The verb ’āšē’mû (to be guilty) generally refers to an objective sense of guilt. In this instance, however, guilt is not pronounced (in a judicial sense) but realized (in a subjective sense). Exactly how this happens is not spelled out. It may be that guilt accompanied by spiritual or physical suffering. Perhaps a vision or prophecy or the use of the Urim and Thummim is intended.
13 “If the whole congregation of Israel sins unintentionally and the thing is hidden from the eyes of the assembly, and they do any one of the things that by the LORD’s commandments ought not to be done, and they realize their guilt,