The trespass offering, also known as the guilt offering, is a significant aspect of the sacrificial system outlined in the Old Testament, particularly in the Book of Leviticus. It is distinct from other offerings in that it specifically addresses unintentional sins that require restitution, as well as certain ritual impurities. One of the special occasions for presenting a trespass offering is the cleansing of a leper, as detailed in Leviticus 14.

Biblical Context

Leviticus 14 provides comprehensive instructions for the ceremonial cleansing of a person healed from leprosy. This process underscores the gravity of leprosy as not only a physical ailment but also a condition that renders an individual ceremonially unclean, thus separating them from the community and the worship of God. The restoration of a leper to the community and to the worship of God required a series of offerings, including the trespass offering.

Procedure for Cleansing

The process begins with the priest going outside the camp to examine the leper. If the leper is found to be healed, a ceremonial cleansing is initiated. The initial phase involves two live clean birds, cedarwood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop. One bird is slaughtered over fresh water in a clay pot, and the living bird, along with the cedarwood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop, is dipped in the blood of the slaughtered bird and then released into the open field (Leviticus 14:4-7).

Following this, the leper must wash his clothes, shave off all his hair, and bathe in water. After seven days, he must shave again, including his head, beard, and eyebrows, and wash his clothes and body (Leviticus 14:8-9).

Trespass Offering

On the eighth day, the leper is to present offerings before the LORD, including two male lambs without blemish, one ewe lamb a year old without blemish, three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering, and one log of oil (Leviticus 14:10). The priest then presents the leper and his offerings before the LORD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.

The trespass offering is a critical component of this ritual. One of the male lambs is offered as a trespass offering, along with the log of oil. The priest takes some of the blood of the trespass offering and applies it to the right earlobe, the thumb of the right hand, and the big toe of the right foot of the person being cleansed (Leviticus 14:12-14). This act symbolizes the cleansing and consecration of the individual's hearing, actions, and walk before God.

Significance

The trespass offering in the context of leprosy cleansing highlights the necessity of atonement and restitution in the process of purification. It serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and impurity and the need for divine intervention to restore the sinner to a state of holiness and fellowship with God. The detailed ritual underscores the holiness of God and the importance of approaching Him with reverence and obedience to His commands.

The trespass offering, therefore, is not merely a ritualistic act but a profound expression of repentance, restoration, and reconciliation with God, reflecting the broader theological themes of sin, atonement, and redemption that permeate the Scriptures.Leviticus 14:2,12-14,21,22
This shall be the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing: He shall be brought to the priest:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

What is a trespass in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is a trespass offering / guilt offering? | GotQuestions.org

What were the various sacrifices in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.org

Trespass: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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