What is the meaning of Leviticus 5:10? The priest must prepare the second bird as a burnt offering according to the ordinance • Earlier in Leviticus 5:7, the LORD graciously permits a worshiper who cannot afford a lamb to bring two turtledoves or young pigeons. The first bird is a sin offering; the “second bird” is now offered as a burnt offering, completely consumed on the altar (see Leviticus 1:14-17). • “According to the ordinance” signals that God—not the worshiper—sets the terms of acceptable worship (Leviticus 6:12-13). Every detail points to His holiness and to the need for substitution. • The total burning of the sacrifice pictures wholehearted surrender (Romans 12:1). It also foreshadows the once-for-all offering of Christ, who gave Himself entirely for us (Hebrews 10:1-10). In this way the priest will make atonement for him • Atonement means “covering.” By God’s design, innocent blood covers guilty sin (Leviticus 17:11). • The priest serves as mediator, applying the sacrifice on behalf of the sinner (Hebrews 9:12). • The phrase “in this way” shows there is no atonement by personal merit or creativity—only by the divinely prescribed sacrifice (Romans 3:25). For the sin he has committed • Sin is not an abstract problem; it is personal and specific. The worshiper openly owns his offense, bringing it to God’s remedy (Leviticus 4:27-31). • Scripture repeatedly underlines individual accountability: “all have sinned” (Romans 3:23), and even “one point” of violation makes a person guilty (James 2:10). • This clears the fog of self-justification; we stand exposed yet invited to cleansing. And he will be forgiven • Forgiveness is God’s emphatic final word when His terms are met. “The priest will make atonement… and he will be forgiven” (compare Leviticus 4:35; 6:7). • The promise is immediate and complete—no probationary period, no lingering debt (Psalm 32:1). • In Christ, the pattern finds its ultimate fulfillment: “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses” (Ephesians 1:7; 1 John 1:9). summary Leviticus 5:10 reveals a God who lovingly provides a way for anyone—rich or poor—to receive full forgiveness. A prescribed, wholehearted burnt offering follows the sin offering, showing that cleansing leads to consecration. The priest’s mediation, the atoning blood, the acknowledgment of personal sin, and the assured pardon all foreshadow the perfect, once-for-all work of Jesus Christ. The verse invites grateful trust in the God who both defines holiness and supplies the sacrifice that secures our peace with Him. |
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