Gradations in Guilt
W. Clarkson Leviticus 4:3, 13, 22, 27 If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he has sinned… In Israel, as we have seen, sin was divided into the pardonable and the unpardonable - into "sins through ignorance" and sins of presumption. But this was not the only distinction. Of those which might be forgiven there were some more serious than others, demanding variety in expiation. Special regulations were given as to the sin of the "priest that is anointed" (verse 3), the "whole congregation of Israel" (verse 13), the ruler (verse 22), etc. These distinctions teach us - I. THAT SPECIAL PRIVILEGE CARRIES WITH IT PECULIAR RESPONSIBILITY. The high priest, if he sinned, was to bring a bullock without blemish (verse 3), and every detail of the sin offering was to be carefully observed in his case (verses 4, 5, etc.). His transgression was accounted one of greater guilt, needing a more considerable sacrifice. His nearer access to God, his larger share of sacred privilege, made his accountability and his guilt the greater. The children of privilege are the heirs of responsibility; the more we have from God, the closer we are admitted to his presence, the clearer vision we have of his truth and will, - the more he expects from us, and the more heinous will be our guilt in his sight if we depart from his ways. II. THAT THE PROFESSION OF PIETY CARRIES WITH IT INCREASE OF OBLIGATION. The high priest's enlarged accountability was partly due to the fact that, as high priest, he professed to stand in very close relation to God; he was, in public estimation, the first minister of Jehovah; he was regarded as the holiest man in the whole congregation. Special obligation, therefore, rested on him, and any slight irregularity on his part was most serious. Profession of godliness is a good and desirable thing. 1. It is the right thing: it places us in the position in which we ought to stand; it is being true to ourselves. 2. It is the will of Christ as revealed in his Word (Matthew 10:32). 3. It adds to our influence on behalf of righteousness and wisdom. 4. It is an additional security against the power of temptation. But it enhances responsibility; it increases obligation. For if, professing to love and honour Christ, we do that which he has expressly forbidden, we bring his sacred cause into contempt, and "make the enemy to blaspheme." Rise to the full height of duty, influence, privilege, but remember that on that height are some special dangers, and that a fall therefrom is to be dreaded with holy fear, to be shunned with devoutest vigilance. III. THAT INFLUENCE CONFERS ADDED RESPONSIBILITY ON THOSE WHO WIELD IT. Special provision is made for the sin of the ruler, "When a ruler hath sinned," etc. (verses 22, 23, etc.). A ruler enjoys a position of prominence and power; his influence is felt afar. What he does will decide, to some considerable extent, what others will do. He has the peculiar joy of power; let him remember that power and responsibility are inseparably united. Let all those who hold positions of influence, all whose judgment and behaviour are importantly affecting the convictions and character of their fellows, realize that if they sin, and thus encourage others in error and transgression, they are specially guilty in the sight of God. IV. THAT COMMUNITIES OF MEN, AS SUCH, MAY FALL INTO SERIOUS CONDEMNATION. "The whole congregation of Israel" might "sin through ignorance;" it might be led, unwittingly, into practices that were forbidden. In that case, though men have great confidence when they err in large companies, it would be guilty before God; and though it might be inadvertently betrayed into folly, it would be condemned of him, and must bring its oblation to his altar (see Homily on "Collective," etc., infra). V. THAT NO MEASURE OR OBSCURITY WILL CLOAK SIN FROM THE SIGHT OF GOD. "If any one of the common people sin through ignorance," etc. (verse 27, etc.), he must bring his kid (verse 28) or his lamb (verse 32), and the atoning blood must be shod. We shall not escape in the throng. In the hundreds of millions of fellow-travelers along the path of life, God singles each of us out, and marks our course, and searches our soul. He esteems every human child, however disregarded of men, to be worthy of his watchful glance; is displeased with each sinful deed or word, but is ready to forgive when the penitent seeks mercy in the appointed way (verses 31, 35). - C. Parallel Verses KJV: If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto the LORD for a sin offering. WEB: if the anointed priest sins so as to bring guilt on the people, then let him offer for his sin, which he has sinned, a young bull without blemish to Yahweh for a sin offering.