Leviticus 5:1-6:7

Leviticus 5:1-6:7

Discussion on the sin offering is continued in Leviticus 5. Whereas Leviticus 4 discussed unintentional sins, this chapter takes up cases for when someone knowingly sins or comes to the realization that they have sinned. In the same way, when confronted with that sin, they are to seek forgiveness as soon as possible. To express their knowledge of that sin and the willingness to be forgiven of it, they are to bring a sacrifice for that sin. This chapter also explains how this offering works, the process.

No matter how the sin occurs, whether unintentionally, unknowingly, or deliberately, it is supposed to be handled in the same way. God once again gave them clear instructions on how to perform this offering. They were to bring a spotless lamb to compensate for their sin. By sacrificing something valuable to them, it showed their commitment to God and His commands. It showed how they desired not to sin in that way again. But God understood that all men would not be able to afford a lamb so He made exceptions. For those who could not afford a lamb, He commanded that they sacrifice two turtledoves, and for those who could not afford this, were to give a certain amount of flour. The point was that whatever they sacrificed was something that was hard to live without.

Thankfully, we do not have to go through this process today because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross; however, we should still respond in the same manner when we seek forgiveness. Just because it is “easier” to receive that forgiveness, does not mean that we should take advantage of this New Covenant. We should still desire to set things right with God, feeling guilt over what we have done. We should still desire to change our lifestyles so that we do not get caught back in that sin. We should still try to live a more holy life. Maybe we do not have to respond in the same way as the Israelites did to our sins (through sacrifice), but we should still desire to change our lifestyles after receiving forgiveness.

The end of Leviticus 5 and the beginning of Leviticus 6 describe the guilt offering. The difference between this offering and the sin offering are vague. The difference that some people see between the two offerings is that the guilt offering is for more serious sins. This is seen in the fact that the sacrifice is more expensive for this offering. But one clear difference between these two offerings is the repayment the Israelites were to make. The Lord commanded that they pay back the wrong they have made. If it was a lie, then they were to report the truth. If they had stolen something, they were supposed to make up for what they had stolen. This offering made a point to not only set things right with God, but also with their fellow men.

It is easy to ask God for forgiveness, but think about how hard it is to go up to someone you have hurt and tell them that you are sorry for what you have done. Have you ever gone to someone and asked for their forgiveness personally? Maybe we are not to practice these offerings today, but we should practice the principles they teach us. God apparently thought that it was important to restore the relationships between one another. He commanded the Israelites to fix these broken relationships, and we should do this as well. They should not have to come to us, pointing out our sins (Matthew 18). Instead, we are responsible for going to them, restoring the relationship as soon as possible.

Matt