Topical Bible: Trespass offering: Consisted of a She Lamb or Kid

Bible > Topical > Trespass offering

◄ Trespass offering: Consisted of a She Lamb or Kid ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The Trespass Offering, also known as the Guilt Offering, is a significant sacrificial practice detailed in the Old Testament, specifically within the Levitical law. This offering was instituted by God as a means for the Israelites to atone for specific unintentional sins or transgressions against the holy things of the Lord or against a neighbor. The offering underscores the seriousness of sin and the necessity of restitution and reconciliation with God and others.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural references for the Trespass Offering are found in the Book of Leviticus. Leviticus 5:15-16 states: "If someone acts unfaithfully and sins unintentionally against any of the LORD’s holy things, he must bring his guilt offering to the LORD: an unblemished ram from the flock, according to your valuation in silver shekels, based on the sanctuary shekel. He must make restitution for the sin he has committed against the holy thing, add a fifth of its value to it, and give it to the priest. Then the priest will make atonement on his behalf with the ram of the guilt offering, and he will be forgiven."

Components of the Offering

The Trespass Offering typically consisted of a she-lamb or a kid (young goat), although in some cases, a ram was specified, particularly when the sin involved the holy things of the Lord. The offering had to be without blemish, symbolizing purity and the perfection required to atone for sin. The animal was brought to the priest, who would then perform the sacrificial rites.

Purpose and Significance

The Trespass Offering served multiple purposes:

1. Atonement for Sin: It provided a means for the individual to receive forgiveness for specific unintentional sins, emphasizing the need for atonement and the seriousness of even unintentional transgressions.

2. Restitution: The offering required the offender to make restitution for the wrong committed, often involving the repayment of the value of the wrong plus an additional fifth. This aspect highlighted the importance of justice and the restoration of relationships.

3. Holiness and Purity: By requiring an unblemished animal, the offering underscored the holiness and purity that God demands from His people. It served as a reminder of the need to maintain a right relationship with God and others.

4. Symbolic of Christ's Sacrifice: From a Christian perspective, the Trespass Offering foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, as the Lamb of God, provided the perfect atonement for all sin. Hebrews 10:12 reflects this fulfillment: "But when this Priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God."

Practical Application

For the Israelites, the Trespass Offering was a tangible expression of repentance and a step towards reconciliation. It required the individual to acknowledge their sin, make restitution, and seek forgiveness through the prescribed sacrificial system. This offering reinforced the community's commitment to living according to God's laws and maintaining the sanctity of their covenant relationship with Him.

In summary, the Trespass Offering was a vital component of the Levitical sacrificial system, emphasizing the need for atonement, restitution, and holiness. It served as a precursor to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law and provided eternal redemption for humanity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 5:6
And he shall bring his trespass offering to the LORD for his sin which he has 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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
... he on different occasions, from avarice and greed, sold his wife Sara for the
gratification of the kings Abimelech and Pharas, telling them that she was his ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm