Definition: And the priest shall offer the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering, and make an atonement for him, for that he sinned by the dead, and shall hallow his head that same day.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 6:11. It’s a pretty complex passage, but here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a ritual sacrifice in ancient Israel to atone for someone who has committed a serious sin and is now dead. Think of it as a way to make things right after death. Let's look at the parts: “And the priest shall offer the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering…” – This means there are two different types of sacrifices: Sin Offering: This is offered to God to show remorse and repentance for the sins committed. It’s about acknowledging wrongdoing and asking for forgiveness. Burnt Offering: This is offered to God as a sign of atonement for the dead. It's a way to bring something back to life, even if it's not fully restored. “…and make an atonement for him, for that he sinned by the dead…” – This is the core of the verse. "Sinning by the dead" means the person has died and is now in a state where they don’t have a connection to God or can be truly forgiven. The priest needs to perform this atonement. “and shall hallow his head that same day.” – This is a crucial part. The priest would clean and sanctify the person's head – essentially, giving them a special honor and blessing. It’s like making them whole again in God’s eyes. In simpler terms: When someone dies without a connection to God or has committed a grave sin, the priest needs to perform a ritual sacrifice to make things right. The priest offers two types of sacrifices – one for remorse and one for atonement – to bring peace and forgiveness to the deceased. Finally, they’ll clean and honor the person's head as a sign of restoration and blessing. Why is this important? This story illustrates the importance of repentance, acknowledging wrongdoing, and seeking forgiveness in the face of death. It shows the covenant relationship between God and humanity, where sin demands consequence and requires redemption. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part of the verse in more detail? Connect this story to a larger biblical context (like the story of Noah)?