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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.

Or if a soul touch any unclean thing,.... Meaning an Israelite, for only such were bound by this law, which pronounced a person unclean that touched anything that was so in a ceremonial sense; this is the general, including whatsoever by the law was unclean; the particulars follow: whether it be a carcass of an unclean beast, as the camel, the coney, the hare, and the swine, Lev 11:2. or a carcass of unclean cattle; as the horse, and the ass, which were unclean for food, and their dead carcasses not to be touched, Lev 11:26. or the carcass of unclean creeping things: such as are mentioned in Lev 11:29. and if it be hidden from him; that he has touched them; or the uncleanness contracted by touching, he having inadvertently done it; or being ignorant of the law concerning such uncleanness: he also shall be unclean; in a ceremonial sense, by thus touching them: and guilty; of a breach of the command which forbids the touching of them: this is by way of prolepsis or anticipation; for as yet the law concerning unclean beasts, and creeping things, and pollution by touching them, was not given: Jarchi and Gersom interpret this guilt, of eating of holy things, and going into the sanctuary when thus defiled: in the Jewish Misnah (w) it is said, the word "hidden" is twice used, to show that he is guilty, for the ignorance of uncleanness, and for the ignorance of the sanctuary. (w) Misn. Shebuot, c. 2. sect. 5.

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.

Any unclean thing - Either the dead body of a clean animal, or the living or dead carcass of any unclean creature. All such persons were to wash their clothes and themselves in clean water, and were considered as unclean till the evening, Lev 11:24-31. But if this had been neglected, they were obliged to bring a trespass-offering. What this meant, see in the notes on Leviticus 7 (note).

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.

TOUCHING ANY THING UNCLEAN. (Lev 5:2-3) if a soul touch any unclean thing--A person who, unknown to himself at the time, came in contact with any thing unclean, and either neglected the requisite ceremonies of purification or engaged in the services of religion while under the taint of ceremonial defilement, might be afterwards convinced that he had committed an offense.