What is the meaning of Leviticus 5:15? If someone acts unfaithfully • The phrase highlights a breach of loyalty toward God, the covenant Lord who deserves wholehearted trust (Leviticus 6:2; Joshua 7:1). • “Acts unfaithfully” reminds us that sin is first vertical—against God—even when no person is directly harmed (Psalm 51:4). • Scripture teaches that faithlessness must never be excused or minimized; God calls His people to fidelity in every sphere of life (Deuteronomy 32:20; 1 Corinthians 4:2). and sins unintentionally • God distinguishes between high-handed rebellion and unintentional failure (Leviticus 4:2; Numbers 15:27–29). • Even unintended wrongdoing is still sin. The need for atonement underscores God’s absolute holiness (Habakkuk 1:13; 1 John 1:5). • Grace shines here: provision is made even for the sins we commit without realizing it, pointing forward to Christ’s comprehensive atonement (Hebrews 9:7; Hebrews 9:14). against any of the LORD’s holy things • “Holy things” refers to offerings, tithes, firstfruits, and items set apart for worship (Exodus 28:38; Leviticus 22:14). • Mishandling what belongs to God insults His glory and disrupts fellowship (Malachi 3:8–10; Acts 5:1–2). • This clause shows that worship is not optional; reverence for the sacred matters in daily life (Hebrews 12:28–29). he must bring his guilt offering to the LORD • Personal responsibility: the sinner approaches God, acknowledging debt (Leviticus 7:1–2). • The remedy is God-appointed, not self-designed. Self-help cannot erase guilt; only God’s provision suffices (Isaiah 1:11, 18; Romans 3:25). • Coming “to the LORD” centers true worship on His presence and mercy seat (Exodus 25:22; Hebrews 4:16). an unblemished ram from the flock • “Unblemished” pictures moral perfection, foreshadowing Christ the spotless Lamb (Exodus 12:5; 1 Peter 1:19). • A ram, valuable yet accessible, balances costliness with availability—God’s justice and compassion meeting (Genesis 22:13; Leviticus 8:18). • Substitution is clear: the innocent dies so the guilty may live (Leviticus 16:21–22; 2 Corinthians 5:21). of proper value in silver shekels according to the sanctuary shekel • The offender repays measurable loss plus restitution (Leviticus 5:16; Numbers 5:7–8). • “Sanctuary shekel” ensures fair, standardized compensation, guarding against cheap repentance (Exodus 30:13). • Worship involves both heart and tangible obedience; faith shows itself in concrete integrity (Micah 6:8; Luke 19:8–9). it is a guilt offering • Distinct from the sin offering, the guilt (or trespass) offering addresses debt and damage done (Leviticus 7:7). • The term teaches that sin carries liability that must be satisfied, a principle fulfilled perfectly at the cross (Isaiah 53:10–11; Colossians 2:13–14). • Assurance follows obedience: once God’s remedy is applied, forgiveness is real and complete (Leviticus 5:18; 1 John 1:9). summary Leviticus 5:15 reveals God’s unwavering holiness and His gracious provision for sinners. Even unintentional misuses of what is sacred demand atonement, yet the Lord supplies a precise, sufficient remedy—a spotless substitute, full restitution, and restored fellowship. The passage ultimately directs our gaze to Christ, the perfect guilt offering who cancels every debt and brings us safely into God’s holy presence. |
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