Leviticus 7:1

¶ Likewise this [is] the law of the trespass offering: it [is] most holy.

Likewise this is the law {H8451} of the trespass offering {H817}: it is most {H6944} holy {H6944}.

"'This is the law for the guilt offering: it is especially holy.

“Now this is the law of the guilt offering, which is most holy:

And this is the law of the trespass-offering: it is most holy.

Commentary

Leviticus 7:1 introduces the specific regulations for the trespass offering, also known as the guilt offering, highlighting its profound sacredness by declaring it "most holy." This verse marks a transition in the detailed instructions regarding the various sacrificial rituals in the Old Testament law.

Context of the Trespass Offering

This verse is part of a larger section in the book of Leviticus (chapters 1-7) that meticulously outlines the different types of offerings required by God for the Israelite community. The trespass offering is distinct from the sin offering, though both dealt with sin. While the sin offering typically addressed unintentional sins or sins against God's direct commands, the trespass offering (Hebrew: 'asham) specifically concerned offenses that involved a breach of trust, damage to another person's property or rights, or a desecration of holy things, often requiring restitution or compensation in addition to the sacrifice. This offering underscored the need for both atonement and rectification of wrongs committed within the community or against God's holy possessions.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Sacredness of Atonement: The declaration "it is most holy" (Hebrew: qodesh qodeshim, literally "holy of holies") signifies the supreme sanctity of this offering. It implies that the ritual and the animal sacrificed were set apart entirely for God, handled only by priests in the holiest areas, and were crucial for maintaining the covenant relationship between God and His people. This concept of holiness is central to Leviticus, as seen in Leviticus 11:44, "For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy."
  • God's Provision for Guilt and Restitution: The trespass offering provided a divine pathway for individuals to address specific transgressions that incurred guilt, particularly those involving financial or spiritual harm. It taught the Israelites that sin has consequences that must be addressed, both spiritually before God and practically before men (e.g., Numbers 5:7).
  • Anticipation of the Perfect Sacrifice: While these animal sacrifices provided temporary covering for sin, they pointed forward to the ultimate and perfect sacrifice. The strict requirements and "most holy" status of these offerings foreshadowed the sinless nature and supreme holiness of Jesus Christ, who became the perfect trespass offering, dealing with sin once and for all.

Practical Application

Leviticus 7:1 reminds us of the serious nature of sin, particularly those actions that cause harm or incur guilt. It highlights God's meticulous care in providing a means for reconciliation. For believers today, the intricate details of the trespass offering underscore the immense value and efficacy of Christ's atoning work on the cross. We no longer offer animal sacrifices because Christ's sacrifice was complete and sufficient, making us truly "most holy" in God's sight through Him. This verse encourages us to acknowledge our transgressions, seek forgiveness, and, where appropriate, make restitution, living in light of the perfect atonement we have in Jesus.

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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 5:14

    ¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

  • Leviticus 6:7

    And the priest shall make an atonement for him before the LORD: and it shall be forgiven him for any thing of all that he hath done in trespassing therein.

  • Leviticus 6:17

    It shall not be baken with leaven. I have given it [unto them for] their portion of my offerings made by fire; it [is] most holy, as [is] the sin offering, and as the trespass offering.

  • Leviticus 6:25

    Speak unto Aaron and to his sons, saying, This [is] the law of the sin offering: In the place where the burnt offering is killed shall the sin offering be killed before the LORD: it [is] most holy.

  • Leviticus 5:1

    ¶ And if a soul sin, and hear the voice of swearing, and [is] a witness, whether he hath seen or known [of it]; if he do not utter [it], then he shall bear his iniquity.

  • Leviticus 5:6

    And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the LORD for his sin which he hath sinned, a female from the flock, a lamb or a kid of the goats, for a sin offering; and the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his sin.

  • Numbers 6:12

    And he shall consecrate unto the LORD the days of his separation, and shall bring a lamb of the first year for a trespass offering: but the days that were before shall be lost, because his separation was defiled.
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