Why is adding a fifth to the restitution significant in Leviticus 5:16? Context of the Command Leviticus 5 addresses “guilt offerings” for sins committed “unintentionally” against “the LORD’s sacred things.” Verse 16 lays out the remedy: “He must compensate for the wrongdoing he has done to the holy thing, add a fifth to its value, and give it to the priest. Then the priest will make atonement for him with the ram of the guilt offering, and he will be forgiven.” The Heart of Restitution • Sin creates a real, measurable loss (to God’s sanctuary, to another person, or to the community). • Restitution acknowledges ownership: what was harmed or taken ultimately belongs to the LORD (Leviticus 27:30). • The offender restores the exact value (“compensate for the wrongdoing”) plus an additional amount (“add a fifth”). • The priest then offers the sacrifice, securing forgiveness. In this way, restitution and atonement work together—restoring both horizontal and vertical relationship. Why Add a Fifth? • Concrete evidence of repentance – Returning only the original amount might satisfy justice, yet could leave the sinner unchanged. The extra 20 percent shows genuine contrition, going beyond the bare minimum (cf. 2 Corinthians 7:11). • Protection against profiting from wrongdoing – If someone kept an item even briefly, he may have benefited (interest, produce, use). The added fifth counters any gain (Exodus 22:1, 4). • Deterrence for future sin – Knowing they will pay more than they took discourages potential offenders (Proverbs 14:15). • Support for the priesthood – The restitution, delivered “to the priest,” helped sustain those who served at the sanctuary (Numbers 18:8–9). • Symbol of God’s abundant righteousness – The extra portion pictures that God’s standard is not mere break-even fairness but overflowing righteousness (Psalm 23:5). Echoes Elsewhere in Scripture • Leviticus 6:5 – same 20 percent rule when property is stolen, lost, or defrauded. • Numbers 5:7 – confession plus “full restitution, adding a fifth.” • Luke 19:8 – Zacchaeus, gripped by grace, voluntarily offers four-fold restitution, exceeding the law. • Isaiah 53:10 & Ephesians 1:7 – Christ’s sacrifice is more than enough; He pays our debt and lavishes grace “according to the riches of His grace.” How the Fifth Foreshadows Greater Redemption • The guilt offering depicts Christ, “the Lamb of God” (John 1:29), who not only cancels sin but grants “abundant life” (John 10:10). • Jesus’ atonement goes beyond restoring what Adam lost; He makes us heirs with Him (Romans 8:17). • The 20 percent serves as a tangible Old-Covenant hint of New-Covenant overflow—grace that “super-abounds” where sin increased (Romans 5:20). Practical Takeaways Today • When we wrong others, we make it right promptly and generously—never aiming for the bare minimum. • Generosity after failure demonstrates a heart changed by grace and builds restored trust. • Leaders and ministries supported through restitution remind us that sin’s ripple effects reach the worship life of God’s people. • Christ’s example empowers us to repay and reconcile even when costly (Philemon 18-19). Key Points to Remember • Restitution + one-fifth signals wholehearted repentance. • The added fifth offsets any hidden profit and deters repeat offenses. • It sustains God’s servants, honors His holiness, and previews the super-abundant grace found in Christ. |
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