Definition: And the priest shall make an atonement for him as touching his sin that he hath sinned in one of these, and it shall be forgiven him: and [the remnant] shall be the priestâs, as a meat offering.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 5:13. It’s a really important passage about how to deal with serious offenses – specifically, betrayals of trust and breaking God’s laws. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a process for forgiving someone who has broken a significant rule, like a betrayal or a serious transgression against God's law. It’s about making amends and restoring a relationship through sacrifice. Let’s break it down piece by piece: “And the priest shall make an atonement for him as touching his sin…” – This means the priest is going to be responsible for offering a sacrifice to make things right with God. It's like a formal apology and a way to show remorse. “…that he hath sinned in one of these, and it shall be forgiven him:” - This is key! The priest needs to identify what sin the person committed. It’s not enough for just saying "I messed up." He has to pinpoint exactly which transgression – like a theft, a lie, or breaking a sacred trust – that caused the problem. “and [the remnant] shall be the priestâs, as a meat offering.” - This is where it gets really interesting. The priest isn’t just making a standard apology. Instead, because of this specific sin, the priest is designated to offer a “meat offering” – a symbolic sacrifice. This means they are meant to represent God's forgiveness and restoration. In simpler terms: When someone breaks a sacred trust or commits a serious offense, the priest offers a special sacrifice to show that God accepts their remorse and is willing to forgive them. It’s a way for God to restore a broken relationship and begin a new cycle of righteousness. Why is this important? This concept has historical roots in the Old Testament, especially when dealing with ritual offenses like murder or theft. It highlights the idea that even serious mistakes deserve a formal acknowledgment and a chance for restoration through sacrifice. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Leviticus 5:13? Discuss the historical context of this verse? Compare it to other similar concepts in the Bible?