Lev 4:27-35 | MHM | STEP | Leviticus 4:27: Sin-Offering for a Common Person This passage gives the rules for when an ordinary person in Israel sins by mistake. The offering for a common person is similar to that for a ruler, but there are some differences in what animal is offered. God cares about the sins of everyone, not just leaders or priests. He welcomes all people, rich or poor, to come to Him for forgiveness through sacrifice. v. 27 : If any regular person sins by ignorance, he must bring a sin-offering ( v. 27 ). Common people might not know God’s laws as well as leaders do (Jeremiah 5:4 ), but even sins done by mistake need atonement. Just saying, "I did not know," is not enough; everyone needs the forgiveness that comes through Christ. We should all pray, like David, to be cleansed from hidden faults (Psalm 19:12 ).

‏ Leviticus 4:27-35

Leviticus 4:27: Sin-Offering for a Common Person

This passage gives the rules for when an ordinary person in Israel sins by mistake. The offering for a common person is similar to that for a ruler, but there are some differences in what animal is offered. God cares about the sins of everyone, not just leaders or priests. He welcomes all people, rich or poor, to come to Him for forgiveness through sacrifice.

v. 27: If any regular person sins by ignorance, he must bring a sin-offering (v. 27 ^a). Common people might not know God’s laws as well as leaders do (Jeremiah 5:4 ^b), but even sins done by mistake need atonement. Just saying, "I did not know," is not enough; everyone needs the forgiveness that comes through Christ. We should all pray, like David, to be cleansed from hidden faults (Psalm 19:12 ^c).

v. 28-29: The ordinary person could bring either a female goat or a female lamb as an offering. This is different from the ruler, who had to bring a male goat. The rest of the process is the same as for other sin-offerings. God’s justice sees every person, no matter how unknown or poor.

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v. 31, 35: God accepts the sin-offering from a common person and promises forgiveness (v. 31, 35 ^d). Both rich and poor are welcome to receive forgiveness through sacrifice. Everyone comes to God on the same terms (Job 34:19 ^e).

General lessons: All these laws teach us to hate sin and be careful to avoid it. It is a serious matter if so many innocent animals must die to make atonement for sin. We should value Jesus Christ, who is the true and perfect sin-offering. His blood can take away all sins, unlike the blood of animals. If anyone sins, Christ is the sacrifice and the one who brings forgiveness for everyone, Jews and Gentiles (1 John 2:1-2 ^f). When Jesus prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do," He was showing the same mercy for sins of ignorance.