Lesson Nine-The Trespass Offering
And if a soul sin, and hear the voice of swearing, and is a witness, whether he hath seen or known of it; if he do not utter it, then he shall bear his iniquity. [2] Or if a soul touch any unclean thing, whether it be a carcass of an unclean beast, or a carcass of unclean cattle, or the carcass of unclean creeping things, and if it be hidden from him; he also shall be unclean, and guilty.
Leviticus 6:1-7
And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, [2] If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the Lord, and lie unto his neighbor in that which was delivered him to keep, or in fellowship, or in a thing taken away by violence, or hath deceived his neighbor; [3] Or have found that which was lost, and lieth concerning it, and sweareth falsely; in any of all these that a man doeth, sinning therein: [4] Then it shall be, because he hath sinned, and is guilty, that he shall restore that which he took violently away, or the thing which he hath deceitfully gotten, or that which was delivered him to keep, or the lost thing which he found, [5] Or all that about which he hath sworn falsely; he shall even restore it in the principal, and shall add the fifth part more thereto, and give it unto him to whom it appertaineth, in the day of his trespass offering. [6] And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the Lord, a ram without blemish out of the flock, with thy estimation, for a trespass offering, unto the priest: [7] And the priest shall make an atonement for him before the Lord: and it shall be forgiven him for any thing of all that he hath done in trespassing therein.
Leviticus 7:1-7
Likewise this is the law of the trespass offering: it is most holy. [2] In the place where they kill the burnt offering shall they kill the trespass offering: and the blood thereof shall he sprinkle round about upon the altar. [3] And he shall offer of it all the fat thereof; the rump, and the fat that covereth the inwards, [4] And the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the flanks, and the caul that is above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away: [5] And the priest shall burn them upon the altar for an offering made by fire unto the Lord: it is a trespass offering. [6] Every male among the priests shall eat thereof: it shall be eaten in the holy place: it is most holy. [7] As the sin offering is, so is the trespass offering: there is one law for them: the priest that makes atonement therewith shall have it.
The trespass offering was the final Levitical sacrifice required of Israel. Although it was similar in many ways to the sin offering (Lev. 7:7), there were a number of differences.
Lev. 7:7 - As the sin offering is, so is the trespass offering: there is one law for them: the priest that makes atonement therewith shall have it.
The sin offering dealt with sin against God; the trespass offering emphasized sin against God AND mankind. The sin offering dealt with the nature of the sin; the trespass offering emphasized the ACTS of sin. The sin offering dealt with the guilt of mankind. The sin offering dealt with atonement (expiation of guilt); the trespass offering emphasized the satisfaction and reparation for the wrong committed.
Some commentators teach that the trespass offering began in Lev. 5:14, because the first 13 verses in chapter 5 seem to a continuation of chapter 4 with reference to the sin offering. This could be the case, because the sin offering is mentioned in verses 6,7,9 and 11. However, all of chapter 5 will be examine with reference to the trespass offering.
The word trespass (Heb. Asham) means ‘guilt.’ It denotes being guilty of infringing or violating the rights of others, whether it is of God or mankind. The classic illustration of trespassing is seen during hunting season. What hunted has not seen a sign on private property reading “no hunting: trespassers will be prosecuted?” By climbing over the fence or passing by the sign, a person is guilty of violating the property rights of another and could experience the full extent and force of the law. So it is with anyone who trespasses against God’s law.
Israel was to present its trespass offerings for sin committed in three areas. The first area was sins committed against self, the second area was contamination by touching and the third sin was careless talk.
