Leviticus 4:1,2

Leviticus 4:1. A general introduction like that in Leviticus 1:1-2. From here to Leviticus 6:7 a new class of sacrifices are prescribed, the Sin-Offerings and Guilt-Offerings, and the occasionson which they are to be brought are specified, while in chs. 1 3 nothing is said about whenthe sacrifices are to be brought; their ceremonial only is regulated. The Sin-Offering is for sins committed unwittingly(through ignoranceA.V.); for sins committed presumptuously (Heb. with an high hand, Numbers 15:30) the punishment is -that soul shall be cut off from among his people." The same distinction is drawn in Psalms 19 where -hidden (-secret" A.V.) faults" (Leviticus 4:12) are contrasted with -presumptuous sins" (Leviticus 4:13). After this general statement, the material and manner of the offering are prescribed for four different classes: (a) the anointed priest (Leviticus 4:3-12), (b) the congregation (Leviticus 4:13-21), (c) a ruler (Leviticus 4:22-26), (d) any one of the common people (Leviticus 4:27-35). Cp. Numbers 15:22-29.

We may observe that the directions for disposal of the Sin-Offering, though very similar in all four cases, are not absolutely identical. In (a) and (b) some of the blood is to be put upon the horns of the altar of incenseinside the tent of meeting; all the rest of the blood is to be poured out at the foot of the altar of burnt offeringat the door of the tent of meeting; the fat is to be burnt upon the altar of Burnt-Offering; the whole bullock is to be burnt without the camp: in (c) and (d) some of the blood is to be put upon the horns of the altar of burnt offering; all the rest is to be poured out at the foot of that altar; the fat is to be burnt upon the altar; there is no command given as to the remainder.

We notice that on no occasion is the wholeburnt upon the altar, as in the case of the Burnt-Offering.