Restitution was required for wrongs committed because God’s law demanded not only confession of sin but also making things right with those who had been wronged. Sin disrupts both a person’s relationship with God and their relationship with others, and restitution restored justice and harmony among the people. This principle emphasized that repentance must bear fruit through action, not only words.
“Then they shall confess the sin which they have committed. He shall make restitution for his trespass in full, plus one-fifth of it, and give it to the one he has wronged.” (Numbers 5:7)
By requiring restitution, God showed that holiness involves integrity in daily life. Wrongdoing was not overlooked or excused but corrected with fairness. The added fifth part underscored the seriousness of the offense and the need to go beyond mere repayment. This taught Israel that genuine repentance is demons/”>demonstrated by both confession to God and restoration toward others.
