👉 Wherefore have ye not eaten the sin offering in the holy place, seeing it [is] most holy, and [God] hath given it you to bear the iniquity of the congregation, to make atonement for them before the LORD?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 10:17. It’s a really important passage about God’s judgment and how He protects His people. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a very special offering that was made to symbolize God’s perfect righteousness and protection for his people. It’s like a "sacred gift" that was given specifically to be used to atone for the sins of the entire community. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Wherefore have ye not eaten the sin offering in the holy place?” – This is asking, “Why haven’t you consumed this special offering?” It’s a gentle way of saying, "You haven't been receiving its benefit." “[is] most holy…” – This is crucially important. It means that this offering was exceptionally pure and untouched by sin. It was made specifically for God’s purpose. “…and [God] hath given it you to bear the iniquity of the congregation, to make atonement for them before the LORD.” – This is the core of the verse. It means: “Bear the iniquity” : This refers to the sins of the entire community – all the wrongdoings and offenses that were happening. Think of it like a massive, collective stain. “…to make atonement for them before the LORD.” - This is the key part. God wants to heal these sins by using this offering. It's a way for God to forgive the people and restore their relationship with Him. It’s like a massive, symbolic forgiveness. In short: This verse describes a gift given to be used to cover up and atone for the sins of all Israelites. It highlights God’s absolute power over sin and His desire to protect his people through this special offering. Why is this important? This story is part of a larger pattern in the Old Testament that shows God's unwavering commitment to protecting his people from evil. It's a powerful reminder of God's holiness and His plan to restore and forgive. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail? (e.g., its context within the larger story?) Give another example from the Old Testament that uses this concept?