Levitico 5:12 Commento

This chapter, and part of the next, concern the trespass-offering. The difference between this and the sin-offering lay not so much in the sacrifices themselves, and the management of them, as in the occasions of the offering of them. They were both intended to make atonement for sin; but the former was more general, this applied to some particular instances. Observe what is here said, I. Concerning the trespass. If a man sin, 1. In concealing his knowledge, when he is adjured (Lev 5:1). 2. In touching an unclean thing (Lev 5:2, Lev 5:3). 3. In swearing (Lev 5:4). 4. In embezzling the holy things (Lev 5:14-16). 5. In any sin of infirmity (Lev 5:17-19). Some other cases there are, in which these offerings were to be offered (Lev 6:2-4; Lev 14:12; Lev 19:21; Num 6:12). II. Concerning the trespass-offerings, 1. Of the flock (Lev 5:5, Lev 5:6). 2. Of fowls (Lev 5:7-10). 3. Of flour (Lev 5:11-13; but chiefly a ram without blemish (Lev 5:15, etc.).

INTRODUCTION TO LEVITICUS 5 This chapter treats of the trespass offering, points at the sins for which it was to be made, and the matter of it; it was for secret sins, and sins of ignorance, such as refusing to bear witness in a known case, Lev 5:1 touching unclean things and false swearing, Lev 5:2 the things directed to in such cases are confession, Lev 5:5 sacrifice of a lamb, or kid of the goats, Lev 5:6 and in case of poverty, two turtle doves, or two young pigeons; concerning the offering of which instructions are given, Lev 5:7 and if not able to bring them, then a meat offering of fine flour, about which rules are laid down, Lev 5:11 and for sins committed through ignorance in holy things or sacrileges, the sacrifice of a ram is enjoined, and satisfaction ordered to be made for the injury done in the holy thing, by adding a fifth part to it, Lev 5:14 and for sins committed ignorantly against negative precepts, only a ram is appointed for the trespass offering, Lev 5:17.

Then shall he bring it to the priest,.... The flour just as it was, not kneaded and made into a cake, as appears by what follows: and the priest shall take his handful of it; as much of the flour as he could hold in one hand: even a memorial thereof; to bring to mind his sin, and the goodness of God in admitting of an offering for it, and forgiving it upon that: and burn it on the altar, according to the offerings made by fire unto the Lord; in the same manner as other burnt offerings were made: it is a sin offering; or an expiatory sacrifice for sin.

Concerning witnesses who, being adjured, refuse to tell the truth, Lev 5:1. Of those who contract defilement by touching unclean things or persons, Lev 5:2, Lev 5:3. Of those who bind themselves by vows or oaths, and do not fulfill them, Lev 5:4, Lev 5:5. The trespass-offering prescribed in such cases, a lamb or a kid, Lev 5:6; a turtle-dove or two young pigeons, Lev 5:7-10; or an ephah of fine flour with oil and frankincense, Lev 5:11-13. Other laws relative to trespasses, through ignorance in holy things, Lev 5:14-16. Of trespasses in things unknown, Lev 5:17-19.

TRESPASS OFFERINGS FOR CONCEALING KNOWLEDGE. (Lev 5:1) if a soul . . . hear the voice of swearing--or, according to some, "the words of adjuration." A proclamation was issued calling any one who could give information, to come before the court and bear testimony to the guilt of a criminal; and the manner in which witnesses were interrogated in the Jewish courts of justice was not by swearing them directly, but adjuring them by reading the words of an oath: "the voice of swearing." The offense, then, for the expiation of which this law provides, was that of a person who neglected or avoided the opportunity of lodging the information which it was in his power to communicate.