By that word, “gradations,” I just mean the different “levels” of application … specifically taught/required by God to atone for mankind’s sins.
Let me show you what I mean.
For the “priest” on duty, in order to deal with his own “sin” … Let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young BULLOCK (an ox) without blemish unto the LORD for a sin offering.” Leviticus 4:3, an ox … not a little lamb, mind you!
For the “whole congregation,” a national sin one might say … “And if the whole congregation of Israel sin through ignorance, and the thing be hid from the eyes of the assembly, and they have done somewhat against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which should not be done, and are guilty; when the sin, which they have sinned against it, is known, then the congregation shall offer a young BULLOCK for the sin, and bring him before the tabernacle of the congregation. And the elders of the congregation shall lay their hands upon the head of the bullock before the LORD: and the bullock shall be killed before the LORD.” Leviticus 4:13-15, another huge animal, another (rather expensive) ox!
Then for the “ruler” who sins … “When a ruler hath sinned, and done somewhat through ignorance against any of the commandments of the LORD his God concerning things which should not be done, and is guilty; or if his sin, wherein he hath sinned, come to his knowledge; he shall bring his offering, a kid of the GOATS, a MALE without blemish: and he shall lay his hand upon the head of the goat, and kill it in the place where they kill the burnt offering before the LORD: it is a sin offering.” Leviticus 4:22-24. a goat, unusual indeed, but it still must be a male! ! (Though of less value … this is is still a blood sacrifice!)
Then last of all, for the “common person,” for the individual Jew in the community … “He shall bring his offering, a kid of the GOATS, a FEMALE without blemish, for his sin which he hath sinned. And he shall lay his hand upon the head of the sin offering, and slay the sin offering.” Leviticus 4:28-29, here even a female is allowed! (Of far less value, in that ancient culture, than a male!)
Wow!
The priest, the whole congregation, the ruler, then the individual … “gradations” of erring people who need blood atonement!
And I am sure you noted the descending quality/value of the offerings, too. Of the sacrificial animals themselves!
From oxen to male goats to even female goats! (God making it possible for “whosoever will” to have access to His Presence! To have the wherewithal to come!)
In fact, if we glance into Leviticus 5, we soon learn that the common man (if unable to afford a goat or lamb) could even acceptably bring “two doves,” easily accessible and affordable! And if he could not even afford those … a small amount of “fine flour” would suffice, if handled properly by the priest on duty! (God is really making concessions, now! “Flour” instead of “blood?” (Yes … if that man’s heart was right. If he had been WILLING to bring an ox, had he owned one!)
Amazing!
God wants to commune/fellowship with His creation … to that astoundingly deep extent!
Note this too: the higher the position of leadership a man held in Israel … the more significant his sacrifice needed to be! THE RESPONSIBILITY OF LEADERSHIP! James 3:1 here comes to mind: “My brethren, be not many masters (teachers, leaders), knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation (judgment).”
Gradations of people, but not exempting a single person who chose to come to God, obediently.
Gradations of animals to be sacrificed, making it possible for even the poorest of the poor to come worship God freely!
Hallelujah!
Since the sin offering is a vital requirement … God makes it accessible to all Israel!
By the way, this Same God … yet today … “is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
That’s why I believe Jesus died for everybody!
God has made salvation accessible (“gradations”) for all!
Oh, I love Him!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
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