The trespass offering, also known as the guilt offering, is a significant aspect of the sacrificial system outlined in the Old Testament. It is primarily detailed in the Book of Leviticus and serves as a means of atonement for specific transgressions against God's commandments. One particular occasion for the trespass offering is the purification of Nazarites who had broken their vow.

The Nazarite Vow

The Nazarite vow is a special commitment made by individuals who dedicate themselves to God for a specific period. This vow is characterized by three main prohibitions: abstaining from wine and other fermented drinks, refraining from cutting one's hair, and avoiding contact with dead bodies (Numbers 6:1-8). The vow is a voluntary act of devotion, symbolizing a heightened state of holiness and separation unto the Lord.

Breaking the Nazarite Vow

If a Nazarite inadvertently breaks their vow, particularly by coming into contact with a dead body, they are required to undergo a purification process. This breach necessitates a trespass offering to atone for the unintentional sin and to restore the individual's consecrated status before God.

The Purification Process

The purification process for a Nazarite who has broken their vow is detailed in Numbers 6:9-12. The process involves several steps:

1. Shaving the Head: On the seventh day after becoming defiled, the Nazarite must shave their head, symbolizing the removal of the defilement and the beginning of a new period of consecration.

2. Offering Sacrifices: On the eighth day, the Nazarite is required to bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons to the priest at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. One bird is offered as a sin offering, and the other as a burnt offering, to make atonement for the sin of defilement.

3. Trespass Offering: In addition to the sin and burnt offerings, the Nazarite must present a male lamb a year old as a trespass offering. This offering serves to address the guilt associated with the breach of the vow and to restore the Nazarite's relationship with God.

4. Re-dedication: After the offerings are made, the Nazarite must reconsecrate their head and begin a new period of dedication to the Lord, equivalent to the original duration of the vow.

Scriptural Reference

The scriptural basis for the trespass offering in the context of a Nazarite who has broken their vow is found in Numbers 6:12 : "He must rededicate himself to the LORD for the same period of his vow, and he must bring a year-old male lamb as a guilt offering. The previous days do not count, because he became defiled during his vow."

Significance

The trespass offering underscores the seriousness of maintaining one's commitments to God and the provision of grace for restoration when those commitments are unintentionally broken. It highlights the holiness required of those who dedicate themselves to the Lord and the means by which they can be reconciled to Him. The offering serves as a reminder of the need for atonement and the importance of purity in the life of a believer.Numbers 6:12
And he shall consecrate to the LORD the days of his separation, and shall bring a lamb of the first year for a trespass offering: but the days that were before shall be lost, because his separation was defiled.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant.
... Not merely Abraham, who may have received special information from ... in general; the
sin and trespass offerings, which ... he should make his soul an offering for sin ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter vi covenanting provided for.htm

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