From Leviticus 5-7
Sometimes something comes to our attention and we realise we have done wrong. An unintentional sin that needs to be made right. Today we look at a passage from the law of Moses that gives the Israelites instructions on what to do when they realise after the fact they have sinned.
This post is part of my bible in a year series.
Passage and Comments
Were just near the end of the chapters describing the sacrifices and offerings in Leviticus. Today’s passage is a continuation of the guilt and sin offerings.
[1] “If anyone sins in that he hears a public adjuration to testify, and though he is a witness, whether he has seen or come to know the matter, yet does not speak, he shall bear his iniquity; (Lev 5:1)
The rule is set in the context of the law court. It seems out of place with the other laws. The chapter has been describing the various means of atonement and forgiveness. In this case the person who holds back information shall be punished. The extension of time makes it a more serious manner.
They have effectively prevented justice from happening by being silent.
It says ‘he shall bear his iniquity’. Sin is described as a weight to be carried and worn rather than the concept of monetary debt used much later.
The next few sections start with ‘or’ indicating a list of different events that will be delay with in a similar manner.
[2] or if anyone touches an unclean thing, whether a carcass of an unclean wild animal or a carcass of unclean livestock or a carcass of unclean swarming things, and it is hidden from him and he has become unclean, and he realizes his guilt;
[3] or if he touches human uncleanness, of whatever sort the uncleanness may be with which one becomes unclean, and it is hidden from him, when he comes to know it, and realizes his guilt; (Lev 5:2-3)
These laws concern what a man does not know he has touched. These are unclean and dead animals.
Is there anything unclean? If so what would you consider unclean?
It’s difficult to understand how someone could touch something without knowing what it is. Clearly it would have been unintentional.
[4] or if anyone utters with his lips a rash oath to do evil or to do good, any sort of rash oath that people swear, and it is hidden from him, when he comes to know it, and he realizes his guilt in any of these; [5] when he realizes his guilt in any of these and confesses the sin he has committed, (Lev 5:4-5)
First uncleanliness, now vows.
People can often make promises before thinking it through and get into trouble.
Vows were important in Israelite society. When someone made a promise it was important they fulfill it. Quite often people would make promises to God in return for some sort of benefit.
The text refers to someone possibly making a rash oath ‘to do evil’ but then ‘realises his guilt’. At the time he did not know it was evil and later came to his senses.
Now we read about the guilt offering required for all of these.
[6] he shall bring to the LORD as his compensation for the sin that he has committed, a female from the flock, a lamb or a goat, for a sin offering. And the priest shall make atonement for him for his sin.
[7] “But if he cannot afford a lamb, then he shall bring to the LORD as his compensation for the sin that he has committed two turtledoves or two pigeons, one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering.
[8] He shall bring them to the priest, who shall offer first the one for the sin offering. He shall wring its head from its neck but shall not sever it completely, [9] and he shall sprinkle some of the blood of the sin offering on the side of the altar, while the rest of the blood shall be drained out at the base of the altar; it is a sin offering. [10] Then he shall offer the second for a burnt offering according to the rule.
And the priest shall make atonement for him for the sin that he has committed, and he shall be forgiven. (Lev 5:6-10)
Even though these actions were made unintentionally they are still considered sins and need atonement. It’s notable the sacrifice is a female lamb or goat. Male sacrifices were used for more significant sins. Leeway is given to the poor who cannot afford to give up a lamb or goat.
Story of Israel
The laws are there in part to remind people of the consequences of unintended sin. Unfortunately in Israel’s history they still made rash mistakes that they later regretted. One famous example is the story of Jephthah in Judges 11.30-35. We learn from Jephthah to consider what we say carefully before making rash vows. The people of Israel lamented his mistake for years to come (Jdg 12.40).
Story of Jesus
In the gospel, Jesus tells a parable about a man who later comes to his senses about his sin. It is also famous. The parable of the prodigal son.
17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.” ’ 20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate. (Lk 15.17-24)
Perhaps there is some sin you should be dealing with?
Copyright © Joshua Washington and thescripturesays, 2016-17. All Rights Reserved.
