Leviticus 7:5

And the priest shall burn them upon the altar [for] an offering made by fire unto the LORD: it [is] a trespass offering.

And the priest {H3548} shall burn {H6999} them upon the altar {H4196} for an offering made by fire {H801} unto the LORD {H3068}: it is a trespass offering {H817}.

The cohen will make them go up in smoke on the altar as an offering made by fire to ADONAI ; it is a guilt offering.

The priest shall burn them on the altar as an offering made by fire to the LORD; it is a guilt offering.

and the priest shall burn them upon the altar for an offering made by fire unto Jehovah: it is a trespass-offering.

Commentary

Leviticus 7:5 continues the detailed instructions regarding the trespass offering, also known as the guilt offering, within the elaborate sacrificial system of ancient Israel. This verse specifically describes the action of the priest in presenting the offering to the Lord.

Context of the Trespass Offering

Leviticus chapters 6 and 7 provide a deeper dive into the laws concerning various sacrifices, building upon the initial descriptions in chapters 1-5. The trespass offering (Hebrew: asham) was distinct from the sin offering, primarily dealing with specific offenses that required not only atonement but also restitution. These offenses often involved misappropriation of God's holy things or defrauding a neighbor, as detailed in Leviticus 5:15-16. The meticulous instructions underscored the seriousness of sin and the need for proper ceremonial cleansing and reconciliation with God and man.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Priestly Mediation: The verse highlights the indispensable role of the priest. It was the priest, acting as an intermediary, who performed the sacred rites, burning specific parts of the offering upon the altar, ensuring the sacrifice was acceptable to the Lord. This emphasizes the structured nature of worship and atonement in the Old Covenant.
  • Divine Acceptance: The phrase "an offering made by fire unto the LORD" signifies that the sacrifice was wholly dedicated to God and consumed by fire as a sweet savour. This act symbolized the ascent of the offering to God, indicating His acceptance of the atonement provided.
  • Specific Atonement: The declaration "it is a trespass offering" reiterates the specific purpose of this sacrifice. Unlike the general sin offering, the trespass offering addressed particular wrongs, often accompanied by the requirement of restitution plus an additional fifth part, emphasizing the importance of making amends and restoring what was taken or damaged.

Linguistic Insights

The term for "trespass offering" in Hebrew is asham (ืึธืฉึธืื), which carries the connotation of guilt and the necessity of making amends or restitution. It's not merely about sin, but about a specific wrong that incurred guilt and required compensation. The "offering made by fire" is from the Hebrew word ishsheh (ืึดืฉึถึผืื”), a general term for any offering consumed by fire, signifying its presentation and devotion to God.

Practical Application

While the Old Testament sacrificial system has been fulfilled in Christ, the principles behind the trespass offering remain relevant. This verse reminds us of:

  1. The Seriousness of Sin: God's detailed requirements for offerings underscore that sin, especially against God's holiness or against others, is not trivial.
  2. The Need for Atonement: Just as the trespass offering provided a means of dealing with specific guilt, believers today rely on the perfect and complete atonement provided by Jesus Christ, who bore our sins. He is our ultimate "trespass offering," making full restitution for our wrongs.
  3. The Importance of Restitution: The principle of making things right, where possible, is still vital. If we have wronged someone, genuine repentance often includes seeking to restore or make amends, mirroring the spirit of the asham. This echoes the teaching in Matthew 5:24 about reconciling with a brother before offering a gift to God.
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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 2:2

    And he shall bring it to Aaron's sons the priests: and he shall take thereout his handful of the flour thereof, and of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof; and the priest shall burn the memorial of it upon the altar, [to be] an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD:

  • Leviticus 2:16

    And the priest shall burn the memorial of it, [part] of the beaten corn thereof, and [part] of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof: [it is] an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

  • Leviticus 1:13

    But he shall wash the inwards and the legs with water: and the priest shall bring [it] all, and burn [it] upon the altar: it [is] a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

  • 1 Peter 4:1

    ยถ Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

  • 1 Peter 4:2

    That he no longer should live the rest of [his] time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

  • Leviticus 3:16

    And the priest shall burn them upon the altar: [it is] the food of the offering made by fire for a sweet savour: all the fat [is] the LORD'S.

  • Leviticus 1:9

    But his inwards and his legs shall he wash in water: and the priest shall burn all on the altar, [to be] a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.
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