Leviticus 5:1-19
Q.1. Under what circumstances was a person to make a guilt offering? How would guilt be known and acknowledged? – (Lev.5:1-5)
It was the responsibility of all Israelites to uphold the Law both individually and collectively. To withhold information that would assist in detecting a law breaker when the judges or elders made a public appeal for such information would render that person as guilty as the perpetrator of the crime (see Lev.5:1). Jesus responded the high priest similarly because He was placed under solemn oath – I adjure You by the living God, that You tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God (Mt.26:63). An Israelite might also become guilty by touching anything unclean or swear thoughtlessly with his lips and break his promises (see Lev.5:2-4). Though it might be hidden at the time, when he comes to know that he has done wrong, he must confess that he has sinned (see Lev.5:1-5).
Q.2. When were different guilt offerings made? What sacrifices made atonement? What was the priest’s role? – (Lev.5:6-13)
The law prescribed different sacrifices depending on their ability to pay so that – if he cannot afford a lamb … if his means are insufficient (Lev.5:7 & 11). Consequently, the sin offering for guilt may be – a female from the flock, a lamb or a goat OR – two turtle doves or two young pigeons OR – a tenth of an ephah of fine flour (Lev.5:6-7 & 11). The offeror – 12 He shall bring it to the priest, and the priest shall take his handful of it as its memorial portion and offer it up in smoke on the altar, with the offerings of the Lord by fire: it is a sin offering. 13 So the priest shall make atonement for him concerning his sin which he has committed from one of these, and it will be forgiven him; then the rest shall become the priest’s, like the grain offering (Lev.5:12-13). The priest had to follow strict guidelines so that guilt would be atoned for and forgiven.
Q.3. When was a restitution payment given to the priest? Why was a fifth part added? Was the offeror forgiven? – (Lev.5:14-19)
The guilt offering was required to atone for sin against God whenever – 15 … a person acts unfaithfully and sins unintentionally against the Lord’s holy things, then he shall bring his guilt offering to the Lord: a ram without defect from the flock, according to your valuation in silver by shekels, in terms of the shekel of the sanctuary, for a guilt offering … 17 Now if a person sins and does any of the things which the Lord has commanded not to be done, though he was unaware, still he is guilty and shall bear his punishment (Lev.5:15 & 17). The guilt offering was converted into silver shekels (see Lev.5:16). A fifth part was added to act as a deterrent and was given to the priest who gave his life to the service of the tabernacle. By the faithful ministry of the priests a guilty person could be forgiven and declared ‘not guilty’ (see Lev.5:13,16,18).