Bible Discussion Thread

What is the difference between the burnt offering and the sin offering as referred to in Chapter 12 Leviticus?

Firstly, just considering the two types of Offering (amongst others as appointed to Israel to perform), that you referred to: the Burnt Offering was a daily, continual Offering made on the Altar by the Priest. It was done indicating the continuing, eternal position of Israel before their God & their full consecration to Him. Whereas the Sin Offering was, as the name suggests, an offering for the sins of the priest & the people. This was done yearly on the Day of Atonement, but also the Offering made at other times of the year, as required & as mentioned below.

In Leviticus chapter 12, we see the account of a new mother who is required to fulfil these Offering requirements. For the Burnt Offering, the mother indicated her gratitude to the Lord for His Mercies in child-bearing & delivery. Even as she remembered the 'curse' placed upon women because of Eve's transgression ( Genesis 3:16) & so the offering she made was in gratitude for God's Mercies upon her & bringing through this time of "sorrow in conception & birth".

She then offered the Sin Offering. Ordinarily, we couldn't justify such an offering as the bearing of child is not associated with any sin. However, Jews support the need for this offering by commenting, that in the event that a mother, in delivery sinned, whether in her mind or by her mouth, because of the pain she was experiencing, an offering was required to cover the sin. So this wasn't anything to do with the sin of Eve, but of some personal transgression committed at this time.

Thank you