A new aspect is added to the presentation of a sin offering. It was required of the worshipper to “confess” the sin he had committed. The verb is derived from a stem that means “to throw open or to reveal.” Confession, one might reason, is the opposite of concealment (see Psalm 32:5). Within the Bible, the word is translated as “confess” or “praise.” When the object is man, the concept of confession is emphasized. However, when God is the object, praise is the main idea. In this particular instance, confession is more than a mere admission of an action. According to Ross (p.143), “To acknowledge sin means to say what is right about the matter or to agree with God’s assessment of the sin.” Furthermore, the confession of sin appears to be a public activity (see Leviticus 16:2). Once the worshipper freely admits his guilt, he may offer a sin offering for purification.
5 when he realizes his guilt in any of these and confesses the sin he has committed,