Leviticus 5

1 do not utter it. That is, if a person hear the judge utter an oath of adjuration requiring witnesses to come forward, and he be able to give testimony, and shall refuse or neglect to do so, he shall be guilty. Cp. Prov. xxix. 24.

3 hid from him. That is, hidden from him at the time, though it afterwards come to his knowledge.

4 if a soul swear. This law would tend to prevent inconsiderate oaths. A person might find that what he had sworn to do was either impossible or wrong. In such cases he would be guilty only of rashness in making an inconsiderate oath; which, however, as implying a vow made to God, required expiation. Pronouncing should rather be “speaking idly.” “If a soul swear rashly” (R.V.).

11 the tenth part of an ephah. About 3 3/4 pints. The expense was so small that poverty would not be a bar to any man’s pardon.

15 a trespass. The word “trespass,” as distinguished from “sin” (iv. 2), is probably intended to imply some fraud or positive injury, either in withholding what ought to have been offered to God, through carelessness (ver. 15) or through ignorance (ver. 17); or in defrauding a neighbour (vi. 1-7). Hence, full compensation and proportionate fine were required (ver. 16), as well as atonement. And the lesson was taught for all ages, that he who seeks a free forgiveness through Christ, must not neglect such restitution or reparation of his offences against God and man as may ever be within his power. See Matt. v. 23, 24; Luke xix. 8.—in the holy things. i.e., in withholding any of the appointed dues or offerings. See Mal. iii. 8.