In Lev 4 and 5, we see the sin and guilt offerings laid out. There are a few important things to note from this passage. Firstly, it is repeated that these offerings only cover unintentional sin or sins by omission. It is clear from these passages that God draws a line between accidental sin and purposeful guilt. He is willing to overlook a slip up but intentionally sinning has no recompense. We are guilty as guilty can be and we choose that for ourselves. The only exception here seems to be sin by omission.
Next, these sacrifices go in order of a hierarchy of leadership: first a priest, then the whole congregation, then a leader, then an individual from amongst the general public. Respectively, each sin, while it requires sacrifice, offers a lesser sacrifice. This is not because sins weigh differently - all unintentional sin is held against us - but because of the impact it has on the people. A “larger” sin impacts more people and, therefore, demands a larger monetary sacrifice. This was done partially to keep leaders at a higher accountability but also to point out how their sins in particular impact others more than a layperson’s.
One other interesting piece is how close the offerings are made. The sins of the people and of the priests require drawing as close to the ark as was allowed outside of the day of atonement. “Lesser” sins only required a sin at the door. This implies that those who are held more accountable - or the people en masse - must draw close to God to seek repentance, as opposed to remaining aloof. That is, God wants to restore that relationship in addition to forgiving the unintentional sin.
Links:
sin Day of Atonement Sacrifices
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