SPECIAL TOPIC: UNINTENTIONAL SINS

SPECIAL TOPIC: UNINTENTIONAL SINS (OT)

Note from Joshua 20:3
The entire sacrificial system was geared toward those who sinned out of ignorance or passion. NIDOTTE, vol. 2, p. 94, states:

"The concept of 'unintentionally' or 'inadvertently' (Lev. 4:2) is both strategic and problematic (cf. Lev. 4:22,27; 5:15,18; 22:14; Num. 15:22,24-29). Because of it some scholars have concluded that the sin offering only treated inadvertent sin, that is, sins that were committed by mistake or sins which were done not knowing that the particular act was sinful (see Milgrom, 1991, 228-29). However, the word 'unintentionally' means basically 'in error' (the vb. means to commit an error, go astray). Although it can also mean that the error was unintentional or inadvertent (see e.g., Num. 35:11,15,22-23; Josh. 20:3,9), this is not necessarily the case (see I Sam. 26:21; Eccl. 5:6)."
There was no sacrifice for high-handed, defiant, premeditated, or known sin (e.g., Ps. 51:17). This concept of intentionality (BDB 993) is referred to in Lev. 4:2,22,27; 5:15; 22:14; Num. 4:42; 15:27-31; and 19:4. See I. Howard Marshall, Kept by the Power of God, pp. 29-38.
Note from Deut. 4:42 – "unintentionally"
The negated term (BDB 395, KB 228) refers to the accidental death of a fellow Israelite accidentally, without premeditation or prejudice. We would call it manslaughter.
The lack of evil motive is the key element. It becomes the theological heart of the sacrificial system. Any sin committed intentionally had no sacrifice available (cf. Exod. 21:12-14; Lev. 4:2,22,27; 5:15-18; 22:14; Num. 15:27,30; Deut. 17:12-13; Josh. 20:1-6). Even the national sacrifice by the High Priest on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16) did not cover premeditated sin (cf. Ps: 51:14-17)! Are you not glad we are under the NT sacrifice of Jesus?!
It is theologically necessary to add that true repentance is always effective in restoring a person's relationship with God. A person's attitude, motive, and faith are always the crucial elements.

SPECIAL TOPIC: REPENTANCE (OT)