanim (priests).

📚 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 sacrificed as part of the atonement ritual.
📖 Menachot 45a
Mentioned in the context of discussing various types of sin offerings and their requirements, comparing the goat offering to other sacrifices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'one kid of the goats for a sin offering' mean in Numbers 7:52?
A: This verse refers to a specific sacrifice brought by the tribal leader of the children of Gad as part of the dedication offerings for the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The 'kid of the goats' was a young goat offered as a chatat (sin offering) to atone for unintentional sins, as explained in Vayikra (Leviticus) 4:28 and discussed by Rashi.
Q: Why did they bring a goat as a sin offering?
A: In Torah law, a goat was one of the animals designated for certain sin offerings (Vayikra 4:23). The Midrash explains that goats were used because they represent bearing the burden of sin (as the word 'goat' - שעיר - is related to the word for 'hairy' and symbolically to bearing weight). The Rambam in Moreh Nevuchim (3:46) discusses how different animals were designated for different types of sacrifices.
Q: What can we learn from this verse about repentance?
A: This verse teaches us that even leaders (like the tribal prince mentioned here) need atonement and must bring offerings for unintentional sins. The Talmud (Shevuot 2b) explains that the sin offering atones for cases where a person violated a prohibition without realizing it, showing that we must be vigilant even against unintentional wrongdoings.
Q: How does this apply today without the Temple?
A: While we cannot bring animal sacrifices today, the Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 1:3) explains that sincere repentance, prayer, and charity serve similar purposes. The concept reminds us to be mindful of our actions and seek atonement through the means available to us in our times, as discussed in Talmud Berachot 17a.
Q: Why is this verse important in the context of Numbers 7?
A: This verse is part of a repeated pattern where each tribal leader brought identical offerings for the Mishkan's dedication (Rashi on Numbers 7:10-11). The repetition emphasizes that while each tribe was unique, they were equal in their devotion to Hashem. The goat offering specifically shows that atonement was an essential part of their service.