Topical Bible: Trespass offering was the Perquisites of the Priest

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Topical Encyclopedia

The trespass offering, also known as the guilt offering, is a significant aspect of the sacrificial system outlined in the Old Testament, specifically within the Levitical law. This offering was instituted to address specific transgressions against God's commandments, particularly those involving unintentional sins or breaches of faith that required restitution. The trespass offering is distinct from the sin offering, as it often involved compensation for the wrong committed, reflecting the principle of justice and restoration.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural references for the trespass offering are found in the Book of Leviticus. Leviticus 5:14-19 and Leviticus 6:1-7 provide detailed instructions regarding the circumstances under which a trespass offering is required and the procedures for its execution. The offering typically involved the sacrifice of a ram without blemish, along with restitution to the offended party, often with an additional fifth of the value added.

Role of the Priest

The priests played a crucial role in the administration of the trespass offering. As mediators between God and the people, they were responsible for ensuring that the offerings were conducted according to divine instructions. The priests would slaughter the sacrificial animal, sprinkle its blood on the altar, and burn the fat as a pleasing aroma to the LORD. The remaining portions of the sacrifice were designated as the perquisites of the priest.

Perquisites of the Priest

The perquisites, or portions allotted to the priests, were an essential aspect of the trespass offering. According to Leviticus 7:1-7 , "This is the law of the guilt offering, which is most holy: The guilt offering is to be slaughtered in the place where the burnt offering is slaughtered, and its blood is to be sprinkled against the altar on all sides. All its fat shall be offered: the fat tail, the fat that covers the entrails, both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which is to be removed with the kidneys. The priest shall burn them on the altar as a food offering to the LORD. It is a guilt offering. Every male among the priests may eat it. It must be eaten in a holy place; it is most holy."

The allocation of the sacrificial meat to the priests served multiple purposes. It provided sustenance for the priestly families, who did not have a territorial inheritance like the other tribes of Israel. Instead, their inheritance was the LORD Himself, and they were supported through the offerings and tithes of the people. This system underscored the principle that those who serve at the altar should share in the offerings of the altar (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:13).

Theological Significance

The trespass offering highlights the seriousness with which God views sin and the necessity of atonement and restitution. It underscores the holiness of God and the need for His people to maintain purity and righteousness in their dealings with one another. The role of the priest as a mediator and the recipient of the perquisites emphasizes the importance of the priesthood in maintaining the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

In summary, the trespass offering was a vital component of the Levitical sacrificial system, serving both as a means of atonement for specific transgressions and as a provision for the priestly class. Through this offering, the principles of justice, restitution, and divine holiness were upheld within the community of God's people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 14:13
And he shall slay the lamb in the place where he shall kill the sin offering and the burnt offering, in the holy place: for as the sin offering is the priest's, so is the trespass offering: it is most holy:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 44:29
They shall eat the meat offering, and the sin offering, and the trespass offering: and every dedicated thing in Israel shall be theirs.
Torrey's Topical Textbook