Leviticus 14:21 - “If he is poor, and can’t afford so much, then he shall take one male lamb for a trespass offering to be waved, to make atonement for him, and one tenth of an ephah of fine flour mingled with oil for a meal offering, and a log of oil;
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What does "Leviticus 14:21" mean?
This verse from Leviticus 14:21 outlines an alternative offering prescribed for someone who has been cleansed from a skin disease (likely leprosy) but is too poor to afford the full offering detailed earlier in the chapter. Let's break it down:
"If he is poor, and can’t afford so much...": This establishes the context. This verse is specifically for individuals who cannot afford the standard, more expensive offerings.
"...then he shall take one male lamb for a trespass offering to be waved...": This outlines the first part of the poor person's offering:
"one male lamb": The required animal sacrifice. Even in poverty, a lamb is still required as a sacrifice.
"trespass offering": Also known as a guilt offering, it was offered to atone for unintentional sins or transgressions, particularly those involving sacred things or property of others. The skin disease may have been interpreted as a consequence of some transgression, or perhaps the cleansing process itself involved breaking certain rules.
"to be waved": This refers to a specific ritual action. The priest would take the lamb and wave it back and forth before the Lord. This was a symbolic act of dedicating the offering to God.
"...to make atonement for him...": This explains the purpose of the offering: to atone for the individual's sins or the transgression that may have been associated with the skin disease. Atonement means to make amends or to cover over the offense, restoring the person's relationship with God.
"...and one tenth of an ephah of fine flour mingled with oil for a meal offering...": This outlines the second part of the offering, a grain offering:
"one tenth of an ephah of fine flour": An ephah was a unit of dry measure. One tenth of an ephah was a smaller portion, reflecting the reduced means of the person offering it. "Fine flour" indicates the best quality.
"mingled with oil": Oil was mixed with the flour.
"...and a log of oil": This is the final part of the offering:
"a log of oil": A log was a liquid measure, again a smaller quantity, reflecting the person's poverty. Oil was an important commodity used in various rituals and offerings.
In summary, this verse demonstrates God's provision for those who were less fortunate. While the standard offering was more substantial, this verse allowed those who were poor to still participate in the cleansing ritual and receive atonement for their sins through a modified offering that was within their means. The key themes are:
Atonement is still possible regardless of wealth. The focus is on the individual's heart and willingness to obey God's commands, not on the amount of the offering.
God is merciful and understands the limitations of individuals. He provided a modified offering for those who were poor.
The offerings were symbolic. They pointed to the need for forgiveness and reconciliation with God. They prefigured the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the atonement of sins.
Leviticus 14:21 - “If he is poor, and can’t afford so much, then he shall take one male lamb for a trespass offering to be waved, to make atonement for him, and one tenth of an ephah of fine flour mingled with oil for a meal offering, and a log of oil;
What does "Leviticus 14:21" mean?
This verse from Leviticus 14:21 outlines an alternative offering prescribed for someone who has been cleansed from a skin disease (likely leprosy) but is too poor to afford the full offering detailed earlier in the chapter. Let's break it down:
"If he is poor, and can’t afford so much...": This establishes the context. This verse is specifically for individuals who cannot afford the standard, more expensive offerings.
"...then he shall take one male lamb for a trespass offering to be waved...": This outlines the first part of the poor person's offering:
"one male lamb": The required animal sacrifice. Even in poverty, a lamb is still required as a sacrifice.
"trespass offering": Also known as a guilt offering, it was offered to atone for unintentional sins or transgressions, particularly those involving sacred things or property of others. The skin disease may have been interpreted as a consequence of some transgression, or perhaps the cleansing process itself involved breaking certain rules.
"to be waved": This refers to a specific ritual action. The priest would take the lamb and wave it back and forth before the Lord. This was a symbolic act of dedicating the offering to God.
"...to make atonement for him...": This explains the purpose of the offering: to atone for the individual's sins or the transgression that may have been associated with the skin disease. Atonement means to make amends or to cover over the offense, restoring the person's relationship with God.
"...and one tenth of an ephah of fine flour mingled with oil for a meal offering...": This outlines the second part of the offering, a grain offering:
"one tenth of an ephah of fine flour": An ephah was a unit of dry measure. One tenth of an ephah was a smaller portion, reflecting the reduced means of the person offering it. "Fine flour" indicates the best quality.
"mingled with oil": Oil was mixed with the flour.
"...and a log of oil": This is the final part of the offering:
"a log of oil": A log was a liquid measure, again a smaller quantity, reflecting the person's poverty. Oil was an important commodity used in various rituals and offerings.
In summary, this verse demonstrates God's provision for those who were less fortunate. While the standard offering was more substantial, this verse allowed those who were poor to still participate in the cleansing ritual and receive atonement for their sins through a modified offering that was within their means. The key themes are:
Atonement is still possible regardless of wealth. The focus is on the individual's heart and willingness to obey God's commands, not on the amount of the offering.
God is merciful and understands the limitations of individuals. He provided a modified offering for those who were poor.
The offerings were symbolic. They pointed to the need for forgiveness and reconciliation with God. They prefigured the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the atonement of sins.