Definition: And he brought the people’s offering, and took the goat, which [was] the sin offering for the people, and slew it, and offered it for sin, as the first.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 9:15. It's a really important passage about atonement and forgiveness in the Old Testament. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse describes a very specific event – the sacrifice of a goat to atone for a terrible sin. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And he brought the people offering…” This refers to a ritual sacrifice performed by priests, usually on an altar. It was a way for the Israelites (and later, all Jews) to show their remorse and ask for forgiveness for their sins. “…and took the goat, which [was] the sin offering for the people…” This is the key part. The priests specifically chose a goat – specifically the goat – to be offered as a sacrifice of “sin.” It wasn't just any goat; it was designated as the "sin offering." “and slew it, and offered it for sin, as the first.” This is where it gets really significant. The priests then killed this goat, and they offered it as a sacrifice to God. This act of killing the goat symbolized that the Israelites had committed a grave sin and needed to be punished. This was the first offering – the beginning of a cycle of atonement. What’s the Significance? This verse is about God's judgment and His plan for forgiveness. It shows that: 1. Sins have consequences: When humans commit serious sins, they must be punished. 2. Atonement is necessary: God doesn't just punish people; He offers a way to make things right – through sacrifice. 3. It’s a beginning: This first offering marks the start of a cycle where God seeks to restore and forgive humanity. In short, this verse describes a dramatic act of atonement – a goat being sacrificed as a punishment for a terrible sin, setting the stage for God’s plan to ultimately offer forgiveness. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Leviticus 9? Discuss the historical context of this event? Explore the meaning of "sin offering" in more detail?