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The sin offering was one of the expiatory sacrifices of the law. We meet with it so often and under such varied circumstances that it bears a striking testimony

(1) to the universality of sin, and

(2) to the need of an absolute, world-wide, everlasting atonement.

Classifying the references to the sin offering, we find various illustrations of this truth, fruitful of application to our need of the great offering' for sin at all times, and under the manifold circumstances of private and public life. The sin offering was required, and presented.

1. From one end of the year to the other, on every return of the new moon (Numbers 28:15).

2. On feasts as well as fasts; at the feasts of Pentecost, trumpets, and tabernacles (Leviticus 23:19; chapter Numbers 29:5, 16), as well as on the day of atonement (Leviticus 16).

3. In connection with voluntary dedication, whether of gifts (Numbers 7:16), or of personal consecration, as of the Nazarite (Numbers 6:14).

4. At the consecration to sacred offices, as e.g. Aaron (Exodus 29:14), or the Levites (Numbers 8:5-12).

5. At the consecration of sacred things, e.g., the altar of incense (Exodus 30:10). A sin offering was presented every year for the sanctuary (Leviticus 16:15, 16).

6. For sins of all classes of men; e.g., a priest, the whole congregation, a ruler, "one of the common people" (Leviticus 4). In these offerings there were gradations, according to position and privilege, or according to means (Leviticus 5:6, 7).

7. For purification from unavoidable defilement, whether of leprosy (Leviticus 14:22) or childbirth (Leviticus 12:6-8).

8. These offerings were for sins of omission or of ignorance, but not for presumptuous sins (Leviticus 5; Numbers 15:22-31; Hebrews 10:26, 27). - P.

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KJV: One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

WEB: one male goat for a sin offering;