Leviticus 4:3

"“Speak to the children of Israel, saying, ‘If anyone sins unintentionally, in any of the things which the LORD has commanded not to be done, and does any one of them,"

Key Reflection

Leviticus 4:3 outlines a significant ritual for unintentional sin among the Israelites. In this passage, God instructs Moses to convey to the people that if anyone sins by accident—meaning they break a commandment without intentional malice—they must offer a young bull as a sin offering. This practice underscores the importance of atonement and the divine provision for forgiveness even in moments of unintentional failure, reflecting the mercy and grace central to God's covenant with His people.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

The priest that is anointed -i. e. the high priest. (CompareLeviticus 8:12;Leviticus 21:10;Exodus 29:7). On the anointing of the other priests see the note atLeviticus 8:13. The graduation of the sin-offerings is remarkable. It might seem that the distinction addressed itself more pointedly to each individual according to his rank and consequent responsibility (seeLeviticus 4:32). According to the sin of the people -Rather, to bring guilt on the people. The whole nation is concerned in every transgression of its representative.

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