Leviticus 4 - 6

Sin and Guilt Offerings
Today's portion continues the instructions on offerings - the Sin and Guilt Offerings. The Sin offering primarily covers unintentional trespasses and differs slightly depending for whom the offering is made.  If it is for sin of a priest or the community as a whole, there can be no material benefit to the priests or the community rendered from the offering. The carcass must be taken outside the camp and burned completely.  If the sin offering is for an elder or a lay person, then depending on their financial status - lesser animals (sheep, goats, doves, pigeons) may be used.  In fact, the Lord even provides for the truly poor to offer grain.

The Guilt offering is for intentional trespasses - lying, cheating, stealing.  In addition to the offering (which is similar to the Sin offering) restitution plus 20% must be made.  Once again, the financial status of the individual is taken into account.

Both of these offerings are atoning offerings in that they restore fellowship with God.  What I found interesting was that awareness at the time of commission/omission was not an excuse. The trespasser is guilty of the sin regardless of their knowledge of the law if they transgressed the law.  This, for me, highlighted the severity of law and judgement and caused me to appreciate, even more, the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ.

May God bless you and bless the reading of His Word.