Topical Bible: Offerings: Trespass: Offered by Idolaters

◄ Offerings: Trespass: Offered by Idolaters ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, offerings for trespass, particularly those offered by idolaters, are significant in understanding the nature of sin, atonement, and the distinction between true worship and idolatry. The concept of trespass offerings is primarily rooted in the Levitical law, where specific sacrifices were prescribed for various transgressions against God's commandments.

Biblical Context and Definition

The trespass offering, or "guilt offering," is detailed in the Book of Leviticus. It was a type of sacrifice required to atone for unintentional sins or specific acts of wrongdoing, particularly those involving the desecration of holy things or violations against one's neighbor. Leviticus 5:15-16 states, "If someone acts unfaithfully and sins unintentionally against any of the LORD’s holy things, he must bring his guilt offering to the LORD: an unblemished ram from the flock, according to your valuation in silver shekels, based on the sanctuary shekel. It is a guilt offering. He must make restitution for the sin he has committed against the holy thing, add a fifth of its value to it, and give it to the priest. The priest will then make atonement on his behalf with the ram as a guilt offering, and he will be forgiven."

Idolatry and Its Consequences

Idolatry, the worship of false gods or the elevation of created things above the Creator, is a grave sin in the biblical narrative. It is repeatedly condemned throughout Scripture as a violation of the first and second commandments (Exodus 20:3-4). The Israelites were warned against adopting the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations, which often included offering sacrifices to idols.

The prophet Isaiah highlights the futility and offense of idolatrous offerings in Isaiah 44:9-20, where he mocks the absurdity of worshiping man-made objects. Such practices were not only seen as a betrayal of the covenant with Yahweh but also as acts that incurred guilt and required atonement.

Offerings by Idolaters

When idolaters offered sacrifices, whether to appease their gods or as part of their religious rituals, these offerings were considered abominations in the sight of the God of Israel. The prophet Jeremiah speaks against the offerings made to the "Queen of Heaven" by the Israelites, which provoked God's wrath (Jeremiah 7:18-20): "The children gather wood, the fathers light the fire, and the women knead dough to make cakes for the Queen of Heaven. They pour out drink offerings to other gods to provoke Me to anger. But am I the one they are provoking? declares the LORD. Is it not themselves they spite, to their own shame?"

Atonement and Restoration

For those who turned from idolatry and sought reconciliation with the God of Israel, the prescribed offerings served as a means of atonement. The trespass offering, in particular, underscored the need for restitution and the seriousness of sin. It was not merely the act of sacrifice that brought forgiveness but the genuine repentance and turning away from idolatry that restored the relationship with God.

The New Testament further illuminates the inadequacy of sacrifices offered by idolaters, emphasizing that true atonement is found in Christ. Hebrews 10:4 states, "It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins." This underscores the belief that only through Jesus' sacrifice can true reconciliation with God be achieved, transcending the limitations of the Old Testament sacrificial system.

In summary, offerings for trespass, particularly those offered by idolaters, highlight the biblical themes of sin, idolatry, and the necessity of true repentance and atonement. The Scriptures consistently call for a return to the worship of the one true God, rejecting the false practices of idolatry and embracing the redemptive work of Christ.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 6:3,8,17,18
And they said, If you send away the ark of the God of Israel, send it not empty; but in any wise return him a trespass offering: then you shall be healed, and it shall be known to you why his hand is not removed from you.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Manner of Covenanting.
... "If any man trespass against his ... which offered burnt-offerings, and sacrificed
peace-offerings of oxen ... 154] And now, though oblation is no more offered in the ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter ii manner of covenanting.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... Arnon the Jebusite; whereabout Abraham offered up Isaac ... east, to prevent false worship,
and detect idolaters. ... which they boiled the trespass-offerings, and in ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

Nature of Covenanting.
... to God, and also what in this is spontaneously offered or promised. ... "I will go into
thy house with burnt-offerings; I will pay ... "If any man trespass against his ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter i nature of covenanting.htm