Topical Encyclopedia The Trespass Offering, also known as the Guilt Offering, is a significant aspect of the sacrificial system outlined in the Old Testament, specifically within the Levitical laws. This offering was instituted by God as a means for the Israelites to atone for specific transgressions, particularly those involving unintentional sins or violations against the holy things of the Lord and against one's neighbor. The Trespass Offering underscores the seriousness of sin and the necessity of restitution and reconciliation with God and others.Biblical Foundation The primary scriptural references for the Trespass Offering are found in the Book of Leviticus. Leviticus 5:14-19 and Leviticus 6:1-7 provide detailed instructions regarding the circumstances under which a Trespass Offering is required and the procedures for its execution. In Leviticus 5:15-16 , it is written: "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 what he has failed to do regarding the holy things, add a fifth of the value to it, and give it to the priest. Then the priest will make atonement on his behalf with the ram of the guilt offering, and he will be forgiven." Purpose and Procedure The Trespass Offering served a dual purpose: it was both a means of atonement for the sin committed and a mechanism for restitution. The offering required the presentation of an unblemished ram, symbolizing the need for purity and perfection in the sacrifice. The offender was also required to make restitution by repaying the value of what was wronged, plus an additional fifth, to the affected party or to the sanctuary. The priest played a crucial role in the process, acting as a mediator between the sinner and God. Upon receiving the offering and restitution, the priest would make atonement for the individual, thereby restoring their relationship with God and ensuring forgiveness. Types of Trespasses The Trespass Offering was specifically designated for certain types of transgressions: 1. Sins Against the Holy Things: This included any unintentional misuse or desecration of sacred items or offerings dedicated to God. The offering served to acknowledge the sanctity of God's possessions and the need for reverence. 2. Sins Against Others: As outlined in Leviticus 6:2-5 , this included deceit, robbery, or oppression against a neighbor. The offering emphasized the importance of justice and the restoration of relationships within the community. Theological Significance The Trespass Offering highlights the gravity of sin and the comprehensive nature of atonement required by God. It reflects the biblical principle that sin, even when unintentional, disrupts the divine order and necessitates a response that includes both spiritual and practical restitution. The offering foreshadows the ultimate atonement made by Jesus Christ, who, as the perfect sacrifice, fulfilled the requirements of the law and provided a means for complete reconciliation with God. In summary, the Trespass Offering is a profound expression of God's justice and mercy, illustrating the need for repentance, restitution, and the restoration of fellowship with the divine. Through this offering, the Israelites were reminded of the holiness of God and the seriousness with which He regards sin and reconciliation. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 5:6,10,13,16,18And he shall bring his trespass offering to the LORD for his sin which he has sinned, a female from the flock, a lamb or a kid of the goats, for a sin offering; and the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his sin. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 6:7 Leviticus 19:22 Library The Helpless State of the Sinner under Condemnation. Scriptural Types. Separation to God. An Unalterable Law Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant. A Spiritual Revival The New Covenant. Influences that Gave Rise to the Priestly Laws and Histories Godly Fear and Its Goodly Consequence The Story of the Baptist, from his Last Testimony to Jesus to his ... Resources What is the meaning of federal headship? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Pelagianism? | GotQuestions.org What is the difference between iniquity, sin, and transgression? | GotQuestions.org Trespass: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Trespass offering was a Most Holy offering Trespass offering was the Perquisites of the Priest Trespass offering: Accompanied by Confession Trespass offering: Atonement Made By Trespass offering: Being for Minor Offenses Was Lessened for the Poor, not So Trespass offering: Consisted of a Meat offering by the Very Poor Trespass offering: Consisted of a Ram Without Blemish Trespass offering: Consisted of a She Lamb or Kid Trespass offering: Consisted of Two Turtle Doves by Those Unable to Bring a Lamb Trespass offering: Esteemed As a Sin offering, and Frequently So Called Trespass offering: Generally Accompanied by Restitution Trespass offering: Illustrative of Christ Trespass offering: Sometimes Waved Alive Before the Lord Trespass offering: Special Occasions of offering for Connection With a Betrothed Bondmaid Trespass offering: Special Occasions of offering: Cleansing of a Leper Trespass offering: Special Occasions of offering: Purification of Nazarites Who had Broken Their Vow Trespass offering: Special Occasions of offering: Purification of Those With Issues Trespass offering: Special Occasions of offering: Purification of Women Trespass offering: To be offered for Any Sin of Ignorance Trespass offering: To be offered for Breach of Trust, or Fraud Trespass offering: To be offered for Concealing Knowledge of a Crime Trespass offering: To be offered for Involuntarily Touching Unclean Things Trespass offering: To be offered for Rash Swearing Trespass offering: To be offered for Sins of Ignorance in Holy Things Trespass offering: To be Slain where the Sin offering and Burnt offering Were Trespass: A Creditor Must not Enter a Debtor's House to Seize a Pledge Trespass: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms Trespass-offering (34 Occurrences) Guilt-offering (34 Occurrences) Treacherously (42 Occurrences) Wave-offering (22 Occurrences) Sin-offering (115 Occurrences) |