The guilt offering applied to anything related to the tabernacle and its rituals (14-16). For example, if someone failed to bring an offering at its appointed time, they had to bring a guilt offering. The required offering was a ram. They were also required to add one-fifth of the value to make up for the offering they had missed and to compensate for any harm they had done to holy things. Offering more was a sign of genuine repentance, and a desire to make restitution and live under God’s mercy and grace.

The guilt offering also applied to offenses in which a person did not do something according to the law, even unknowingly (17-19). “I didn’t know,” is not an excuse. Once we realize we are wrong, we must admit our guilt and take responsibility.

Lastly, the guilt offering was required when a person neglected, damaged, or stole a neighbor’s property (6:1-7). Have you ever kept something you found? That’s stealing. We must return what we found and make restitution if we have cheated others or damaged their belongings. Zacchaeus, the tax collector, practiced this by declaring that he would repay anyone he cheated fourfold (Lk 19:8).
Application: Father, thank you for your Son Jesus who removes my guilt, especially my guilt of not living for your glory. I praise you and offer my life to you. Use my life for your glory.
One Word: Jesus’ death on the cross takes away all our guilt and shame and restores us.