Topical Bible: Trespass offering: Generally Accompanied by Restitution

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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, particularly in the book of Leviticus. This offering was instituted by God as a means for the Israelites to atone for specific transgressions, especially those involving the violation of God's holy things or the rights of others. The trespass offering underscores the importance of restitution and the restoration of relationships, both with God and with fellow humans.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural basis for the trespass offering is found in Leviticus 5:14-6:7. The Berean Standard Bible provides a clear depiction of the requirements and purpose of this offering:

"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, adding a fifth of the value to it, and give it to the priest. Then the priest will make atonement on his behalf with the ram as a guilt offering, and he will be forgiven." (Leviticus 5:15-16)

Nature and Purpose

The trespass offering was distinct from other offerings, such as the sin offering, in that it specifically addressed sins that involved a breach of trust or a violation of the sanctity of God's commands. It was required when an individual committed an offense against the "holy things" of the LORD, such as failing to give tithes or offerings, or when one wronged another person through deceit or theft.

The offering required the presentation of an unblemished ram, symbolizing the need for purity and perfection in the atonement process. The offender was also required to make restitution, which involved compensating the wronged party by returning what was taken or damaged, plus an additional fifth of its value. This act of restitution was crucial, as it demonstrated genuine repentance and a desire to restore what had been broken.

Theological Significance

The trespass offering highlights several key theological principles. First, it emphasizes the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin. Any violation of God's commands, whether intentional or unintentional, required atonement and restitution. This reflects the biblical understanding that sin disrupts the divine order and must be addressed to restore harmony.

Second, the requirement of restitution underscores the importance of justice and reconciliation in the biblical worldview. The offender was not only to seek forgiveness from God but also to make amends with those they had wronged. This dual aspect of atonement and restitution illustrates the comprehensive nature of repentance, which involves both a change of heart and tangible actions to rectify wrongs.

Practical Implications

For the Israelites, the trespass offering served as a constant reminder of their covenant relationship with God and their responsibility to uphold His laws. It reinforced the idea that sin has consequences and that true repentance involves both seeking God's forgiveness and making things right with others.

In a broader sense, the principles underlying the trespass offering continue to resonate within the Christian faith. While the sacrificial system has been fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the call to repentance, restitution, and reconciliation remains central to Christian ethics. Believers are encouraged to live lives marked by integrity, seeking to restore relationships and uphold justice in their interactions with others.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 5:16
And he shall make amends for the harm that he has done in the holy thing, and shall add the fifth part thereto, and give it to the priest: and the priest shall make an atonement for him with the ram of the trespass offering, and it shall be forgiven him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 6:5
Or all that about which he has sworn falsely; he shall even restore it in the principal, and shall add the fifth part more thereto, and give it to him to whom it appertains, in the day of his trespass offering.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

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... CHR. But will it not be counted a trespass against the Lord of the city whither
we are bound, thus to violate His revealed will? FORM. and HYP. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm