Offerings, Atonement, and Reconciliation
Leviticus 5-7 outlines the laws concerning various offerings, including the following:
guilt offering (Leviticus 5:14–6:7)
burnt offering (Leviticus 6:8-13)
grain offering (Leviticus 6:14-23)
sin offering (Leviticus 6:24-30)
fellowship offering (Leviticus 7)
These laws emphasize the seriousness of sin, the necessity of atonement, and the sacred responsibility of the priests in presenting these offerings. Each sacrifice served as a tangible reminder of the cost of sin and God’s provision for reconciliation, ultimately pointing to Christ’s perfect sacrifice.
Leviticus 5 addresses sins committed unknowingly and the necessary sin and guilt offerings needed for atonement. If a person fails to testify about something they witnessed, they will be held responsible (v. 1). Touching anything unclean, whether an animal carcass or human uncleanness, also results in guilt, even if the person was initially unaware (v. 2-3). Making a rash oath and later realizing its consequences requires confession (v. 4-5). To atone for these sins, individuals must bring a sin offering based on their financial ability—a lamb or goat for the wealthy (v. 6), two doves or pigeons for those of lesser means (v. 7-10), or a small amount of fine flour for the poorest (v. 11-13). The priest is to make atonement for them for any of these sins they have committed, and they will be forgiven.
The chapter also introduces the guilt offering, which deals with offenses against unintentional sins. as well as when someone unknowingly misuses sacred things belonging to God. In such cases, they must bring a ram without defect as an offering and also pay restitution by adding 20% (one-fifth) to the value of what was lost as compensation (v. 14-16). If someone commits a sin against God’s commands unknowingly, they must still bring a guilt offering to make atonement (v. 17-19). In this way, the priest will make atonement for them for the wrong they have committed unintentionally, and they will be forgiven (v. 18).
This passage emphasizes that sin, whether intentional or not, creates guilt before God and requires atonement. The tiered offerings reveal God’s justice and mercy, ensuring that everyone, regardless of wealth, has access to forgiveness. The guilt offering underscores the importance of restitution, reminding us that repentance involves not only seeking forgiveness but also making things right when possible. This passage challenges us to be mindful of sin and calls us to demonstrate integrity and repentance in our walk with God.
Leviticus 6 continues the instructions regarding guilt offerings and expands on the responsibilities of the priests in the sacrificial system. If a person sins by deceiving their neighbor regarding a deposit, robbery, fraud, lying about lost property, or making a false oath, they are guilty before God (v. 1-3). To make restitution, they must return what was taken, add a fifth of the value to it, and bring a ram without defect as a guilt offering to the Lord (v. 4-6). Once the priest makes atonement, they will be forgiven (v. 7), emphasizing that true repentance involves both confession and making things right.
God then gives instructions to Moses regarding the responsibilities of the priests in handling the burnt offering. The fire on the altar must never be extinguished, symbolizing ongoing devotion and continual worship before the Lord (v. 8-9). Each morning, the priest must add wood to the fire, arrange the offering, and ensure that the fire remains burning throughout the day and night (v. 10-13). The priest must also wear special garments to remove the ashes of the burnt offering and place them in a clean location outside the camp (v. 10-11). This process highlights the importance of maintaining the sacredness of worship and ensuring that offerings to God are handled with reverence.
The chapter continues with details regarding the grain offering. When an individual presents a grain offering, the priest takes a portion, mixes it with oil and incense, and burns it as a pleasing aroma to the Lord (v.14-15). The remainder is given to Aaron and his sons to eat (v. 16-18), symbolizing the provision God makes for His servants through the offerings of His people. The Lord also commands that Aaron and his sons must present a daily grain offering when they are anointed as priests, which must be completely burned and not eaten (v. 19-23).
Further instructions are given regarding the sin offering. The sin offering must be slaughtered in the same place as the burnt offering, and the priests who offer it are permitted to eat it (v. 24-26). If any of its blood is brought into the sanctuary for atonement, however, the entire offering must be burned and not eaten (v. 30).
Leviticus 6 carries deep theological significance. The perpetual fire on the altar symbolizes God’s continuous presence and calls believers to live lives of ongoing worship and dedication. The emphasis on restitution reinforces the biblical principle that true repentance involves not only turning from sin but also seeking to repair the harm done. The role of the priests in offering sacrifices foreshadows Jesus Christ, our ultimate High Priest, who made the final atonement for sin through His own sacrifice.
In application, Leviticus 6 challenges believers to examine their integrity, ensuring that they deal honestly with others and make amends where necessary. It also calls for a heart of continual worship, where we offer our lives as living sacrifices to God. Just as the priests kept the fire burning, we are to keep our passion for God alive through prayer, obedience, and devotion. Finally, the chapter points us to Christ, who has provided full and final atonement, calling us to rest in His work while living in holiness before Him.
Leviticus 7 provides further instructions regarding the guilt offering, fellowship offering, and other sacrificial regulations, emphasizing proper priestly duties. The chapter begins with the guilt offering, which is considered most holy (v. 1). The offering must be slaughtered in the same location as the burnt offering, and the blood is to be splashed against the sides of the altar. (v. 2). The fat, kidneys, and liver are to be burned on the altar as a food offering to the Lord (v. 3-5). Any male from the priestly family may eat the meat of the guilt offering, but it must be eaten in the sanctuary area, underscoring the sacred nature of the sacrifice (v. 6).
The same regulations apply to the sin offering and guilt offering; they belong to the priest who makes atonement (v. 7). Additionally, the priest who presents the burnt offering is entitled to keep the animal’s hide (v. 8). For grain offerings, if the offering is baked or cooked, it belongs to the priest who offers it (v. 9-10). These provisions highlight God’s care for His servants, ensuring that the priests are sustained through the offerings of the people.
Next, the chapter outlines the regulations for the fellowship offering, also called the peace offering. If the fellowship offering is given as a thanksgiving sacrifice, they are to offer thick loaves made without yeast and with olive oil mixed in, thin loaves made without yeast and brushed with oil, and thick loaves of the finest flour well-kneaded and with oil mixed in (v. 11-12). Additionally, leavened bread is to be offered alongside the sacrifice (v. 13). A portion of the offering is presented to the Lord, and the priest who sprinkles the blood of the fellowship offering is given a share (v. 14). The meat of the thanksgiving offering must be eaten on the same day and cannot be left until morning (v. 15).
If the fellowship offering is given as a vow or voluntary offering, the meat may be eaten on the first or second day, but any leftovers on the third day must be burned (v. 16-17). If anyone eats the meat on the third day, the offering is no longer acceptable and is considered impure (v. 18). Those who eat unclean meat from the peace offering will be cut off from the people, reinforcing the importance of ritual purity (v. 19-21).
The chapter then addresses the prohibition against consuming fat and blood. The fat of oxen, sheep, or goats is not to be eaten, though fat from animals that die naturally or are torn by beasts may be used for other purposes (v. 22-24). However, consuming blood from any animal is strictly forbidden, and those who do so will be cut off from the community (v. 25-27). This command highlights the sacred nature of blood, which represents life and is reserved for atonement.
The final section of the chapter details the portion of sacrifices allocated to the priests. The breast of the fellowship offering is given to Aaron and his sons as a wave offering before the Lord (v. 28-30). The right thigh is given as a contribution to the priest who offers the blood and fat of the sacrifice (v. 31-33). This portion is considered holy and belongs to the priests as their rightful share from the sacrifices (v. 34-36). The chapter concludes by summarizing the laws concerning the burnt offering, grain offering, sin offering, guilt offering, ordination offering, and fellowship offering, reaffirming that these commandments were given by the Lord to Moses on Mount Sinai (v. 37-38).
The sacrificial system in Leviticus 5-7 teaches us that sin has consequences, but God graciously provides a way for atonement. While Israel’s sacrifices involved repeated offerings, Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was once for all. These passages challenge us to take sin seriously, seek God’s forgiveness, and walk in obedience, knowing that through Christ, we have full access to God’s grace and mercy.
Personal Challenges:
1. Confess and Correct Your Wrongs
The sin and guilt offerings remind us that sin requires confession, atonement, and, when necessary, restitution.
Challenge: Is there someone you need to seek forgiveness from or make amends with? Take a step this week to restore a relationship or correct a past wrong.
2. Be Honest and Just in Your Dealings
God requires honesty in all areas of life, whether in financial matters, personal relationships, or promises we make.
Challenge: Examine your actions—are you acting with integrity in your work, finances, and relationships? Commit to truthfulness in all you do.
3. Keep the Fire of Your Faith Burning
The burnt offering was to remain burning continually, symbolizing ongoing dedication to God.
Challenge: Are you maintaining a passionate relationship with God through prayer, worship, and Scripture? Renew your spiritual disciplines to keep your faith alive and strong.
4. Offer Your Best to God
The grain offering required the finest flour, showing that God deserves our best, not leftovers.
Challenge: Are you giving God your best—whether in time, talents, or resources? Look for ways to honor God with excellence in your daily life.
5. Take Sin Seriously and Pursue Holiness
The strict rules regarding the sin offering highlight the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin.
Challenge: Are there areas in your life where you have grown comfortable with sin? Ask God to reveal anything that needs repentance and seek to live in purity.
6. Live in Gratitude and Fellowship with God
The peace offering was a voluntary act of thanksgiving and fellowship with God.
Challenge: Are you regularly expressing gratitude to God? Take time to reflect on His blessings and offer heartfelt thanks in prayer and worship.
Leviticus 5-7 challenges us to live lives of honesty, devotion, holiness, and gratitude, always remembering that Christ is our perfect sacrifice. What step will you take today to deepen your walk with Him?
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