In the Mosaic Law, the concept of atonement is central to maintaining a right relationship between the Israelites and God. Atonement involves making amends for sin or wrongdoing, often through prescribed sacrifices and offerings. One specific situation addressed in the Law is the withholding of evidence, which is considered a sin requiring atonement.

Biblical Context

The requirement for atonement in cases of withholding evidence is found in the Book of Leviticus, which outlines various laws and regulations for the Israelites. Leviticus 5:1 states: "If someone sins because he does not testify when he has heard a public charge to testify regarding something he has seen or learned about, he shall bear the iniquity."

This verse highlights the responsibility of individuals to testify truthfully when they have knowledge of a matter under investigation. Failing to do so is considered a sin, as it obstructs justice and truth, which are foundational to the community's covenant relationship with God.

Atonement Process

The process for atonement in such cases involves specific offerings. Leviticus 5:5-6 provides guidance: "If someone incurs guilt in one of these ways, he must confess the sin he has committed, and he must bring his guilt offering to the LORD for the sin he has committed: a female lamb or goat from the flock as a sin offering. And the priest shall make atonement for him for his sin."

The prescribed offering is a female lamb or goat, symbolizing the individual's repentance and desire for reconciliation with God. The act of confession is crucial, as it acknowledges the wrongdoing and initiates the process of forgiveness.

The Role of the Priest

The priest plays a vital role in the atonement process. As an intermediary between the people and God, the priest is responsible for offering the sacrifice on behalf of the individual. Leviticus 5:10 further explains: "The priest will then make atonement on his behalf for the sin he has committed, and he will be forgiven."

Through the priest's actions, the individual is granted forgiveness, restoring their standing within the community and their relationship with God. This underscores the importance of the priesthood in the sacrificial system and the communal aspect of atonement.

Theological Implications

The requirement for atonement in cases of withholding evidence reflects the broader biblical principle of truthfulness and justice. In the conservative Christian tradition, this is seen as an early indication of God's desire for His people to live in integrity and righteousness. The sacrificial system, while specific to the Old Covenant, points to the ultimate atonement provided through Jesus Christ, who fulfills the Law and offers a once-for-all sacrifice for sin.

By addressing the sin of withholding evidence, the Mosaic Law emphasizes the importance of truth and accountability within the community. It serves as a reminder of the moral and ethical standards expected of God's people and the provision of atonement as a means of restoring fellowship with Him.Leviticus 5:1,6
And if a soul sin, and hear the voice of swearing, and is a witness, whether he has seen or known of it; if he do not utter it, then he shall bear his iniquity.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Faith and Unbelief.
... It appropriates his atonement, and his resurrection, and his ... is a result of faith
by a law of necessity ... in Christ, and rests in profound peace under the shadow ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxxv faith and unbelief.htm

The Mission of Paul and Silas to Macedonia.
... and to submit to the gentle law, of Jesus ... of the human mind, pointed out an atonement
in which ... show the unhappy persons to have been under demoniacal influence ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xvii the mission of.htm

Covenant Duties.
... The atonement and intercession of Christ lie at the foundation of the sinner's hope ...
Civil constitutions not framed according to his law, nor under the care ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter iv covenant duties.htm

Review
... dealt with by the Law; but the Law "should not ... according to the Scriptures, and making
atonement (cf. ... statement be complex, by being distributed under two heads ...
//christianbookshelf.org/burgon/inspiration and interpretation/review.htm

The Excuses of Sinners Condemn God
... Do you mean that Christ has made no atonement for you? ... 1. No sinner under the light
of the Gospel lives a ... It seems to be a law of man's intelligent nature that ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/v the excuses of sinners.htm

The Last Events in Galilee - the Tribute-Money, the Dispute by the ...
... of the leaders of the insurrection under Judas of ... In fact, according to Jewish criminal
law, punishment could not ... and that on the Day of Atonement - the reason ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iii the last events.htm

According to which principle or hypothesis all the objections ...
... is said to be pressed as a cart under sheaves, and ... anyways to lessen or derogate
from the atonement and sacrifice ... one to believe it as it is offered unto them ...
/.../proposition vi according to which.htm

What are the main arguments against limited atonement? | GotQuestions.org

Limited 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