“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying…”
While this verse may seem short and incomplete, it serves as an introduction to a broader passage. To gain a better understanding of the context, let’s explore the surrounding verses as well.
Leviticus 5:15-16 (KJV) continues: “…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.”
In this passage, God is instructing Moses regarding the appropriate actions to be taken if someone unintentionally commits a trespass or sins by unknowingly violating the sanctity of something dedicated to the Lord. This could involve inadvertently mishandling holy objects, misusing sacred resources, or committing any other transgression unknowingly.
The remedy for such a trespass is outlined: the person who unknowingly sins must bring a ram without blemish as a trespass offering to the Lord. The ram’s value is to be estimated in shekels of silver according to the sanctuary shekel.
This passage reveals several important principles:
- Responsibility for unintentional sins: While sins committed unknowingly are not deliberate acts of rebellion against God, they still require atonement. God emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and taking responsibility for these unintentional transgressions.
- The value of holy things: By requiring a ram without blemish as a trespass offering, God highlights the significance of dedicating the best and unblemished portion of one’s possessions to Him. It underscores the idea that holiness deserves the utmost respect and reverence.
- Atonement and reconciliation: The offering of a trespass offering, even for sins committed unintentionally, demonstrates the need for atonement and the restoration of a right relationship with God. The act of offering the ram signifies the individual’s recognition of their wrongdoing and their desire for reconciliation with the Lord.
- The importance of valuation: The estimation of the ram’s value in shekels of silver establishes a fair and consistent method for determining the worth of the trespass offering. This emphasizes the importance of fairness and integrity in matters related to God’s commands.
In summary, Leviticus 5:14-16 (KJV) illustrates the seriousness of unintentional sins and the need for appropriate restitution and reconciliation. It highlights the principles of responsibility, the value of holiness, atonement, and fairness in matters related to God’s commands. While these Old Testament rituals are no longer practiced today, they serve as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ, who became the ultimate sacrifice for our sins.