Leviticus 5:1-13
And if a soul sin, and hear the voice of swearing, and is a witness, whether he hath seen or known of it; if he do not utter it, then he shall bear his iniquity. [2] Or if a soul touch any unclean thing, whether it be a carcass of an unclean beast, or a carcass of unclean cattle, or the carcass of unclean creeping things, and if it be hidden from him; he also shall be unclean, and guilty. [3] Or if he touch the uncleanness of man, whatsoever uncleanness it be that a man shall be defiled withal, and it be hid from him; when he knoweth of it, then he shall be guilty. [4] Or if a soul swear, pronouncing with his lips to do evil, or to do good, whatsoever it be that a man shall pronounce with an oath, and it be hid from him; when he knoweth of it, then he shall be guilty in one of these. [5] And it shall be, when he shall be guilty in one of these things, that he shall confess that he hath sinned in that thing: [6] And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the Lord for his sin which he hath sinned, a female from the flock, a lamb or a kid of the goats, for a sin offering; and the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his sin. [7] And if he be not able to bring a lamb, then he shall bring for his trespass, which he hath committed, two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, unto the Lord; one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering. [8] And he shall bring them unto the priest, who shall offer that which is for the sin offering first, and wring off his head from his neck, but shall not divide it asunder: [9] And he shall sprinkle of the blood of the sin offering upon the side of the altar; and the rest of the blood shall be wrung out at the bottom of the altar: it is a sin offering. [10] And he shall offer the second for a burnt offering, according to the manner: and the priest shall make atonement for him for his sin which he hath sinned, and it shall be forgiven him. [11] But if he be not able to bring two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, then he that sinned shall bring for his offering the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a sin offering; he shall put no oil upon it, neither shall he put any frankincense thereon: for it is a sin offering. [12] Then shall he bring it to the priest, and the priest shall take his handful of it, even a memorial thereof, and burn it on the altar, according to the offerings made by fire unto the Lord: it is a sin offering. [13] And the priest shall make an atonement for him as touching his sin that he hath sinned in one of these, and it shall be forgiven him: and the remnant shall be the priest's, as a meat offering.
The first area of sins committed against self was concealing the truth.
Leviticus 5:1
And if a soul sin, and hear the voice of swearing, and is a witness, whether he hath seen or known of it; if he do not utter it, then he shall bear his iniquity.
In a Jewish court of law, a judge could adjure (summon to testify) people under oath concerning evidence they might have in a case being tried. If they refused to tell what they had seen or heard, thus withholding vital information, or lied under oath, they were guilty of concealing the truth and were therefore considered guilty of trespassing until proper atonement was made for their sins.
During Jesus trial, Caiaphas, the high priest, adjured Him, “tell us whether you be the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus answered him with a prophetic statement about His Second Coming. An application can also be made for us as believers. James tells us that is we know to do good and we don’t do it- it is a sin.
Matthew 26:63-64
But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. [64] Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
James 4:17
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
The second sin was contamination by touching.
Leviticus 5:2-3
Or if a soul touch any unclean thing, whether it be a carcass of an unclean beast, or a carcass of unclean cattle, or the carcass of unclean creeping things, and if it be hidden from him; he also shall be unclean, and guilty. [3] Or if he touches the uncleanness of man, whatsoever uncleanness it be that a man shall be defiled withal, and it be hid from him; when he knoweth of it, then he shall be guilty.
The Israelites were guilty of contamination by touching dead animals, dead people, unclean lepers, or people with a discharge from their bodies. Such contamination disqualified them for worship, although they may have been unconscious of their actions.
Unclean people were not able to worship before God because they were an offense to His holiness. Sin and trespass offerings were therefore required to purify the worshipers before they could come near the sanctuary in worship.
The third sin was careless talk.
Leviticus 5:4
Or if a soul swears, pronouncing with his lips to do evil, or to do good, whatsoever it be that a man shall pronounce with an oath, and it be hid from him; when he knoweth of it, then he shall be guilty in one of these.
If any one in Israel took oaths they forgot later or chose not to fulfill, they were guilty of sin. It made no difference whether they were good or evil oaths; the Israelites had to keep their oaths. There are many illustrations of not keeping oaths in Scripture: Jephthah’s rash vow of sacrifice to God, Saul’s vow concerning eating, and Peter’s vow not to deny Christ. Believers are to watch our words because we will be judged by those and held accountable before God (Matthew 12:36-37).
Judges 11:30
And Jephthah vowed a vow unto the Lord, and said, If thou shalt without fail deliver the children of Ammon into mine hands,
Judges 11:34
And Jephthah came to Mizpeh unto his house, and, behold, his daughter came out to meet him with timbrels and with dances: and she was his only child; beside her he had neither son nor daughter.
1 Samuel 14:24
And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted any food.
Matthew 26:33-34
Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. [34] Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
Matthew 12:36-37
But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the Day of Judgment. [37] For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
Before the Israelites could be restored to fellowship with God, they had to confess their sins, admitting to the priests any of the sins mentioned with a penitential attitude and a contrite heart.
Leviticus 5:5
And it shall be, when he shall be guilty in one of these things, that he shall confess that he hath sinned in that thing:
The heart was still the issue – even under the Old Covenant. A person who brought an offering to God under the law but yet begrudged that offering in his heart stood in very perilous jeopardy under the scrutiny of an all-seeing and all-knowing God in heaven.
The Old Covenant is filled with illustrations of true confession and contrition over sin. Two stand out very vividly: David’s sin with Bathsheba (Psa. 51:4) and Achan’s transgression when he took the accursed thing (Josh. 7:20-21).
Psalm 51:4
Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that you might be justified when you speak, and be clear when you judge.
Joshua 7:20-21
And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have sinned against the Lord God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done: [21] When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it.
Like Achan, if believers try to hide our sins, we not only bring defeat in our own lives but also affect those close to us. Sin is very selfish. It has consequences – and many times not just for the one committing the sin but for the victim or our actions. If a young man has sexual relations with a young woman, the young man is not just hurting the young woman, he’s hurting the young woman’s father and mother along with the girl herself. If a baby comes from that sexual union, the baby is born into a situation already destined for trouble. Sin has a price and it’s ugliness is shown graphically in these Levitical offerings, none greater probably than the sin and trespass offerings.
Christians are to confess sins and make restitution, and God will forgive them. Although confession was necessary, it did not remove the guilt of sin. A trespass offering had to be made for the guilt to be removed.
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Next were sins committed against God (5:14-19). Moses revealed sins that required both a sin offering AND a trespass offering, but then he focused on sins that required only a trespass offering.
Leviticus 5:14-19
And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, [15] If a soul commit a trespass, and sin through ignorance, in the holy things of the Lord; then he shall bring for his trespass unto the Lord a ram without blemish out of the flocks, with thy estimation by shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering: [16] And he shall make amends for the harm that he hath done in the holy thing, and shall add the fifth part thereto, and give it unto the priest: and the priest shall make an atonement for him with the ram of the trespass offering, and it shall be forgiven him. [17] And if a soul sin, and commit any of these things, which are forbidden to be done by the commandments of the Lord; though he wist it not, yet is he guilty, and shall bear his iniquity. [18] And he shall bring a ram without blemish out of the flock, with thy estimation, for a trespass offering, unto the priest: and the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his ignorance wherein he erred and wist it not, and it shall be forgiven him. [19] It is a trespass offering: he hath certainly trespassed against the Lord.
Two types of transgressions could be made against holy things. First, a person could sin unintentionally by personally using things dedicated to God, such as tithes, first fruits of the harvest, or the firstborn of cattle and sheep. These gifts were used to maintain the priests and Tabernacle.
Leviticus 27:30
And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord's: it is holy unto the Lord.
Deut. 14:22
Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed that the field bringeth forth year by year.
Exodus 34:26
The first of the Firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring unto the house of the Lord thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.
Deut. 15:19
All the firstling males that come of thy herd and of thy flock thou shalt sanctify unto the Lord thy God: thou shalt do no work with the firstling of thy bullock, nor shear the firstling of thy sheep.
Leviticus 5:15
If a soul commit a trespass, and sin through ignorance, in the holy things of the Lord; then he shall bring for his trespass unto the Lord a ram without blemish out of the flocks, with thy estimation by shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering:
Leviticus 5:17
And if a soul sin, and commit any of these things which are forbidden to be done by the commandments of the Lord; though he wist it not, yet is he guilty, and shall bear his iniquity.
Second, they could know the commandments but be unaware of breaking them. These sins were committed ignorantly, either by mistake or forgetfulness, and unknowingly. No trespass offering was provided to cover PRESUMPTOUS sins, in which people rebelled deliberately against God’s law, breaking His commandments.
Numbers 15:30-31
But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproaches the Lord; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people. [31] Because he hath despised the word of the Lord, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him.
Hebrews 10:26-28
For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sins, [27] But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. [28] He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
Finally, there were sins against mankind.
Leviticus 6:1-7
And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, [2] If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the Lord, and lie unto his neighbor in that which was delivered him to keep, or in fellowship, or in a thing taken away by violence, or hath deceived his neighbor; [3] Or have found that which was lost, and lieth concerning it, and sweareth falsely; in any of all these that a man doeth, sinning therein: [4] Then it shall be, because he hath sinned, and is guilty, that he shall restore that which he took violently away, or the thing which he hath deceitfully gotten, or that which was delivered him to keep, or the lost thing which he found, [5] Or all that about which he hath sworn falsely; he shall even restore it in the principal, and shall add the fifth part more thereto, and give it unto him to whom it appertaineth, in the day of his trespass offering. [6] And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the Lord, a ram without blemish out of the flock, with thy estimation, for a trespass offering, unto the priest: [7] And the priest shall make an atonement for him before the Lord: and it shall be forgiven him for any thing of all that he hath done in trespassing therein.
The Israelites could sins against one another in five specific areas. The first being dishonesty.
Leviticus 6:2
If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the Lord, and lie unto his neighbor in that which was delivered him to keep, or in fellowship, or in a thing taken away by violence, or hath deceived his neighbor;
This could refer to dishonest means to something loaned by a neighbor, something left in the care of a neighbor while a person is away, or a trust made with a neighbor. People could misplace, mistreat, or misappropriate things and be guilty of trespassing against their neighbors (Ex. 22:7-11).
Exodus 22:7-11
If a man shall deliver unto his neighbor money or stuff to keep, and it be stolen out of the man's house; if the thief be found, let him pay double. [8] If the thief be not found, then the master of the house shall be brought unto the judges, to see whether he have put his hand unto his neighbor’s goods. [9] For all manner of trespass, whether it be for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, or for any manner of lost thing, which another challenges to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the judges; and whom the judges shall condemn, he shall pay double unto his neighbor. [10] If a man deliver unto his neighbor an ass, or an ox, or a sheep, or any beast, to keep; and it die, or be hurt, or driven away, no man seeing it: [11] Then shall an oath of the Lord be between them both, that he hath not put his hand unto his neighbour's goods; and the owner of it shall accept thereof, and he shall not make it good.
1 Cor. 4:2
Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. ;
In the New Covenant, Paul taught that Christians are required to “be faithful in all things,” as good stewards unto God.
The second sin was dishonesty between partners by lying “in fellowship,” referring to dishonesty in social and business dealings, such as unscrupulous transactions, intentionally cheating a partner out of part of the business or profit, or failure to pay an obligation, whether it be a business loan or things charged. Believers today are required to “provide all things honest in the sight of all men,” and not be “slothful in business.”
Leviticus 19:35-36
Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in mete yard, in weight, or in measure. [36] Just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin, shall ye have: I am the Lord your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt.
Romans 12:17
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Romans 12:11
Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
The third sin was acquiring by despoiling that is, taking from someone “by violence.”
Leviticus 6:2
If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the Lord, and lie unto his neighbor in that which was delivered him to keep, or in fellowship, or in a thing taken away by violence, or hath deceived his neighbor;
This refers to robbery, either directly through twisting the law to one’s own benefit, or by using prestige, power, or position. A classic illustration was when Ahab took Naboth’s vineyard (1 Kin. 21:1-25). Believers are to have nothing to do with violence, nor are they to associate with violent people.
The fourth sin was deceiving a neighbor or getting something by oppressing someone else.
Leviticus 6:2
If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the Lord, and lie unto his neighbor in that which was delivered him to keep, or in fellowship, or in a thing taken away by violence, or hath deceived his neighbor;
This could be done in a number of ways, such as being two-faced, through extortion, or by withholding something rightfully due another, such as wages.
The fifth sin was denial of property, whereby someone “found that which was lost, and lieth concerning it, and swearing falsely.”
Exodus 22:11
Then shall an oath of the Lord be between them both, that he hath not put his hand unto his neighbor’s goods; and the owner of it shall accept thereof, and he shall not make it good.
Deut. 22:2-3
And if thy brother be not nigh unto thee, or if thou know him not, then thou shalt bring it unto thine own house, and it shall be with thee until thy brother seek after it, and thou shalt restore it to him again. [3] In like manner shalt thou do with his ass; and so shalt thou do with his raiment; and with all lost things of thy brother's, which he hath lost, and thou hast found, shalt thou do likewise: thou mayest not hide thyself.
Leviticus 6:3
Or have found that which was lost, and lieth concerning it, and sweareth falsely; in any of all these that a man doeth, sinning therein:
It is the epitome of covetousness for a person to defraud a neighbor out of something found or borrowed that belongs to that neighbor. The phrase sin through ignorance is not mentioned in this section. When people sin against others, it is deliberate. Such sins can be summed up in the following proverb:
Proverbs 6:16-19
These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: [17] A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, [18] An heart that devises wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, [19] A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
Although the five specific sins mentioned are against people, they are still sins against God. Two incidents in Scripture illustrate this. After David sinned against Bathsheba and Urriah, he said, “I have sinned against the Lord.” When the prodigal son returned home, he confessed to his father – “I have sinned against HEAVEN and in thy sight.” Thus, when sinning against a neighbor, a person also sins against God.
