Leviticus 5:1

Leviticus 5:1-13 [47]. Three cases in which a Sin-Offering must be brought

[47] For the reasons which have led critics to assign Leviticus 5:1 to a source other than that of 4. see Revelation 1 (a).

1 . The first case. A man who has either seen a crime perpetrated (e.g. one stealing another's property), or heard something that would assist in detecting the criminal, is bound to declare what he knows when a solemn appeal is made in his hearing (he heareth the voice of adjuration). If he do not utter it(i.e. if he remain silent though capable of bearing witness) then he is guilty and a Sin-Offering is necessary. Note the reply of Jesus to the high priest's adjuration after having remained silent (Matthew 26:63).

bear his iniquity incur the punishment due to such transgression.

The mother of Micah (Judges 17:2 R.V. mg.) uttered an adjuration when eleven hundred pieces of silver were stolen from her. She lifted up her voice (according to the custom of those times which was for a long time preserved among the Arabs) calling in the name of God on anyone who knew anything about the matter to reveal it. This appeal her son heard, and in response acknowledged himself to be the thief. The appeal might be made by the person wronged to the bystanders, or if an appeal were made to a judge, he might utter an adjuration. According to the traditional interpretation, the text refers to a case brought into court. In Proverbs 29:24 reference is made to one who is silent when thus appealed to: the words of A.V. -he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth itnot" should be rendered -he heareth the adjuration and uttereth nothing" (as R.V. with marg. ref. to Leviticus 5:1).

This is different from the previous and following cases in which the sin is committed unwittingly.