1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
2 If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the LORD, and lie unto his neighbour in that which was delivered him to keep, or in fellowship, or in a thing taken away by violence, or hath deceived his neighbour;
3 Or have found that which was lost, and lieth concerning it, and sweareth falsely; in any of all these that a man doeth, sinning therein:
4 Then it shall be, because he hath sinned, and is guilty, that he shall restore that which he took violently away, or the thing which he hath deceitfully gotten, or that which was delivered him to keep, or the lost thing which he found,
5 Or all that about which he hath sworn falsely; he shall even restore it in the principal, and shall add the fifth part more thereto, [and] give it unto him to whom it appertaineth, in the day of his trespass offering.
6 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:
7 And the priest shall make an atonement for him before the LORD: and it shall be forgiven him for any thing of all that he hath done in trespassing therein.
8 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
9 Command Aaron and his sons, saying, This [is] the law of the burnt offering: It [is] the burnt offering, because of the burning upon the altar all night unto the morning, and the fire of the altar shall be burning in it.
10 And the priest shall put on his linen garment, and his linen breeches shall he put upon his flesh, and take up the ashes which the fire hath consumed with the burnt offering on the altar, and he shall put them beside the altar.
11 And he shall put off his garments, and put on other garments, and carry forth the ashes without the camp unto a clean place.
12 And the fire upon the altar shall be burning in it; it shall not be put out: and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and lay the burnt offering in order upon it; and he shall burn thereon the fat of the peace offerings.
13 The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.
14 And this [is] the law of the meat offering: the sons of Aaron shall offer it before the LORD, before the altar.
15 And he shall take of it his handful, of the flour of the meat offering, and of the oil thereof, and all the frankincense which [is] upon the meat offering, and shall burn [it] upon the altar [for] a sweet savour, [even] the memorial of it, unto the LORD.
16 And the remainder thereof shall Aaron and his sons eat: with unleavened bread shall it be eaten in the holy place; in the court of the tabernacle of the congregation they shall eat it.
17 It shall not be baken with leaven. I have given it [unto them for] their portion of my offerings made by fire; it [is] most holy, as [is] the sin offering, and as the trespass offering.
18 All the males among the children of Aaron shall eat of it. [It shall be] a statute for ever in your generations concerning the offerings of the LORD made by fire: every one that toucheth them shall be holy.
19 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
20 This [is] the offering of Aaron and of his sons, which they shall offer unto the LORD in the day when he is anointed; the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a meat offering perpetual, half of it in the morning, and half thereof at night.
21 In a pan it shall be made with oil; [and when it is] baken, thou shalt bring it in: [and] the baken pieces of the meat offering shalt thou offer [for] a sweet savour unto the LORD.
22 And the priest of his sons that is anointed in his stead shall offer it: [it is] a statute for ever unto the LORD; it shall be wholly burnt.
23 For every meat offering for the priest shall be wholly burnt: it shall not be eaten.
24 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
25 Speak unto Aaron and to his sons, saying, This [is] the law of the sin offering: In the place where the burnt offering is killed shall the sin offering be killed before the LORD: it [is] most holy.
26 The priest that offereth it for sin shall eat it: in the holy place shall it be eaten, in the court of the tabernacle of the congregation.
27 Whatsoever shall touch the flesh thereof shall be holy: and when there is sprinkled of the blood thereof upon any garment, thou shalt wash that whereon it was sprinkled in the holy place.
28 But the earthen vessel wherein it is sodden shall be broken: and if it be sodden in a brasen pot, it shall be both scoured, and rinsed in water.
29 All the males among the priests shall eat thereof: it [is] most holy.
30 And no sin offering, whereof [any] of the blood is brought into the tabernacle of the congregation to reconcile [withal] in the holy [place], shall be eaten: it shall be burnt in the fire.
Overview of Leviticus Chapter 6
Leviticus Chapter 6 serves as a continuation of the laws regarding offerings and the proper conduct expected from the priests and the people of Israel. This chapter emphasizes the importance of integrity, accountability, and the sacredness of rituals associated with sacrifices.
Key Themes
- Restitution and Accountability: The chapter outlines the need for restitution in cases of wrongdoing, particularly when one has wronged another person or God.
- Sacrificial Offerings: It details the types of offerings that are to be made, including the guilt offering and the burnt offering.
- Priestly Conduct: The responsibilities of the priests in handling offerings and maintaining the sacred fire are emphasized.
Structure of the Chapter
- Verses 1-7: Guilt Offerings
This section discusses the circumstances under which a guilt offering is required. It highlights the importance of making restitution for wrongs committed against others, particularly when the wrong involves deceit or theft.
- Verses 8-13: The Burnt Offering
Here, the instructions for the burnt offering are given, emphasizing the need for the fire on the altar to be kept burning continuously. This symbolizes the ongoing relationship between God and His people.
- Verses 14-18: The Grain Offering
This section provides guidelines for the grain offering, including how it should be prepared and presented by the priests. It underscores the importance of purity in offerings.
- Verses 19-23: The Priestly Portion
Instructions are given regarding the portions of offerings that belong to the priests, highlighting their role in mediating between God and the people.
Detailed Analysis
Guilt Offerings (Verses 1-7)
In these verses, the chapter begins with a clear directive regarding the guilt offering, which is required when someone commits a sin against God or another person. The necessity of restitution is emphasized, indicating that one must not only seek forgiveness but also make amends for their actions. This reflects a broader principle of justice and accountability within the community.
Burnt Offering (Verses 8-13)
The burnt offering is a significant ritual that symbolizes total dedication to God. The command to keep the fire burning continuously on the altar represents the perpetual nature of worship and the need for ongoing devotion. This section reinforces the idea that worship is not a one-time act but a continuous lifestyle.
Grain Offering (Verses 14-18)
Grain offerings are presented as a means of expressing gratitude and devotion. The specific instructions regarding how these offerings should be prepared and presented highlight the importance of attention to detail and purity in worship practices. This reflects the belief that God deserves the best from His people.
Priestly Portion (Verses 19-23)
This final section addresses the portions of the offerings that are designated for the priests. It underscores the importance of the priestly role in the community and their need for sustenance from the offerings made by the people. This provision ensures that the priests can continue their sacred duties without distraction.
Conclusion
Leviticus Chapter 6 encapsulates essential principles regarding offerings, accountability, and the role of the priesthood. It emphasizes the need for integrity in relationships and the importance of maintaining a continuous relationship with God through worship and sacrifice. The chapter serves as a reminder of the sacredness of rituals and the expectations placed upon the community in their covenant relationship with God.
