Leviticus 4 This passage describes the law for the "sin offering"..  Verse 2 says that this refers to those who "unintentionally" sin... sin that is done in ignorance or inadvertence... a mistake or error that breaks the law of God but without evil intent or rebellion.  

There are specific instructions for specific people:  1. For anointed priests. 2. For the whole congregation. 3. For a leader. 4. For a "common" person.

Verses 3-12 describe the steps needed for the atonement of a priest who sins and thus brings "guilt on the people".   He has to bring a bull without defect.  He would lay his hand on the bull at the doorway of the tabernacle. He would slay it and dip his finger in the blood, sprinkling "some of the blood seven times before the Lord in front of the veil of the sanctuary."  The rest of the blood is poured at the base of the altar, all the fat is offered as a burnt offering. The hide, the head, the legs and the entrails of the bull are taken "outside the camp" and burned there.   The writer of Hebrews refers to this sacrifice:

Hebrews 13:11-13 says this.. "For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy place by the high priest as an offering for sin are burned outside the camp.  Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate. Hence, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach. " 

Verses 13-20 describe the offering given when the congregation as a whole "commits error and the matter escapes the notice of the assembly and they commit any of the things which the Lord has commanded not to be done, and they become guilty: when the sin becomes known... "  This time a bull is once again offered but it is the responsibility of the elders.. who lay their hands on the head of the bull.  The blood is again sprinkled in front of the veil by the priest, then some is put on the horns of the altar, the rest poured out at the base, and the fat offered up as a burnt offering. The rest is the same.. the hide, head, and legs removed outside the camp and burned.  "So the priest shall make atonement for them and they shall be forgiven." 

Verses 22-26 describe the offering for a leader/ruler who unintentionally sins. This time a male goat is required for the offering. He must bring it to the altar, lay his hand on its head and slay it.  The priest would take some blood and put it on the horns of the altar and the rest is poured out at the base.  All the fat is offered up on the altar as a burnt offering.  "Thus the priest shall make atonement for him in regard to his sin, and he shall be forgiven." 

Verses 27-35 give the instructions for the unintentional sin of the "common people".  This offering had to be an unblemished, female goat or lamb. When the person realizes his sin he would bring the sacrifice, lay his hand on its head,  and slay it at the altar. Again, the priest would take some blood and put it on the horns of the altar, pour the rest at the base, and burn up all the fat.  "Thus the priest shall make atonement for him in regard to his sin which he committed and he shall be forgiven." 

How often do we sin.. "unintentionally" or in "ignorance",,?  Perhaps more than we would like to admit.  The important thing to know is that when we realize it.. confess it.. and repent of it.. we have a Savior who has already made atonement for us!  We shall be forgiven!  Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Father, how perfect are Your Ways and how wonderful is the salvation that we have in Christ Jesus who has made a way for us to be forgiven and cleansed . We have a glorious Savior and we give our thanks and praise and glory to His Name.  Jesus went outside the camp.. for us.  Thank You Lord!  Keep us Father, from all sin.. unintentional or intentional.  Keep us from temptation and lead us in Your ways of righteousness we pray..in Jesus' name . Amen.