Leviticus Study Notes - Sin Offering (4:1 through 5:13)

This passage covers the instructions given to the Israelite people
Laws for the priests concerning this offering are given in 6:24-30

This is for unintentional sins through neglect, not premeditated, defiant sins

Important: Also known as the purification offering (See 12:6-8). Purification as removal of moral sin as well as ritual uncleanness

Notice the wording of verse 1, indicating a transition from voluntary offerings. An Israelite guilty of sins covered by the sin and trespass (guilt) offering was condemned if he failed to offer these sacrifices

Burnt Offering: Request for forgiveness in general
Sin Offering: Request for forgiveness of a particular sin
Trespass Offering: Request for forgiveness of a particular kind of sin

Similar to our prayers, "Forgive me of my sins" (Burnt)
Recognizing we're guilty of specific sins (Sin or Trespass)

Chapter 4 gives us four categories of sinners and what they must offer to be forgiven
A good contrast to Numbers 15:27-31 which outlines defiant (open rebellion) sinning. "Cut off from among his people."

Notice the comparison to living in willful sin today: Hebrews 10:26-31
Ignorance is no excuse!

Verse 3 - First category of sinner: Anointed Priest
Had to give a bull, the largest and most expensive option

Verses 4-10 - Similar steps as for a burnt offering. Blood was used to make atonement in a series of ritual steps

Verses 11-12 - Different than any other sacrificial instructions in the book. The fat was burned but the rest had to be taken outside the camp and burned in a clean place. No priest could profit from the sacrifice. Also, the removal of the animal is symbolic that the sin has been removed from the camp
"Where the ashes are poured out" only occurs here

Verse 13 - 2nd category of sinner: Whole congregation
What kind of sin would this be? Possible it's a result of something a priest did, perhaps a violation of ceremonial laws

Look at verse 20: First time "forgiveness" is used in the book. Will be seen 10 times. Verses 26, 31, 35, 5:10, 13, 16, 18, 6:7, 19:22

Verses 22-26 - Category 3: A leader
Bring a goat. Notice the difference in animals. Why?
Unlike previous examples, no blood was taken inside the tabernacle (verse 25). Based on 6:24-30 the priests were allowed to eat the animals

Verses 27-31 - Category 4: Common people
A female goat
Same procedure as that for a leader in 22

Can also bring a lamb (32-35), same process

Ephesians 2:11-13, why did the process change?

Three cases requiring a sin offering:
1. Failing to act as a witness when he knew the truth
2. Touching something unclean and not realizing it
3. Careless oaths whether good or bad