Leviticus 5 Commentary
This chapter directly mentions an offering as a penalty for sin. This may seem like a human system of punishment to deter one from sin.
Yes and no. Yes, to the extent to which it shows us that the punishment is there.
No, because the sinner walks away free without suffering loss. Alternatives are available for the poorest sinner to pay for his sin. So really, a punishment that one can easily afford… and that is designed to be afforded by everyone is hardly a punishment!
We would wish traffic offenses were this flexible!
It points us to the cross, where everyone is afforded a chance to clear themselves of guilt and start afresh.
This chapter gives us more standards.
Withholding information that is useful in the process of justice is sinful. There is a procedure to clear oneself of guilt if a promise fails, including careless promises.
These are very high standards.
The highlight is that whether intentional or unintentional, sin remains sin. It must be confessed. It points to the seriousness of sin and how the LORD hates sin, regardless of how it comes—intentional or unintentional.
Ironically, this seriousness is not rivaled by the prescribed penalty. Isn’t the songwriter right to call all to come “as you are”?
The fact that all are encouraged to clean their records points to the willingness of the LORD to clean His people of all unrighteousness. The LORD Himself is righteousness defined.
“If anyone sins and does what is forbidden in any of the Lord’s commands, even though they do not know it, they are guilty and will be held responsible.” Verse 17.
We understand why Job “would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, ‘Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.'” Job 1.
It wouldn’t be a bad guess to think Job was motivated by this command!
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