In the Old Testament, the concept of sacrifices is central to the relationship between God and His people. Among the various offerings prescribed in the Mosaic Law, the trespass offering, also known as the guilt offering, holds a significant place. This offering is particularly associated with atonement for specific transgressions, including intentional sins that involve a breach of trust or a violation of God's holy standards.

Trespass Offering in the Mosaic Law

The trespass offering is detailed primarily in the Book of Leviticus. It is distinct from the sin offering, although both serve the purpose of atonement. The trespass offering is specifically required when an individual commits a sin that involves some form of desecration or misappropriation of what is holy, or when a person wrongs another in a way that requires restitution.

Leviticus 5:14-19 outlines the requirements for the trespass offering: "Then the LORD said to Moses, '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 what he has failed to do regarding the holy things, add a fifth of the value to it, and give it all to the priest. The priest will then make atonement on his behalf with the ram as a guilt offering, and he will be forgiven.'"

Types of Trespass Offerings

1. Against the Holy Things: This involves sins committed against the sacred items or services dedicated to God. The offender must offer an unblemished ram and make restitution by adding a fifth of the value to the priest.

2. Against Others: When a person wrongs another, such as through theft or deceit, the trespass offering requires restitution to the wronged party, plus an additional fifth of the value. Leviticus 6:1-7 provides guidance: "If someone sins and acts unfaithfully against the LORD by deceiving his neighbor regarding a deposit or security, or through robbery or extortion, or finds what was lost and lies about it, swearing falsely—in any of these things that a man may do—once he has sinned and is guilty, he must return what he has stolen or taken by extortion, or the deposit entrusted to him, or the lost property he found, or anything else about which he has sworn falsely. He must make restitution in full, add a fifth of the value, and give it to the owner on the day he presents his guilt offering."

Purpose and Significance

The trespass offering underscores the seriousness of sin, particularly those that breach trust or involve sacred matters. It emphasizes the need for restitution and reconciliation, not only with God but also with fellow humans. The requirement of an unblemished ram signifies the need for purity and perfection in the atoning sacrifice, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law and provided the final atonement for sin.

The trespass offering serves as a reminder of the holiness of God and the moral and ethical standards He expects from His people. It highlights the importance of integrity, honesty, and the restoration of relationships, both divine and human. Through these offerings, the Israelites were taught the gravity of sin and the necessity of making amends, foreshadowing the redemptive work of Christ.Leviticus 6:1-7
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 7:1-7
Likewise this is the law of the trespass offering: it is most holy.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

part ii
... as by the mysterious act of Thine, offering Thyself through ... of the same Satan, only
in different tunes; and ... forgive the sins of those who trespass against you ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

part i
... heart and compels you to evil of various kinds. ... to yourself: "No, this seems quite
a different man from ... trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm

Will there be animal sacrifices during the millennial kingdom? | GotQuestions.org

What were the various sacrifices in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.org

Why did God require animal sacrifices in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.org

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