In the trespass offering, we learn that “trespass” is connected with a case wherein God is dishonored, even though it may be a mere man who was defrauded. Nor is it sufficient that a sacrifice be offered to God, but the wrong done to man was to be repaid, and that not only in full, but according to the estimation of the value by the priest, one-fifth more was to be added to the amount of recompense.
Now if we turn to Psalm 69, we have the Lord Himself prophetically speaking, “Then I restored that which I took not away” (vs. 4). This is another aspect of the sin offering. The trespass offering takes account of damage that accrues to one through another’s sin. And if we consider how sin dishonored God, the reproach cast upon Him by man’s sin, we see how the Lord not only suffered in the sinner’s stead on the cross for his sins, but He glorified God in all the reproach and dishonor brought to Him by sin. The Lord Jesus Christ not only answered to God for man’s sins, but He brought glory and honor to God, so that (speaking reverently) God’s nature has been glorified. The fifth part has been added thereto, so that God is richer than if sin had never intruded on His fair creation. At the cross of Christ we see how God’s holiness — intrinsic holiness — His righteousness, His grace, His love, and all His attributes meet. Truly He has been glorified!
“Iniquity” was often connected with sin in relation to the “holy things.” Our Great High Priest bears the iniquity of our holy things (Ex. 28:3838And it shall be upon Aaron's forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the Lord. (Exodus 28:38)). How much of self and of pride and fleshly satisfaction often enter into our worship, which should be in spirit and in truth! Therefore, we need the gracious office of our Great High Priest, which we have, according to Heb. 10:2121And having an high priest over the house of God; (Hebrews 10:21).
Paul Wilson