As the Israelites lived by God’s laws, the Lord continued to teach them about sin and the offerings required when they fell short, even unintentionally. God understood that sometimes people failed to keep His commands in small or hidden ways, and He provided clear instructions for making things right.
The Lord said to Moses, "If anyone sins because they do not speak up when they hear a public charge to testify, or if they touch anything unclean, or if they fail in any of the Lord's commandments, they have sinned."
When someone recognized their guilt, they were to bring a sin offering to the Lord to make atonement. If the person was poor and could not afford a lamb, they could bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons, or even a grain offering instead.
The sinner would bring their offering to the priest, who would make atonement for them before the Lord. If the sin involved any kind of restitution, the person was also required to repay what was wrongfully taken or damaged, plus an additional fifth part as a penalty.
This way, the people learned that God’s justice was both merciful and precise. Even small sins or unintentional failures could be forgiven through sincere repentance and the proper offerings.
God’s laws invited the Israelites to live with integrity, being honest about their mistakes and seeking restoration through His provision.
Thus, the people continued to grow in their understanding of holiness, knowing that God's desire was for them to live pure and blameless before Him, and that forgiveness was always available through the sacrifices He commanded.

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