Leviticus 7:7

The guilt offering is like the sin offering; the same law applies to both. It belongs to the priest who makes atonement with it.

Study Bible

The guilt offering
The Hebrew term for "guilt offering" is "אָשָׁם" (asham), which signifies a sacrifice made for atonement of specific sins, particularly those involving desecration of holy things or unintentional transgressions against God's commandments. This offering underscores the gravity of sin and the necessity of restitution, reflecting God's justice and mercy. It serves as a reminder of the need for repentance and the provision of grace through sacrificial atonement, foreshadowing Christ's ultimate sacrifice.

is like the sin offering
The Hebrew word for "sin offering" is "חַטָּאת" (chatta'ath), which refers to a sacrifice made for purification from sin. The comparison between the guilt offering and the sin offering highlights their shared purpose in addressing sin and restoring the sinner's relationship with God. Both offerings emphasize the seriousness of sin and the need for divine forgiveness, pointing to the comprehensive nature of God's redemptive plan.

the same law applies to both
This phrase indicates that the regulations governing the guilt offering and the sin offering are identical, emphasizing the consistency and fairness of God's law. It reflects the principle that all sin, whether intentional or unintentional, requires atonement. This consistency in the law underscores God's unchanging nature and His desire for holiness among His people.

It belongs to the priest
The portion of the offering that belongs to the priest signifies the provision for those who serve in the temple, ensuring their sustenance as they fulfill their sacred duties. This allocation underscores the principle of supporting those who minister in spiritual matters, a concept echoed in the New Testament where Paul speaks of the right of those who preach the gospel to receive their living from the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:14).

who makes atonement with it
The act of making atonement involves the priest mediating between God and the people, symbolically transferring the sin of the individual to the sacrificial animal. This process highlights the role of the priest as an intercessor and points to the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who made atonement for humanity through His sacrificial death. The concept of atonement is central to the Christian faith, emphasizing reconciliation with God and the restoration of fellowship through the shedding of blood.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Priests
The priests are the descendants of Aaron, tasked with performing sacrifices and rituals in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. They serve as mediators between God and the people of Israel.

2. Guilt Offering
Also known as the trespass offering, this is a specific type of sacrifice in the Levitical system meant to atone for unintentional sins that require restitution.

3. Sin Offering
Another type of sacrifice, the sin offering is made to atone for sins committed unintentionally, emphasizing purification and forgiveness.

4. Atonement
A central theme in Leviticus, atonement refers to the reconciliation between God and humanity, achieved through the sacrificial system.

5. Tabernacle
The portable sanctuary where the Israelites worshiped God during their journey through the wilderness, serving as the central place for sacrifices and offerings.

Teaching Points

Understanding Atonement
The concept of atonement in Leviticus underscores the seriousness of sin and the need for reconciliation with God. It points to the ultimate atonement made by Jesus Christ.

Role of the Priesthood
The priests' role in making atonement highlights the importance of mediation in the relationship between God and humanity, fulfilled in Christ as our High Priest.

Equality of Sin and Guilt Offerings
The equivalence of the sin and guilt offerings in Leviticus 7:7 emphasizes that all sin requires atonement, and God's provision is sufficient for all types of transgressions.

Restitution and Repentance
The guilt offering involves restitution, teaching us the importance of making amends and seeking forgiveness in our relationships with others.

Christ as Fulfillment
The sacrificial system in Leviticus foreshadows Christ's ultimate sacrifice, encouraging believers to live in gratitude and obedience to Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 7:7 foreshadow the work of Jesus as our High Priest?

2. In what ways do the sin and guilt offerings in Leviticus highlight the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement?

3. How can understanding the concept of restitution in the guilt offering inform our approach to seeking forgiveness and making amends today?

4. What are some practical ways we can live in gratitude for Christ's ultimate sacrifice, as foreshadowed by the offerings in Leviticus?

5. How does the equivalence of the sin and guilt offerings in Leviticus 7:7 challenge our understanding of different types of sin and God's provision for forgiveness?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 4
This chapter provides detailed instructions on the sin offering, highlighting its role in atonement and purification, similar to the guilt offering.

Hebrews 9
This New Testament passage discusses the limitations of the Old Testament sacrificial system and points to Christ as the ultimate atonement for sin.

Isaiah 53
This prophetic chapter speaks of the Suffering Servant, whose sacrifice would fulfill the ultimate guilt offering for humanity's sins.