Leviticus 19:22

And the priest shall make an atonement for him with the ram of the trespass offering before the Lord for his sin which he hath done: and the sin which he hath done shall be forgiven him.

Leviticus 19:22 (KJV)

Context

Leviticus 19:22 concludes a specific case law within the Holiness Code. Verses 20-22 address a man who has sexual relations with a slave woman pledged to another man. Because she is not free, the standard adultery penalty does not apply; instead, a guilt (trespass) offering is required. The verse describes the prescribed remedy: the offender brings a ram as a trespass offering, the priest makes atonement on his behalf before the Lord, and the sin is forgiven.

Meaning

The trespass offering (Hebrew: asham) was instituted for specific sins, including sins committed unintentionally or through negligence, and often involved restitution (Leviticus 5:15-16). The priest acts as the mediator, presenting the offering before the Lord at the door of the tabernacle. The forgiveness is conditional upon the prescribed sacrifice being offered by the priest. The atonement is described as being made “before the Lord,” emphasizing that the ritual is performed in God’s presence. This verse underscores that forgiveness for this sin is available through the God-ordained sacrificial system.

The priest’s action is typical of the atoning sacrifice of Christ, as the animal sacrifices of the Old Testament were types that pointed forward to the ultimate, once-for-all atonement made by Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. The blood of bulls and goats could not truly take away sin, but they foreshadowed the perfect sacrifice of Christ. The forgiveness promised in this verse is a picture of the greater forgiveness available through Christ’s sacrifice. The verse also highlights the seriousness of sin, even sins that might be considered lesser or committed in specific circumstances, and the need for a divinely appointed means of reconciliation.

Application

As Christians, we can draw several principles from Leviticus 19:22:

• Acknowledgment of sin: This verse reminds us of the importance of recognizing our sins, even those that are unintentional. It’s crucial to be honest with ourselves and God about our shortcomings.

• Seeking forgiveness: Just as the Israelites were instructed to bring their offering to the priest for atonement, we need to come before God, confess our sins, and seek His forgiveness. Through Jesus Christ, we have direct access to God and can find forgiveness by confessing our sins to Him (1 John 1:9).

• Understanding the role of Jesus: While the Old Testament sacrifices provided temporary atonement, Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross provided permanent forgiveness for all who believe in Him. His death and resurrection opened the way for us to be reconciled with God, and by accepting Him as our Savior, we can experience true forgiveness and restoration.

• Gratitude for God’s grace: Leviticus 19:22 highlights God’s mercy and willingness to forgive His people. As recipients of God’s grace, we should be grateful for His forgiveness and strive to live in a way that honours Him.

In summary, Leviticus 19:22 reminds us of the process of atonement for sins in the Old Testament and points us to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. It emphasises the importance of acknowledging our sins, seeking forgiveness, and being grateful for God’s grace.