4:1-35
We now have a series of offerings headed “sin offerings”, and the ones in this chapter deal with unintentional sins. There are important similarities and differences between intentional and unintentional sins. The similarities are that they still have an effect. Someone may deliberately damage something belonging to me, or someone may unintentionally damage it. In both cases the item is damaged, whether or not it was a result of intentional or unintentional action. Likewise if we do something that offends the Lord, whether or not it was intentional, it still matters. However, there are also differences. If the action was deliberate then there is the attitude of the person towards the other one.
In some ways unintentional sins that we commit can be harder to deal with. For if I have sinned deliberately I know I have done wrong, and my attitude was wrong. The matter is very simple, I need to repent. But if I have sinned unintentionally then I did not have a wrong attitude, and it can seem less clear what I have to do about it. However, the Law makes provision for forgiveness of all sins, intentional and unintentional, and here we have instructions regarding unintentional sins which are just as detailed as those for deliberate sins. We can be confident that the cross has dealt with our unintentional sins and our intentional ones.
The rules deal with unintentional sins by various groups, starting with the anointed priest. So even the most “holy” man can sin unintentionally. Then we have the whole community, then leaders, followed by any individual. So all can sin unintentionally, and it matters in all cases, but all cases can be dealt with.
The text talks about when the person or community becomes aware of the sin. When we do become aware of an unintentional sin we should do something about it. It also talks about “an aroma pleasing to the Lord”, and “he will be forgiven”. Unintentional sins can be dealt with.
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