Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Leviticus 4: Different Stokes For Different Folks

Leviticus 4 details the procedure for sin offerings - when an individual or group errs unintentionally and breaks a commandment of God.  While a sacrifice is always required for such an act, the prescribed offering differs depending upon who sinned unintentionally.

For the chief priest, the animal to be offered is a bull (vs. 3).
When the whole congregation of Israel is at fault, a bull is also required (vs. 13-14).
If it is a ruler who sinned, a male goat is the animal to be sacrificed (vs 22-23).
If it is an ordinary Israelite, a a female goat (vs. 27-28) or a female sheep (vs. 32) is expected.
For the poor who cannot afford an animal from the flock, a pair of turtledoves or pigeons is acceptable (6:7)
The very poor who cannot afford birds may bring 1/10 of an ephah of choice flour (6:11)

Sin is sin, but the consequences may vary.

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