2 Samuel 12:13
And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the Lord. And Nathan said unto David, The Lord also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.
Psalm 51:4
Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that you might be justified when you speak, and be clear when you judge.
Luke 15:21
And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
Christians cannot have a true walk with God and defraud their neighbors. The true character of believers is seen in their conduct towards others. (Eph. 4:17-21; 5:15-16)
Ephes. 4:17-21
This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, [18] Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: [19] Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. [20] But ye have not so learned Christ; [21] If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, [16] redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
The law required that the Israelites bring their trespass (guilt) offerings to the Lord for sins against themselves.
Leviticus 5:6-13
And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the Lord for his sin which he hath sinned, a female from the flock, a lamb or a kid of the goats, for a sin offering; and the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his sin. [7] And if he be not able to bring a lamb, then he shall bring for his trespass, which he hath committed, two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, unto the Lord; one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering. [8] And he shall bring them unto the priest, who shall offer that which is for the sin offering first, and wring off his head from his neck, but shall not divide it asunder: [9] And he shall sprinkle of the blood of the sin offering upon the side of the altar; and the rest of the blood shall be wrung out at the bottom of the altar: it is a sin offering. [10] And he shall offer the second for a burnt offering, according to the manner: and the priest shall make an atonement for him for his sin which he hath sinned, and it shall be forgiven him. [11] But if he be not able to bring two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, then he that sinned shall bring for his offering the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a sin offering; he shall put no oil upon it, neither shall he put any frankincense thereon: for it is a sin offering. [12] Then shall he bring it to the priest, and the priest shall take his handful of it, even a memorial thereof, and burn it on the altar, according to the offerings made by fire unto the Lord: it is a sin offering. [13] And the priest shall make an atonement for him as touching his sin that he hath sinned in one of these, and it shall be forgiven him: and the remnant shall be the priest's, as a meat offering.
An individual’s wealth determined the type offering that individual was required to bring. A female lamb or goat could be brought, but if poverty prevented such an offering, two turtledoves or two young pigeons were acceptable.
Leviticus 5:6
And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the Lord for his sin, which he hath sinned, a female from the flock, a lamb or a kid of the goats, for a sin offering; and the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his sin.
Two birds were required, one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering (v. 7).
Leviticus 5:7
And if he be not able to bring a lamb, then he shall bring for his trespass, which he hath committed, two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, unto the Lord; one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering.
Leviticus 1:14-17
And if the burnt sacrifice for his offering to the Lord be of fowls, then he shall bring his offering of turtledoves, or of young pigeons. [15] And the priest shall bring it unto the altar, and wring off his head, and burn it on the altar; and the blood thereof shall be wrung out at the side of the altar: [16] And he shall pluck away his crop with his feathers, and cast it beside the altar on the east part, by the place of the ashes: [17] And he shall cleave it with the wings thereof, but shall not divide it asunder: and the priest shall burn it upon the altar, upon the wood that is upon the fire: it is a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the Lord.
The offering of fowl was handled differently from the animal sacrifices. The offerers were not required to lay hands on the heads of the birds or kill them; that was the priests’ ministry. The priests killed the birds by wringing off their heads (v. 8).
Leviticus 5:8 - And he shall bring them unto the priest, who shall offer that which is for the sin offering first, and wring off his head from his neck, but shall not divide it asunder:
The crop and feathers were removed and cast on the ash heap near the east side of the altar; then the bird was cut down the center and spread open, although not divided in order to remove the insides. Some blood was sprinkled on the altar, and the rest was wrung out at the bottom for a sin offering.
Leviticus 5:8-9
And he shall bring them unto the priest, who shall offer that which is for the sin offering first, and wring off his head from his neck, but shall not divide it asunder: [9] And he shall sprinkle of the blood of the sin offering upon the side of the altar; and the rest of the blood shall be wrung out at the bottom of the altar: it is a sin offering.
If an Israelite was too poor and could not afford the inexpensive offering of two turtledoves or two young pigeons, then, and only then, a tenth part of an ephah of fine flour could be offered as a sin offering. But it had to be offered without oil or frankincense, showing that it lacked the character of other offerings. (v. 12)
Leviticus 5:12
Then shall he bring it to the priest, and the priest shall take his handful of it, even a memorial thereof, and burn it on the altar, according to the offerings made by fire unto the Lord: it is a sin offering.
