Definition: And he shall carry forth the bullock without the camp, and burn him as he burned the first bullock: it [is] a sin offering for the congregation.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Leviticus 4:21. It’s a pretty important and unusual rule about how animals were to be treated in the Old Testament. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a very specific ritual – burning an animal as a sacrifice – that was done when a person had committed a serious sin. It’s essentially a way for God to show his judgment and to remind people of the seriousness of their wrongdoings. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And he shall carry forth the bullock without the camp…” – This means the person who committed the sin was removing the animal from the group, leaving it alone in a place where it wouldn’t be seen or worshipped by others. It's like taking something important out of the community. “…and burn him as he burned the first bullock…” – This is the crucial part. The animal was being burned , just like the first bullock (a significant sacrifice) that had been offered to God in a special ceremony. It’s not just about burning it; it's about demonstrating the same seriousness of the offense. “it [is] a sin offering for the congregation.” – This is the key takeaway. Because of this act of burning, it was considered a sin offering to the people who gathered in the temple. It was a way for God to show that the person had broken a sacred law and was acknowledging their wrongdoing. What’s the point? Essentially, this verse is a reminder that transgressions are serious enough to warrant a specific action – burning an animal as a sign of repentance and judgment. It's a symbolic way for God to hold accountable those who have fallen short of his standards. In essence, it's a powerful message about the consequences of sin and the importance of acknowledging wrongdoing. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Give you an example of how this principle applies in real life (without going into detail)?