What offerings are prescribed for leaders' sins in Leviticus 4:22? Setting the Scene – Leviticus 4 explains the “sin offering” (ḥaṭṭā’ṯ) for unintentional sin. – Verses 22-26 focus on “a leader”—a ruler, governor, or chief within Israel’s tribes. Who Is in View? – “Leader” (Hebrew nāśî’) means one entrusted with civil authority (cf. Numbers 1:16). – His public position heightens accountability (Luke 12:48). The Prescribed Offering • Leviticus 4:22-23: “When a leader sins unintentionally … he must bring an unblemished male goat.” • Key details – Species: goat, not bull (priests) or lamb (commoner). – Sex: male, underscoring vigor and representative headship. – Condition: “unblemished” (perfect, whole), prefiguring Christ (1 Peter 1:19). Why a Male Goat? – Distinct role: Leaders stood between priestly and lay status; the goat marks both significance and lesser sacred rank than priests. – Symbolism: Goats often picture sin borne away (Leviticus 16:20-22). Steps in the Ritual (Leviticus 4:24-26) 1. The leader lays his hand on the goat’s head—identification and transfer of guilt. 2. Slaughter takes place “in the place where the burnt offering is slaughtered”—God’s designated altar. 3. Priest applies some blood to the horns of the bronze altar; the rest is poured at its base. 4. All fat is burned on the altar, “as with the peace offering.” 5. “The priest will make atonement for him regarding his sin, and he will be forgiven” (v. 26). Comparison with Other Sin Offerings – High priest or whole congregation: unblemished bull (Leviticus 4:3, 13). – Common individual: female goat or lamb (Leviticus 4:27-32). – Poverty provision: two turtledoves or pigeons, or fine flour (Leviticus 5:7, 11). The gradation reflects varying responsibility and capacity. Lessons for Today • God holds leaders to account; position never exempts from obedience (James 3:1). • Forgiveness required a substitutionary sacrifice—ultimately fulfilled in Christ, “the Lamb of God” (John 1:29; Hebrews 9:13-14). • The “unintentional” nature shows ignorance is still guilt; the remedy is confession and atoning blood (1 John 1:7-9). |
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