Overview:

Leviticus 6 continues the laws concerning the guilt offering but shifts focus to the sins of dishonesty, theft, and deceit, particularly those that harm others. The chapter begins by addressing specific cases of wrongdoing, such as fraud and misuse of entrusted property, which require restitution as part of the guilt offering. The second half of the chapter provides detailed instructions for the priests concerning the burnt offering, the grain offering, and the guilt offering. These instructions reinforce the sacredness of these offerings and emphasize the responsibilities of the priests in maintaining proper worship before the Lord.

Key themes in this chapter include accountability for sin, restitution, the priestly role in atonement, and the importance of honoring God’s holy commands. The chapter reveals God’s concern for both interpersonal relationships and the holiness of worship. Repeated instructions about offering sacrifices “without defect” and “before the Lord” highlight the necessity of purity and reverence in all aspects of worship. This chapter also foreshadows Christ’s role as both the perfect sacrifice and the mediator of the new covenant.

Historical and Literary Context:

Leviticus 6 is part of the broader Levitical code that governs both the moral and ceremonial life of Israel. The chapter is divided into two sections: the first addresses personal sin that involves harm to others, and the second focuses on the duties of the priests concerning the offerings. Moses, the traditional author of Leviticus, was receiving these laws from God as instructions for how Israel was to worship and live in community with one another.

This chapter highlights the continuity of God’s justice and holiness. The law of restitution in cases of theft or dishonesty is not just about returning what was wrongfully taken but also includes an additional penalty to ensure justice is upheld. The priestly instructions underscore the sacred responsibility of maintaining proper worship before a holy God.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points:

Accountability for Personal Sin:

The first part of Leviticus 6 addresses sins such as theft, fraud, and false oaths. These sins involve direct harm to others, and the guilty party is required to not only confess but also make restitution by paying back what was wrongfully taken, plus an additional fifth. This reflects the biblical principle that true repentance involves not just confession but also action to make things right (Luke 19:8).

Restitution and Atonement:

The requirement for restitution emphasizes that sin has real-world consequences that must be addressed. In addition to restoring what was taken, the sinner must also bring a guilt offering to atone for the offense. This dual requirement of restitution and sacrifice highlights God’s justice and mercy—while the sinner is required to make amends, God provides a way for forgiveness through atonement. This points forward to the work of Christ, who made full restitution for our sins and offered Himself as the final sacrifice (Colossians 2:13-14).

The Role of Priests in Atonement:

The second part of Leviticus 6 provides instructions for the priests concerning the burnt offering, grain offering, and guilt offering. The priests were responsible for maintaining the offerings, ensuring that the fire on the altar never went out and that the offerings were made according to God’s specific instructions. This reflects the mediating role of the priests in the Old Testament, which foreshadows Christ’s role as our great high priest (Hebrews 4:14-16).

Reverence in Worship:

The detailed instructions concerning the offerings emphasize the importance of purity, reverence, and obedience in worship. The repeated mention of keeping the fire burning on the altar (Leviticus 6:9, 12-13) symbolizes the continual devotion and vigilance required in approaching God. This is a reminder for believers today to approach God with reverence and holiness, as Hebrews 12:28-29 reminds us: “Let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.”

Verse-by-Verse Analysis:

Leviticus 6:1-5:

“The Lord said to Moses: ‘If anyone sins and is unfaithful to the Lord by deceiving a neighbor about something entrusted to them or left in their care or about something stolen, or if they cheat their neighbor, or if they find lost property and lie about it, or if they swear falsely about any such sin that people may commit—when they sin in any of these ways and realize their guilt, they must return what they have stolen or taken by extortion, or what was entrusted to them, or the lost property they found, or whatever it was they swore falsely about. They must make restitution in full, add a fifth of the value to it and give it all to the owner on the day they present their guilt offering.’”

This passage emphasizes the requirement for restitution in cases of dishonesty, fraud, and theft. The sinner must not only confess their guilt but also repay what was taken, with an additional 20% as a penalty. This principle reflects God’s justice and His concern for fairness in relationships. The command to make restitution “on the day they present their guilt offering” demonstrates the close connection between restoring relationships with others and atoning for sin before God. This anticipates Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:23-24, where He instructs believers to reconcile with others before offering their gifts at the altar.

Leviticus 6:6-7:

“And as a penalty they must bring to the priest, that is, to the Lord, their guilt offering, a ram from the flock, one without defect and of the proper value. In this way the priest will make atonement for them before the Lord, and they will be forgiven for any of the things they did that made them guilty.”

The sinner must also present a guilt offering—a ram without defect—as a way of making atonement before God. The role of the priest is crucial here, as the priest makes atonement on behalf of the sinner. This points forward to Christ, who is both the perfect offering and the high priest who mediates between God and humanity, securing forgiveness through His blood (Hebrews 9:14-15).

Leviticus 6:8-13:

“The Lord said to Moses: ‘Give Aaron and his sons this command: These are the regulations for the burnt offering: The burnt offering is to remain on the altar hearth throughout the night, till morning, and the fire must be kept burning on the altar… The fire on the altar must be kept burning; it must not go out.’”

