The Guilt Offering, also known as the Trespass Offering, is a significant aspect of the sacrificial system outlined in the Old Testament, specifically within the Levitical laws. This offering is distinct from other sacrifices such as the Burnt Offering or the Sin Offering, as it addresses specific transgressions that require restitution. The primary scriptural references for the Guilt Offering are found in Leviticus 5:14–6:7 and Leviticus 7:1–7.

Purpose and Significance

The Guilt Offering was instituted to atone for unintentional sins that involved desecration of something holy or violations against others that required restitution. It underscores the seriousness of sin, even when committed unintentionally, and the necessity of making amends. The offering served both to restore the sinner's relationship with God and to rectify wrongs done to others.

Scriptural Instructions

Leviticus 5:15-16 states: "If someone acts unfaithfully and sins unintentionally against any of the LORD’s holy things, he must bring his guilt offering to the LORD: an unblemished ram from the flock, according to your valuation in silver shekels, based on the sanctuary shekel. He must make restitution for the holy thing in which he was remiss, adding a fifth of its value to it, and give it to the priest. Then the priest will make atonement on his behalf with the ram as a guilt offering, and he will be forgiven."

This passage highlights the dual requirement of the Guilt Offering: the sacrificial element and the restitution component. The sinner was required to bring an unblemished ram, symbolizing the need for purity and perfection in the offering. Additionally, the sinner had to compensate for the wrong done by adding a fifth of the value to the restitution, emphasizing the importance of justice and restoration.

Procedure

The procedure for the Guilt Offering involved several steps:

1. Selection of the Offering: The individual was to select an unblemished ram, which was a valuable and significant offering, reflecting the gravity of the sin.

2. Presentation to the Priest: The ram was brought to the priest, who acted as the mediator between the sinner and God.

3. Restitution: The sinner was required to make restitution for the wrong committed, adding a fifth of the value to the compensation. This restitution was given to the priest, who would then ensure it was used appropriately, either for the sanctuary or the wronged party.

4. Sacrificial Ritual: The priest would then perform the sacrificial ritual, which involved the slaughtering of the ram and the offering of its blood and fat on the altar. Leviticus 7:5-7 describes this process: "The priest shall burn them on the altar as an offering made by fire to the LORD; it is a guilt offering. Every male among the priests may eat it. It must be eaten in a holy place; it is most holy. The guilt offering is like the sin offering; the same law applies to both. It belongs to the priest who makes atonement with it."

Theological Implications

The Guilt Offering underscores the holiness of God and the seriousness with which He views sin. It reflects the need for atonement and reconciliation, both with God and with fellow humans. The requirement for restitution highlights the biblical principle of justice and the importance of making amends for wrongs committed. This offering points forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who provides complete atonement and reconciliation for all who believe in Him.