In His mercy and grace, God made exceptions even for the poor; poverty would not prevent the Israelites from receiving pardon for their sins. So it is today. Rick or poor, it makes no difference – all people can have their sins pardoned through Christ’s all-sufficient sacrifice offered once as a sin and trespass offering. It was not by SILVER or GOLD, but through His precious BLOOD, that He provided and still provides reconciliation with God the Father.
Hebrews 9:28
So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
1 Peter 3:18
For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
The law required Israel to bring its trespass offerings to the Lord for sins committed against holy things of the Lord. In this instance the trespass offering had to a “ram without blemish out of the flock.” The procedure for offering the ram was similar to that of the sin offering. The law of the offering was spelled out in Lev. 7:1-7. The Israelites brought their rams to the court of the Tabernacle, laid hands upon their heads, confessed their sins over them, presented them to the priests and killed them. The priests caught the blood in a bowl and sprinkled it on the inner sides of the altar. This was the same procedure done with the peace and burnt offerings.
Leviticus 7:1-7
Likewise this is the law of the trespass offering: it is most holy. [2] In the place where they kill the burnt offering shall they kill the trespass offering: and the blood thereof shall he sprinkle round about upon the altar. [3] And he shall offer of it all the fat thereof; the rump, and the fat that covereth the inwards, [4] And the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the flanks, and the caul that is above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away: [5] And the priest shall burn them upon the altar for an offering made by fire unto the Lord: it is a trespass offering. [6] Every male among the priests shall eat thereof: it shall be eaten in the holy place: it is most holy. [7] As the sin offering is, so is the trespass offering: there is one law for them: the priest that makes atonement therewith shall have it.
The blood of the trespass offering was not placed on the horns of the altar, like that of the sin offering. Most likely this was to differentiate between the expiation provided in the sin offering and the satisfaction accomplished by the trespass offering. The kidneys, fat, and rump were burned on the altar by the priests and their sons as a provision in the ministry and was to be eaten in the Tabernacle.
Leviticus 7:3-4
And he shall offer of it all the fat thereof; the rump, and the fat that covereth the inwards, [4] And the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the flanks, and the caul that is above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away:
Leviticus 7:5
And the priest shall burn them upon the altar for an offering made by fire unto the Lord: it is a trespass offering.
The law required that the Israelites bring their trespass offering to the Lord for sins against their fellowmen, but there was a change in the order of sacrifice and restitution for the trespass against mankind.
Leviticus 6:6
And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the Lord, a ram without blemish out of the flock, with thy estimation, for a trespass offering, unto the priest:
In this instance, the restitution was made to the offerers first, and then the sacrifice was offered. The reason for this change was that when the sin was against God, the sacrifice came first, since blood had to be applied to atone for the sin. But when the sin was against a person, restitution had to be paid before the offering was made, because the offenders could be restored to fellowship with God only after the offended person had forgiven them. This is the procedure Yeshua addressed in Matthew 5 when He dealt with forgiveness.
Matthew 5:23-24
Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there remembers that thy brother hath ought against thee; [24] Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
Matthew 6:15
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Isaiah the prophet presented the Messiah as a trespass offering when he wrote:
Isaiah 53:10
Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.
The word ‘offering’ is ‘asham,’ the same word used in Leviticus 5-6 for trespass offering. In Isaiah 53:10, Christ became a trespass offering to make restitution by paying the debt of sinners to God, who had been violated; thus, He provided the required compensation necessary to satisfy God so that mankind could be reconciled back to Him.
The ram was a type of Christ’s substitutionary sacrifice, dying in the sinner’s place, paying the price and the penalty for sin. There is a twofold description of Christ’s substitutionary ministry in the New Covenant. First, Christ came to give His life a RANSOM for many. The word for indicates Christ died in the place of or instead of the sinner. Second, For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit. In this verse, the word for literally means on behalf of or for the benefit of, indicating Christ suffered and died not only in the place of sinners but also in their interest.
Matthew 20:28
Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
A beautiful type of Christ’s substitutionary ministry is seen in Abraham’s offering of his son, Isaac, as a sacrifice (Gen. 22:1-14). As Abraham raised the dagger to thrust it through Isaac, the angel of the Lord stopped him. Abraham lifted his eyes and saw a ram substitute caught in the thicket near the altar, which he then sacrificed as a burnt offering.
