Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

SIN OFFERING

A special type of offering (Heb. ḥaṭṭāʾt, “error or wrongdoing”), since ancient times universally called the sin offering (Lev. 4:1–5:13; Num. 15:22-31). However, it was in fact a purification offering which had the purpose, not of expiating a person of sin, but of purifying the sanctuary from contamination brought about by any sort of pollution. Throughout the ancient Near East, including Israel, it was considered of utmost importance to keep sanctuaries free of contamination caused by error or uncleanness, as such could render a sanctuary repugnant to its god.

The offering was required in several cases in which no sin or wrongdoing was involved: e.g., recovery from childbirth (Lev. 12), completion of a Nazirite vow (Num. 6), dedication of a new altar (Lev. 8), and the induction of Levite priests (Num. 8). In the case of impurity brought about by inadvertent wrongdoing (Lev. 6), an animal sacrifice commensurate with the status of the offender (which could be the entire community) was touched by the one causing the contamination (or the high priest on behalf of the community); the priest would then smear some of the blood on the horn of the sanctuary altar.

Bibliography. J. Milgrom, Leviticus 1–16. AB 3 (New York, 1991), 226-92.

William R. Scott

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

SIN OFFERING

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)