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Numbers 7:70 - Sin offering atonement purpose?

Numbers 7:70 - במדבר 7:70

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 the korban chatat (sin offering) brought for certain unintentional sins. The term שְׂעִיר עִזִּים (goat kid) is specified here as one of the animals fit for this sacrifice.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 4:23) explains that this offering is brought by a נשיא (a prince or leader) who unintentionally transgresses a prohibition punishable by כרת (spiritual excision). The goat serves as atonement for his error, emphasizing that even leaders must rectify their mistakes through sincere repentance and the proper sacrificial service.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Shegagot (1:1), the Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that the chatat is specifically for sins committed בשוגג (unintentionally). The goat offering serves as a means of atonement, reinforcing the idea that inadvertent wrongdoing still requires correction to restore one's spiritual standing before Hashem.

Symbolism of the Goat

  • The שְׂעִיר (goat) is often associated with the concept of שעירים (hairy or rugged beings), symbolizing the יצר הרע (evil inclination) which must be subdued through repentance (Midrash Tanchuma, Acharei Mot 8).
  • The goat's role as a sin offering highlights the need to transform base instincts into holiness through divine service.

Talmudic Insights

The Talmud (Horayot 10b) discusses the unique status of the שְׂעִיר נשיא (the prince's goat offering), noting that it differs from other sin offerings in its details. This reflects the elevated responsibility of leaders, whose missteps—even unintentional ones—carry greater consequences and thus require a distinct atonement process.

📚 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 offered as a sin offering.
📖 Menachot 110a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing various types of offerings, including sin offerings, and their requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'one kid of the goats for a sin offering' mean in Numbers 7:70?
A: This verse refers to a specific sacrifice brought by the leader of the tribe of Gad during the dedication of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). A male goat (שְׂעִיר־עִזִּים) was offered as a chatat (sin offering) to atone for unintentional sins, as explained in Vayikra (Leviticus) 4:22-26 and discussed in Talmud Zevachim 7a.
Q: Why was a goat specifically chosen for the sin offering?
A: The goat was commonly used for sin offerings because its nature symbolizes the stubbornness of human sin (Rashi on Vayikra 16:5). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 65:15) also connects goats to the story of Yaakov and Esav, teaching about repentance and atonement.
Q: How does this verse about animal sacrifices apply to Jews today?
A: While we cannot bring sacrifices without the Beit Hamikdash (Temple), our prayers (tefillah) and repentance (teshuvah) serve in their place, as taught by the Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 1:3). The concept of atonement through offerings reminds us of the seriousness of sin and the need for sincere repentance.