Leviticus 5:15

Leviticus 5:15 describes a specific scenario under the Old Testament law where an individual commits a "trespass" or "guilt" offering. This particular verse addresses unintentional sin ("sin through ignorance") against the sacred possessions or rights of the LORD, often involving a breach of trust concerning holy things.

Context

This verse is part of Leviticus chapters 4-6, which detail various sin offerings and trespass offerings required for atonement in ancient Israel. While Leviticus 4 deals with general unintentional sins that defile the individual, Leviticus 5:14-19 specifically focuses on the trespass offering (Hebrew: 'asham). This offering was required when a person had unintentionally wronged God, especially concerning holy things, tithes, or the property of the tabernacle/temple, or sometimes in cases where a wrong against a neighbor also involved a breach of God's law. The "holy things of the LORD" could refer to consecrated items, sacred dues, or anything dedicated to God's service. The offering specified is "a ram without blemish" along with a monetary estimation, signifying both the sacrifice and a component of restitution.

Key Themes

• God's Holiness and Justice: Even sins committed unknowingly or unintentionally still carry guilt before a perfectly holy God. This highlights the absolute standard of God's law and His demand for purity.
• The Seriousness of Sin: Ignorance does not negate the need for atonement. Sin, by its very nature, defiles and creates a breach in the covenant relationship, requiring a divine remedy.
• Provision for Atonement: God graciously provides a means for His people to be reconciled to Him even for hidden or unknown transgressions, demonstrating His mercy alongside His justice.
• Restitution and Value: The requirement of "thy estimation by shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary" indicates that the trespass offering often involved not just the sacrifice of an animal, but also a repayment of the value of what was wronged, plus an additional penalty (often a fifth, as seen in Leviticus 5:16 or Numbers 5:7). The "shekel of the sanctuary" ensured a consistent and honest valuation.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "trespass" here is ma'al (מַעַל), which carries the connotation of unfaithfulness, treachery, or sacrilege, often involving a breach of trust or an offense against something consecrated. It's more specific than a general sin (chatta't). The phrase "sin through ignorance" is bishgaga (בִּשְׁגָגָה), emphasizing that the act was unintentional or unwitting, not premeditated malice.

Practical Application

While the sacrificial system of the Old Testament has been fulfilled in Christ, the principles behind Leviticus 5:15 remain relevant. We learn that:

• Sin's Gravity: All sin, even that committed in ignorance, separates us from a holy God. We may not always be aware of how our actions or omissions fall short of God's perfect standard.
• God's Provision: Just as God provided a way for atonement for unintentional sins in the Old Testament, He has provided the ultimate and perfect sacrifice for all sin through Jesus Christ. Christ's death on the cross serves as the definitive atonement for all our sins, both known and unknown, intentional and unintentional.
• Respect for God's Things: This verse reminds us to have reverence for all that belongs to the LORD – His name, His Word, His church, our bodies (as temples of the Holy Spirit), and our resources. We should be diligent in handling spiritual matters and our stewardship.
• Confession and Forgiveness: We are encouraged to confess our sins, even those we may not specifically remember or realize, trusting in God's faithfulness to forgive us through Christ (1 John 1:9).