What role does the "sin offering" play in maintaining Israel's covenant relationship with God? The Covenant Backdrop • Israel’s covenant at Sinai (Exodus 19:5-6) bound the nation to be “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” • Holiness was required for fellowship with God, yet everyday life guaranteed that people would stumble. • The "sin offering" (Hebrew ḥaṭṭāʾt) was God’s gracious provision to deal with those stumbles so the covenant bond could remain intact. Key Verse to Keep in View “Thus the priest will make atonement on his behalf for the sin he has committed, and he will be forgiven.” (Leviticus 4:35) What the Sin Offering Did • Atonement (kippur) – The sacrifice “covered” the offense, turning aside God’s wrath (Leviticus 4:20, 26, 31, 35). • Forgiveness – Each sin offering ends with “and he will be forgiven,” emphasizing restored relationship (Leviticus 4:26, 31, 35). • Purification – Blood was applied to the altar, cleansing God’s dwelling place from the defilement of sin (Leviticus 4:6-7, 17-18). • Representation – The priest served as mediator, standing between the sinner and God (Leviticus 4:20). How It Maintained the Covenant • Preserved God’s Presence – Unconfessed sin would drive God away (Leviticus 26:12; Numbers 5:3). – By removing defilement, the sin offering allowed the Lord to “walk among” His people (Leviticus 26:12). • Guarded National Blessing – Covenant blessings hinged on obedience (Deuteronomy 28:1-14). – The sin offering provided a remedy when obedience lapsed, preventing immediate covenant curses (Leviticus 4:13-21). • Fostered Ongoing Fellowship – Regular sacrifices (Numbers 28:15, 22, 30) reminded Israel that relationship with a holy God is continual, not one-time. • Taught the Cost of Sin – Life-blood was shed (Leviticus 17:11), underscoring the seriousness of breaking covenant commands. Who Brought a Sin Offering • High priest (Leviticus 4:3-12) – so the whole nation would not suffer for his sin. • The congregation (Leviticus 4:13-21) – corporate responsibility. • Leaders (Leviticus 4:22-26) – modeling accountability. • Individuals (Leviticus 4:27-35) – personal fellowship restored. Echoes in the New Covenant • Isaiah 53:10 – the Servant’s life becomes a “guilt offering.” • 2 Corinthians 5:21 – “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us,” fulfilling the pattern. • Hebrews 10:4-14 – animal blood was temporary; Christ’s single offering perfects forever. Takeaway The "sin offering" served as God’s instituted means to cleanse defilement, secure forgiveness, and keep the covenant relationship vibrant—pointing ultimately to the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ, who perfects the fellowship God always desired with His people. |
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