Genesis 22:1-4
And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am. [2] And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.
[3] And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him. [4] Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off.
The Trespassers’ Satisfaction
Unlike the other offerings, the trespass offering required that restitution be paid along with the ram sacrifice for sins against “holy things” and “fellowmen.”
Leviticus 5:15-16
If a soul commit a trespass, and sin through ignorance, in the holy things of the Lord; then he shall bring for his trespass unto the Lord a ram without blemish out of the flocks, with thy estimation by shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering: [16] And he shall make amends for the harm that he hath done in the holy thing, and shall add the fifth part thereto, and give it unto the priest: and the priest shall make an atonement for him with the ram of the trespass offering, and it shall be forgiven him.
Leviticus 6:5
Or all that about which he hath sworn falsely; he shall even restore it in the principal, and shall add the fifth part more thereto, and give it unto him to whom it appertains, in the day of his trespass offering.
The priests assessed the value of the rams that were offered, and the offenders paid the restitution in silver shekels. The Israelites were required to replace whatever they had withheld from God or mankind, and they had to add a fifth of the appraised value (5:16) – amounting to 20 cents on a dollar in our economy. The fifth part was actually a double tithe paid to the priests or the people offended. The Israelites could not be freed from their sins until they offered the proper animal sacrifices and paid the silver restitution for their transgressions. The Lord then forgave the Israelites “ of all that he hath done in trespassing therein.”
Lev. 5:16 - And he shall make amends for the harm that he hath done in the holy thing, and shall add the fifth part thereto, and give it unto the priest: and the priest shall make an atonement for him with the ram of the trespass offering, and it shall be forgiven him.
Leviticus 6:7
And the priest shall make atonement for him before the Lord: and it shall be forgiven him for any thing of all that he hath done in trespassing therein.
Christians should make restitution whenever possible, whether it be against God or mankind. Some should make restitution for robbing God in their giving, misuse of time, or abuse of a gift. Others should make restitution for breaking a trust, destroying the good name of, or slandering the character of another.
The testimony of Zacchaeus is a splendid illustration of restitution. Before his conversion, he was a chief tax collector in Jericho and had become very rich by extorting high taxes from his countrymen for the Romans. But after his conversion, Zacchaeus made restitution to those he had cheated without Jesus urging him to do so. He vowed to give half of his possessions to the poor and promised to pay back fourfold to those he had extorted. (Luke 19:8).
Luke 19:8
And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.
Extortion was a trespass and required restitution of a fifth more. But Zacchaeus considered it theft, which required four to fivefold restitution. Zacchaeus proved that when people’s hearts are right with God, they would make the required restitution to God and those they have wronged.
As we finish up this study I ask you to search your heart today in relation to the trespass offering. One of the avenues of prayer in the Lord’s model prayer is “father forgive us OUR trespasses, as we forgive THOSE who trespass against us.”
The Lord Jesus has come to take away not only the power of the sin nature, but the destructive power of individual acts of SIN the enemy seeks to use to destroy God’s children. We need to search our hearts today and see if there is anyone we need to make things right with here on earth. We need to bring a clean slate to the altar and ask God’s forgiveness along with our fellow man.
Matthew 6:5
And when you pray, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
Matthew 18:15-35
Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. [16] But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. [17] And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglects to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. [18] Verily I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. [19] Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. [20] For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. [21] Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? [22] Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. [23] Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. [24] And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. [25] But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. [26] The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. [27] Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. [28] But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. [29] And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. [30] And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. [31] So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. [32] Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: [33] Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? [34] And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. [35] So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
I pray today that all your sins are forgiven and placed under the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. I pray your heart is right before the Lord and you are doing everything possible to keep from offense in relation to your fellowman. If someone has done you wrong, forgive quickly. If you have wronged someone else, ask the Lord for mercy and Grace to forgive you and seek to bring restitution and reconciliation back to the relationship as fast as humanly possible.
Jesus IS the fulfillment of the Levitical offerings. He is our burnt offering, our peace offering, our meal offering, our sin offering and our trespass offering. We can rest today in the fact that HIS BLOOD, not the blood of bulls and goats has taken away our sin and has set us free from the bondages, the shackles and the depths of sin. No wonder John Wesley wrote, “Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me, I ONCE was lost, but now I’m found, I was blind but NOW I see.” Praise God for the sacrificial Lamb, in whom we have found our redemption, salvation, healing and restoration. Shalom.