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Leviticus 5

19 verses

TL;DR

Leviticus 5 outlines the laws of sin and trespass offerings, detailing how individuals who sin unintentionally or through ignorance must confess, bring appropriate offerings, and receive atonement from the priest.

Summary

The chapter begins with rules for those who unknowingly commit sin, including seeing or knowing unclean acts. It then prescribes the confession and the bringing of a sin offering—either a lamb, two birds, or fine flour—depending on the person’s ability. The priest performs the atonement by sprinkling blood on the altar and burning portions of the offering. If a trespass is committed, a spotless ram is required, and the priest again makes amends, adding a fifth part to the offering. Throughout, the focus is on guilt, confession, purification, and the role of the priest in mediating forgiveness.

Outline
  1. 1. Laws for unintentional sin and ignorance
  2. 2. Procedures for sin offerings (animal, birds, or flour)
  3. 3. Procedures for trespass offerings (spotless ram)
  4. 4. Role of the priest in making atonement
  5. 5. Emphasis on confession and forgiveness
Themes
atonementconfessionpurityguiltholiness
Keywords
singuiltconfessionofferingatonementpriestaltarblooduncleanignoranceholiness
People
Mosesthe priestthe LORD
Places
the sanctuarythe altar
Things
sin offeringtrespass offeringlambrambirdsfine flouroilfrankincensebloodaltar
Key Verses
  • Leviticus 5:6: Shows the detailed procedure for a sin offering with a lamb
  • Leviticus 5:7: Describes the alternative offering of two birds
  • Leviticus 5:11: Introduces the grain offering when birds cannot be brought
  • Leviticus 5:15-16: Specifies the trespass offering of a spotless ram and the priest’s role in atonement
Questions
  • What does Leviticus 5 say about the importance of confession before an offering?
  • Why are different offerings required for sin versus trespass?
  • How does the priest’s role function as mediator between the sinner and God?
  • What does the requirement of a spotless ram signify in the context of sin?
  • In what ways does this chapter emphasize the holiness of the sanctuary?
Sentiment

neutral
Instructional legal text concerning sin and atonement