Topical Bible: Trespass offering: Consisted of a Meat offering by the Very Poor

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Trespass Offering, also known as the Guilt Offering, is a significant aspect of the sacrificial system outlined in the Old Testament, specifically within the Levitical laws. This offering was instituted to address specific transgressions against God's commandments, particularly those involving unintentional sins or sins of ignorance that required restitution. The Trespass Offering is distinct from the Sin Offering, as it often involved compensation for the wrong committed.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural references for the Trespass Offering are found in the Book of Leviticus. Leviticus 5:14-19 and Leviticus 6:1-7 provide detailed instructions regarding the circumstances and procedures for this offering. The offering was required when an individual committed a sin against the holy things of the LORD or against a neighbor, necessitating restitution.

Offering by the Very Poor

For those who were very poor and unable to afford the standard offering, the law provided a concession. While the typical Trespass Offering involved the sacrifice of a ram without blemish, the very poor were allowed to bring a less costly offering. Leviticus 5:11-13 states:

"But if he cannot afford two turtledoves or two young pigeons, he may bring as his offering for his sin a tenth of an ephah of fine flour as a sin offering. He must not put olive oil or frankincense on it, because it is a sin offering. He is to bring it to the priest, who shall take a handful as a memorial portion and burn it on the altar on top of the offerings made by fire to the LORD. It is a sin offering. In this way the priest will make atonement for him concerning the sin he has committed in any of these matters, and he will be forgiven. The rest of the offering will belong to the priest, like the grain offering."

This provision underscores the inclusivity of the sacrificial system, ensuring that even the poorest members of the community could seek atonement and maintain a right relationship with God.

Theological Significance

The Trespass Offering highlights the seriousness with which God views sin, even those committed unintentionally. It emphasizes the need for restitution and reconciliation, not only with God but also with those who have been wronged. The offering serves as a reminder of the holiness of God and the importance of maintaining purity and integrity in one's dealings.

Furthermore, the allowance for a less costly offering by the very poor reflects God's compassion and understanding of human circumstances. It illustrates the principle that atonement and forgiveness are accessible to all, regardless of economic status, and that God values the heart's intent over material wealth.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the concept of the Trespass Offering finds its ultimate fulfillment in the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ. As the perfect and final offering for sin, Christ's atonement covers all transgressions, rendering the Old Testament sacrificial system obsolete. Hebrews 10:12-14 states:

"But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God. Since that time, He waits for His enemies to be made a footstool for His feet, because by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified."

Through Christ, believers receive complete forgiveness and reconciliation with God, fulfilling the purpose and intent of the Trespass Offering in its entirety.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 5:11-13
But if he be not able to bring two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, then he that sinned shall bring for his offering the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a sin offering; he shall put no oil on it, neither shall he put any frankincense thereon: for it is a sin offering.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Scriptural Types.
... Its frame-work on three sides consisted of upright ... offerings of the people, the
trespass-offerings, and ... transactions connected with the offering of sacrifices ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvii scriptural types.htm

Godly Fear and Its Goodly Consequence
... circulated and read by all their children which consisted of the ... a king to his face
and commit trespass in his ... where is the lamb for a burnt offering?" It must ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/godly fear and its goodly.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... the shadow, nor have we but the very image; both ... it was it in which they boiled the
trespass-offerings, and in which they prepared the sin-offering for the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... sword in his bones,' 'tears his meat.' God's waves ... The poor women in Bedford, whose
conversation had been ... intelligent minister, whose history is very remarkable ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
... But still, the fulfillment of a desire like this is very different from the ... This,
too, is condemned by the eternal law, which allows meat and drink only as ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm