Leviticus 7:1

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

Study Bible

Now this is the law
The phrase "Now this is the law" introduces a specific set of divine instructions given to the Israelites. The Hebrew word for "law" here is "תּוֹרָה" (torah), which means instruction or teaching. In the context of Leviticus, it refers to the detailed guidelines God provided to Moses for the Israelites' worship and sacrificial system. This underscores the importance of divine order and obedience in the life of God's people. The law serves as a guide to holiness and a means to maintain a covenant relationship with God.

of the guilt offering
The "guilt offering," or "אָשָׁם" (asham) in Hebrew, is a specific type of sacrifice. It is distinct from other offerings because it addresses unintentional sins that require restitution. The guilt offering emphasizes the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement and reconciliation with God and others. Historically, this offering involved a ram without blemish, symbolizing the need for purity and the costliness of sin. It points forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who bore our guilt and provided the perfect atonement.

it is most holy
The phrase "it is most holy" highlights the sacredness of the guilt offering. The Hebrew term "קֹדֶשׁ קָדָשִׁים" (qodesh qadashim) translates to "most holy," indicating the highest level of sanctity. This designation means that the offering is set apart for God and must be handled with utmost reverence and care. In the broader scriptural context, this holiness reflects God's own nature and His call for His people to be holy. It serves as a reminder of the reverence due to God and the seriousness with which His commands should be approached.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The prophet and leader of the Israelites who received the laws from God on Mount Sinai.

2. Aaron and His Sons
The priests who were responsible for performing the sacrifices and offerings as outlined in the Levitical laws.

3. The Tabernacle
The portable sanctuary where the Israelites worshiped God and where the offerings were made.

4. The Israelites
The chosen people of God who were given the laws to follow as part of their covenant relationship with Him.

5. The Guilt Offering
A specific type of offering made to atone for certain sins, particularly those involving desecration of holy things or unintentional sins against God's commandments.

Teaching Points

Understanding Holiness
The guilt offering is described as "most holy," emphasizing the sacredness of atonement and the seriousness of sin. Believers are called to recognize the holiness of God and the gravity of sin in their lives.

Restitution and Repentance
The guilt offering involved making restitution for wrongs committed. This teaches the importance of not only seeking forgiveness but also making amends where possible.

Foreshadowing Christ
The guilt offering points to Jesus Christ, the ultimate sacrifice for sin. Understanding this connection deepens our appreciation for His atoning work on the cross.

Living in Obedience
The detailed laws of offerings remind us of the importance of living in obedience to God's commands, reflecting a heart that seeks to honor Him.

Community and Accountability
The communal aspect of the offerings highlights the role of community in spiritual growth and accountability, encouraging believers to support one another in their walk with God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of the guilt offering in Leviticus 7:1 help us understand the nature of sin and its consequences?

2. In what ways does the guilt offering foreshadow the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and how does this enhance our understanding of His work on the cross?

3. What practical steps can we take to make restitution for wrongs we have committed, in light of the principles found in the guilt offering?

4. How can we cultivate a deeper sense of God's holiness in our daily lives, as reflected in the description of the guilt offering as "most holy"?

5. How does the communal aspect of the offerings in Leviticus encourage us to engage with our church community in matters of accountability and spiritual growth?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 5:14-19
Provides further details on the guilt offering, including the types of sins it covers and the process for making restitution.

Isaiah 53:10
Refers to the suffering servant as a guilt offering, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment of this offering in Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 10:1-18
Discusses how the sacrifices of the Old Testament, including the guilt offering, were a shadow of the perfect sacrifice of Jesus.

1 John 1:9
Emphasizes the importance of confession and forgiveness, which is foundational to the concept of the guilt offering.

Romans 3:23-25
Highlights the universality of sin and the provision of atonement through Jesus, connecting to the purpose of the guilt offering.