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We learn from the special provision made for the "sin in ignorance" of "the whole congregation of Israel " -

I. THAT, THOUGH GOD DEALS PRIMARILY WITH INDIVIDUAL SOULS, HE HAS DIRECT RELATIONS WITH COMMUNITIES. Ordinarily, constantly, God comes to the individual soul, and says, "Thou shalt" or "Thou shalt not;" "My Son," do this and live, etc. But he has his Divine dealings with societies, with secular and sacred communities also; with

(1) nations,

(2) Churches,

(3) families.

II. THAT COMMUNITIES, AS SUCH, MAY INCUR HIS CONDEMNATION. A "whole congregation," an entire people, may sin (verse 13).

1. The nation: witness the Jewish people, again and again denounced and punished.

2. The Church: witness the Churches of Galatia (Epistle to Galatians), the Churches of Asia Minor (Revelation 2:3).

3. The family.

III. THAT THIS GUILT MAY BE CONTRACTED UNCONSCIOUSLY. "The thing be hid from the eyes of the assembly" (verse 13).

1. The Jewish nation, "through ignorance, killed the Prince of Life" (Acts 3:15, 17). Under some of the better and worthier emperors as well as under the viler, Rome martyred the Christians, thinking them injurious to that human race which they were regenerating.

2. The Church of Christ has unconsciously fallen, at different times and places into

(1) error,

(2) laxity of conduct,

(3) un-spirituality in worship and life,

(4) inactivity.

3. Families fall into

(1) undevoutness of habit;

(2) unneighbourliness and inconsiderateness;

(3) ungraciousness of tone, and unkindness of behaviour in the home circle.

IV. THAT RECOGNITION OF WRONG MUST BE IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWED BY PENITENCE AND FAITH. When "the sin was known," the congregation was to "offer a young bullock," etc. (verse 14). Let every nation, Church, society, family:

1. Remember that it is fallible, and may fall unconsciously into sin.

2. Readily, and with open mind, receive expostulation and warning from others.

3. Upon conviction of wrong, resort in penitence and faith to the all-sufficient Sacrifice of which the sin offering was the type. - C.

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KJV: And if the whole congregation of Israel sin through ignorance, and the thing be hid from the eyes of the assembly, and they have done somewhat against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which should not be done, and are guilty;

WEB: "'If the whole congregation of Israel sins, and the thing is hidden from the eyes of the assembly, and they have done any of the things which Yahweh has commanded not to be done, and are guilty;