Leviticus 4

2 through ignorance. Or, “unwittingly” (R.V.). As distinguished from sins of presumption (Numb. xv. 22, 28), that is, deliberately and wilfully committed. The phrase allows us to include sins of thoughtlessness, and urgent or plausible temptation, as well as of absolute ignorance. The penalty was proportioned to the position of the offender. It fell most heavily upon the high priest, whose victim was to be as costly as that of the whole congregation; and was, like that, to be offered with the peculiar solemnity of the sevenfold sprinkling, and to be wholly consumed outside the camp, as if he required a new consecration.

3 according to the sin of the people. Rather, “to the guilt of the people,” for sin committed by the priest in his office, as their representative, brought guilt on them.

6 seven times. Seven, regarded as a perfect number, was used to express a perfect and complete action.

12 shall he carry forth. Or, “one shall carry forth.” The thought is that the sacrifice, having sin transferred to it, has become abominable in God’s sight, and is therefore removed beyond the sacred precincts (cp. Heb. xiii. 11).

13 are guilty. Or, “are suffering the penalty”; and so in ver. 22. In Psa. xxiv. 22, and Isa. xxiv. 6, the same word is rendered “are desolate.”

28 a female. As being less costly than a ruler’s sin-offering (ver. 23).