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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Leviticus 5:1-6

I. The offences here supposed are, 1. A man's concealing the truth when he was sworn as a witness to speak the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Judges among the Jews had power to adjure not only the witnesses, as with us, but the person suspected (contrary to a rule of our law, that no man is bound to accuse himself), as appears by the high priest adjuring our Saviour, who thereupon answered, though before he stood silent, Matt. 26:63, 64. Now (Lev. 5:1), If a soul sin (that... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Leviticus 5:4

Or if a soul swear ,.... A rash or vain oath: pronouncing with his lips ; not in his heart, as Jarchi notes; not saying within himself that he would do this, or that, or the other thing, but expressing his oath plainly and distinctly, with an audible voice: to do good, or to do evil ; which was either impossible or unlawful for him to do; whether the good or evil he swears to do is to himself or to another; whether he swears to do good to himself, and evil to another, or, good to... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Leviticus 5:4

To do evil, or to do good - It is very likely that rash promises are here intended; for if a man vow to do an act that is evil, though it would be criminal to keep such an oath or vow, yet he is guilty because he made it, and therefore must offer the trespass-offering. If he neglect to do the good he has vowed, he is guilty, and must in both cases confess his iniquity, and bring his trespass-offering. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Leviticus 5:4

Verse 4 4.Or if a soul shall swear. The Gulf is also ascribed to error and ignorance, when a person does inconsiderately what he has promised not to do; for the oath is not in that case violated, which would be criminal; (267) but in this very carelessness there is enough of wrong, because sound religion would renew the recollection of the vow. Consequently, where no anxiety (to fulfill it) is shewn, there is no serious desire to do so. But this commandment was necessary, because it might often... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Leviticus 5:1-13

Guilt removed. The Psalmist cried out, "Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults." To dwell upon the manner in which sin may be committed, and to try to deepen our sense of its flagrancy, is not a pleasant employment, but it is highly necessary. And, blessed be God! a rainbow of cheerful hope spans the dark cloud of transgression; the same page that speaks of sin tells also of forgiveness. I. This chapter reminds the Israelites of several ways in which, without... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Leviticus 5:1-13

The trespass offering. This was very much of the nature of the sin offering. Julius Bate translates the word ( אשם , asham ) "guilt offering." Possibly the "sin offering" and the "burnt offering" may be here comprehended under the general expression, "trespass offering" (see Leviticus 5:7 ). We have here brought under our notice— I. EXAMPLES OF the TRESPASS . Leviticus 5:1-4 , Taken in order these are: 1 . Concealing the truth when adjured. 2 . Touching an... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Leviticus 5:1-13

Cases of concealment of knowledge and ceremonial uncleanness. They are in some sense trespasses, although not properly under the head of trespass offerings. The ground of guilt is covenant relation violated. We may take this in its twofold aspect— I. As revealing THE POSITIVE VALUE OF THAT COVENANT RELATION . 1 . It separated from the unclean, and therefore enforced holiness. 2 . It maintained society. Man's duty to his fellows was exalted. He must speak the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Leviticus 5:4

The ease of a man who had neglected to fulfill a thoughtless oath. If he sware to do evil, or to do good , that is, to do anything whatever, good or bad (see Numbers 24:13 ), and failed to fulfill his oath from carelessness or negligence, he too must bring his offering, as above. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Leviticus 5:4

Redeeming promises. The reference in the text is to inconsiderate oaths: the hasty undertaking, before God, to do some act of piety or kindness on the one hand (swearing "to do good"), or of retribution and permissible punishment on the other (swearing "to do evil"). It is contemplated that such pledges into which the Divine Being is introduced, rashly and thoughtlessly taken, may be overlooked and remain unfulfilled. We learn— I. THAT THE FORMAL ASSOCIATION OF THE DIVINE ... read more

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