This section emphasizes the continual nature of the burnt offering. The priests are instructed to keep the fire burning on the altar at all times, symbolizing the ongoing devotion and vigilance required in worship. The continual fire also represents the unceasing nature of atonement—there is always a need for sacrifice because sin is ever-present. This foreshadows the continual intercession of Christ, whose sacrifice once for all time remains effective for believers (Hebrews 7:25).

Leviticus 6:14-18:

“These are the regulations for the grain offering: Aaron’s sons are to bring it before the Lord, in front of the altar. The priest is to take a handful of the finest flour and some oil, together with all the incense on the grain offering, and burn the memorial portion on the altar as an aroma pleasing to the Lord.”

The grain offering represents the dedication of daily work and provision to God. This offering is a reminder that God is the provider of all things, and we are to offer back to Him from the fruit of our labor. The aroma of the offering being “pleasing to the Lord” reflects God’s delight in sincere worship and devotion.

Leviticus 6:19-23:

“The Lord also said to Moses, ‘This is the offering Aaron and his sons are to bring to the Lord on the day he is anointed: a tenth of an ephah of the finest flour as a regular grain offering, half of it in the morning and half in the evening.’”

This section describes the priestly grain offering made on the day of anointing. It underscores the special role of the priests in maintaining the offerings and emphasizes that even the priests, who served as mediators between God and the people, needed to offer sacrifices for themselves.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ:

Leviticus 6 points to the justice and mercy of God, who requires both restitution for wrongs committed and atonement for sin. This chapter highlights the serious nature of sin, especially when it harms others, and the need for making things right through confession, restitution, and sacrifice. The guilt offering foreshadows Christ, who made full restitution for the sins of humanity and offered Himself as the perfect atoning sacrifice (2 Corinthians 5:21).

The continual burnt offering, with its fire that never goes out, symbolizes the ongoing need for atonement and devotion. This points to the unceasing work of Christ, who continually intercedes for believers and whose once-for-all sacrifice remains effective for all time (Hebrews 10:12).

Sermon Outline and Flow:

Title: “Making Things Right: Restitution, Atonement, and the Role of the Priest”

1. Introduction
   • Introduce the concepts of confession, restitution, and atonement, emphasizing their importance in maintaining right relationships with both God and others.
2. Restitution and Accountability (Leviticus 6:1-5)
   • Discuss the requirement for making restitution in cases of theft, fraud, and deceit.
   • Encourage the congregation to reflect on how they can make things right in their relationships and communities.
3. Atonement and Forgiveness (Leviticus 6:6-7)
   • Explore the connection between making restitution and seeking atonement before God.
   • Point to Christ as the perfect guilt offering, who made full restitution for our sins.
4. The Priestly Role in Worship (Leviticus 6:8-13)
   • Examine the instructions for the priests concerning the burnt offering, emphasizing the importance of continual devotion in worship.
   • Connect this to Christ’s ongoing intercession for believers.
5. Conclusion
   • Reaffirm the importance of confession, restitution, and atonement in the Christian life, while pointing to Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of these principles.

Illustrations and Examples:

• Personal Story: Share an example of someone making restitution for a wrong they had committed, highlighting the restoration of relationships that followed.
• Global Example: In various cultures, restitution is seen as an essential part of justice. Relate this to the biblical principle of making things right with both God and others.

Application for Today’s Christian:

Leviticus 6 calls today’s believers to:

• Confess and Make Restitution: Confession and restitution are essential parts of true repentance. Where possible, Christians are called to make things right with those they have wronged.
• Trust in Christ’s Atonement: While restitution is important, only Christ’s atoning work can fully reconcile us to God. Believers are called to trust in the sufficiency of His sacrifice for their salvation.
• Maintain Continual Devotion: The instructions for the burnt offering remind believers to live lives of continual devotion and vigilance in their worship of God.

Connection to the Father in Leviticus 6:

God the Father is revealed as both just and merciful in Leviticus 6. He requires justice through restitution, but He also provides a way for forgiveness through the guilt offering. His desire is for restored relationships and holiness among His people.

Connection to Jesus Christ in Leviticus 6:

Jesus is the ultimate guilt offering, making full restitution for the sins of humanity. He is also the perfect high priest who continually intercedes for believers, ensuring that His once-for-all sacrifice remains effective for all time (Hebrews 7:25).

Connection to the Holy Spirit in Leviticus 6:

The Holy Spirit convicts believers of sin, leading them to confession and repentance. The Spirit also empowers believers to live in continual devotion and worship, keeping the “fire” of their faith burning through the ongoing work of sanctification (Romans 8:13-14).

Connection to God’s Love in Leviticus 6:

God’s love is demonstrated in His provision for both restitution and atonement. He cares not only about justice but also about reconciliation. His love is ultimately revealed in Christ, who made full restitution for our sins and secured eternal forgiveness and reconciliation (Romans 5:8).

Reflection Questions:

1. How does understanding the need for confession and restitution change the way you approach repentance?
2. In what areas of your life do you need to make restitution to others to demonstrate true repentance?
3. How does Christ’s role as the ultimate guilt offering deepen your appreciation for His atoning work?
4. What does the continual fire on the altar symbolize for your daily walk of faith and devotion to God?
5. How can you maintain a spirit of continual worship and reverence in your life, as reflected in the priestly duties in Leviticus 6?