Topical Encyclopedia In the Mosaic Law, atonement is a central theme, primarily achieved through prescribed sacrifices and rituals. However, there are extraordinary cases where atonement is addressed in unique or exceptional circumstances, reflecting the depth and adaptability of God's provision for reconciliation with His people.1. The Atonement for Unintentional Sins (Leviticus 4-5): The Law provides specific instructions for atonement in cases of unintentional sins. Leviticus 4 outlines the offerings required for different individuals, from priests to common people, emphasizing the need for a sin offering. The Berean Standard Bible states, "If someone sins unintentionally in any of the LORD’s commandments that should not be done, and he does any one of them, then he shall offer a bull without blemish to the LORD as a sin offering" (Leviticus 4:2-3). This provision underscores God's grace in addressing human fallibility. 2. The Atonement for the High Priest and the People (Leviticus 16): The Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, is a significant event where the high priest makes atonement for himself and the entire nation. Leviticus 16 describes the elaborate rituals, including the sacrifice of a bull for the priest and a goat for the people. The BSB records, "He shall then slaughter the goat for the sin offering for the people and bring its blood behind the veil" (Leviticus 16:15). This extraordinary case highlights the communal aspect of atonement and the role of the high priest as a mediator. 3. Atonement for Unknown Sins (Numbers 15:22-29): The Law also addresses sins committed in ignorance. Numbers 15 provides a framework for atonement when the community or an individual sins unintentionally. The BSB notes, "The priest is to make atonement for the whole congregation of Israel, and they will be forgiven, because it was unintentional" (Numbers 15:25). This provision ensures that even unknown transgressions do not hinder the relationship between God and His people. 4. Atonement for the Gibeonites (2 Samuel 21:1-14): An extraordinary case of atonement occurs during King David's reign when a famine prompts him to seek the LORD. The famine is revealed to be due to Saul's breach of a covenant with the Gibeonites. To atone, David hands over seven of Saul's descendants to the Gibeonites, who execute them. This narrative, while complex and challenging, illustrates the seriousness of covenantal faithfulness and the lengths to which atonement may extend to restore divine favor. 5. Atonement for the Sin of Achan (Joshua 7): The sin of Achan, who took forbidden items during the conquest of Jericho, required an extraordinary act of atonement. The entire community suffered defeat until Achan's sin was addressed. Joshua 7 details the process of identifying and punishing Achan, culminating in his execution. This case underscores the communal impact of individual sin and the necessity of atonement to restore the nation's standing before God. 6. Atonement for the Census Sin (2 Samuel 24): King David's decision to conduct a census, motivated by pride, incurs God's wrath, resulting in a plague. David's subsequent repentance and the offering of sacrifices on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite bring atonement. The BSB recounts, "David built an altar to the LORD there and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. Then the LORD answered the prayers on behalf of the land, and the plague on Israel was halted" (2 Samuel 24:25). This incident highlights the role of repentance and sacrifice in achieving atonement. These extraordinary cases of atonement under the Law reveal the multifaceted nature of sin and reconciliation in the Old Testament. They demonstrate God's justice and mercy, providing a framework for understanding the necessity of atonement in maintaining a covenant relationship with Him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 32:30-34And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said to the people, You have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up to the LORD; peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sin. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 16:47 Numbers 25:10-13 Library An Unalterable Law The Council of Jerusalem. How Christ is the Way in General, "I am the Way. " Salvation of the Lord The Powers of Darkness Influences that Gave Rise to the Priestly Laws and Histories Confession and Penance. The Epistles of St. Paul The Epistle to the Hebrews The New-Birth Resources What are the main arguments against limited atonement? | GotQuestions.orgLimited atonement-is it biblical? | GotQuestions.org Is the atonement of Christ unlimited? | GotQuestions.org Atonement: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Atonement for Tabernacle and Furniture Atonement for Those Defiled by the Dead Atonement in Consummation of the Levites Atonement: Day of How Observed Atonement: Made by Animal Sacrifices Atonement: Made by Jesus with Context Atonement: Made by Jesus: A Mystery Atonement: Made by Jesus: Divinely Ordained Atonement: Made by Jesus: Made But Once Atonement: Made by Jesus: Redemption By Atonement: Made by Jesus: Typified Atonement: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To The Atonement: Acceptable to God The Atonement: Access to God By The Atonement: Commemorated in the Lord's Supper The Atonement: Effected by Christ Alone The Atonement: Exhibits The: Grace and Mercy of God The Atonement: Exhibits The: Love of Christ The Atonement: Exhibits The: Love of God The Atonement: Faith In, Indispensable The Atonement: Has Delivered Saints from The: Power of Sin The Atonement: Has Delivered Saints from The: Power of the Devil The Atonement: Has Delivered Saints from The: Power of the World The Atonement: Justification By The Atonement: Ministers should Fully Set Forth The Atonement: Reconciles the Justice and Mercy of God The Atonement: Reconciliation to God Effected By The Atonement: Remission of Sins By The Atonement: Saints Glorify God For The Atonement: Saints Praise God For The Atonement: Saints Rejoice in God For The Atonement: Sanctification By the Day of Atonement: A Day of Humiliation the Day of Atonement: Atonement Made On for the High Priest the Day of Atonement: Atonement Made On for the Holy Place the Day of Atonement: Atonement Made On for the Whole Congregation the Day of Atonement: Observed As a Sabbath the Day of Atonement: Offerings to be Made On the Day of Atonement: Punishment for not Observing the Day of Atonement: Tenth Day of Seventh Month the Day of Atonement: The High Priest Entered Into the Holy Place On the Day of Atonement: The Sins of the People Borne off by the Scapegoat On the Day of Atonement: Year of Jubilee Commenced On Under the Law Atonement by Priests Alone Under the Law Atonement: Extraordinary Cases of Under the Law Atonement: Made by Sacrifice Under the Law Atonement: Necessary For: Propitiating God Under the Law Atonement: Necessary For: Purifying Under the Law Atonement: Necessary For: Ransoming Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: Persons Sinning Ignorantly Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: Persons Sinning Wilfully Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: Persons Swearing Rashly Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: Persons Unclean Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: Persons Withholding Evidence Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: The Altar Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: The Congregation Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: The Healed Leper Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: The Holy Place Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: The Leprous House Healed Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: The Priests Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: Women After Childbirth Under the Law Atonement: Typical of Christ's Atonement Related Terms |
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