Definition: And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the LORD, a ram without blemish out of the flock, with thy estimation, for a trespass offering, unto the priest:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Leviticus 6:6. It’s a really important and somewhat surprising section of the Bible that deals with dealing with animal sacrifices after a major transgression. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a ritual to cleanse themselves of a serious offense – something so bad that it requires a special sacrifice to be forgiven by God. It’s about acknowledging wrongdoing and seeking forgiveness. Let’s unpack it word-by-word: “And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the LORD…” - This means "He will present his offering…to the Lord." "Trespass" is a key word here – it means something that violates God's law, and it was used in this context to describe a serious offense. “…a ram without blemish out of the flock…” - This is crucial. It’s not just any ram. The ram must be completely pure – free from blemishes or imperfections. It's being offered as a symbol of atonement. “with thy estimation, for a trespass offering, unto the priest:” - This is where it gets more detailed. "Estimation" means a precise measurement or assessment. The priest (a religious official) will use this measurement to determine the value and significance of the offering. It’s not just about how much it is, but what it represents. It's being offered as a way for God to see that the offender truly understands the seriousness of their mistake and wants to make amends. So, what does this all mean? Essentially, this verse says: “Because you have committed a serious offense, you must offer a pure ram – a perfect sacrifice – to the Lord to show your remorse and seek forgiveness.” It’s about acknowledging that wrongdoings are significant and requiring a ritualistic act to restore balance with God's law. Why was this done? This practice was established after a major incident where people offered sacrifices of animals, but they were tainted by human impurity or wrongdoing. This verse essentially marked the end of that cycle and provided a way for the Israelites to demonstrate their commitment to righteousness through repentance and offering. Important Note: It's a complex passage, and this explanation is simplified. The exact context and meaning have been debated among theologians throughout history. --- Would you like me to: Explain another part of Leviticus 6? Discuss the historical significance of this ritual? Answer any specific questions you might have about it?