Definition: And the priest shall burn them upon the altar [for] an offering made by fire unto the LORD: it [is] a trespass offering.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Leviticus 7:5. It’s a really important and somewhat complex verse that deals with how to offer sacrifices to God in a way that shows reverence and acknowledges our relationship with Him. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about offering something specifically dedicated to God – it's not just any ordinary offering, but one meant to show deep respect and acknowledge God's power. It’s a "trespass offering." Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And the priest shall burn them upon the altar [for] an offering made by fire unto the LORD:” This tells us who is doing this. A priest – someone specifically trained and authorized to offer sacrifices. The “fire” part is key. It’s not a casual offering; it's a ritualistic one. “it [is] a trespass offering.” This is the most important part. "Trespass" means something is done against God or something that breaks His rules. This verse says that this specific offering is not a normal, acceptable offering. It’s a way of showing our deep respect and acknowledging God's holiness. What does it mean to offer something "trespassant"? It means we are demonstrating a serious level of devotion and recognizing the seriousness of the relationship with God. We’re saying, “I’m bowing down to you, and I understand that you are powerful and deserve respect.” It's acknowledging our dependence on God. Why did this happen in the Old Testament? This practice was established during a time when Israel wasn’t fully trusting in God. They were often prone to idolatry – worshipping other things instead of focusing on the one true God. Offering a "trespass offering" served as a reminder that they needed to turn back to God and seek His guidance. It was a way to show their commitment and willingness to be humbled before Him. In short, this verse is a significant part of Jewish tradition about how to connect with God through dedicated rituals. It's about demonstrating our reverence and acknowledging the divine power of God. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Leviticus 7? Discuss the significance of this verse in relation to other parts of Jewish law? Give a more detailed example of what a "trespass offering" might look like?