His trespass-offering— The original word אשׁם asham, trespass, extends further than חטא cheit, sin, even to sins against knowledge: but the precise difference between them it is not easy to settle: we refer to Outram de Sacrificiis, as before. Dr. Beaumont observes, that "these trespass-offerings were for sins of less importance, as omission of some duties, and not observing the legal washings and purifications, &c. whereas the sin-offerings in ch. 4 were for greater offences, in doing of things forbidden of God: and, therefore, these oblations for trespasses of this kind were made less, if the sinner were poor, (see Leviticus 5:11.) which, in the former, were never lessened; see ch. 4"
REFLECTIONS.—Three instances of trespass are mentioned; 1. Concealing the truth, when adjured by the judges. In all cases of an oath, we must speak the whole truth, as well as nothing but the truth: to hide it, is as criminal as to add to it. 2. Contracting ceremonial uncleanness, and not washing according to law before they came to the tabernacle. When it came to their knowledge, they were to confess their sin, and bring their offering. Note; When God's spirit awakens the conscience, we begin to see ourselves guilty, where we never suspected harm. 3. Rashly swearing, either to do what is unlawful or impracticable. Though a rash vow may be better broken than kept, yet, like a two-edged sword, it cuts both ways. No member needs stricter government than the tongue.
An offering in these cases must be brought, accompanied with humble and particular confession of the sin. True penitents never deal in merely general acknowledgments, but in a distinct and particular enumeration of their sins. Then the priest made the atonement, and the sin was pardoned. Though our repentance be not the cause of our acceptance, but Christ's blood alone, yet they are inseparable: true faith ever produces true penitence.