Atoning for Theft

The law regarding theft and a false oath of denial, is repeated in Parshat Nasso. This referred to a case where someone was a thief and denied the claim against him under oath. He later admitted that he lied. He must pay back what he stole, plus pay a fine of one fifth, known as “Chomesh,” and offer a guilt offering, known as Korban Asham.

The reason for this repetition is to teach that the procedure of atonement can only take place when there is an admission of guilt.

The second factor not mentioned previously, is that if one stole from a convert, who dies with no heirs, the object is given to the Kohanim.

This case is interesting because the thief must show a desire to seek atonement. He does this by his confession, and his willingness to even travel a great distance, to find the person that he defrauded, and return the item directly to him.

This is a proof that our sincere regret must be demonstrated before we can forgiven by Hashem. It is difficult for anyone to openly admit that he was wrong. But in this case, he’s admitting that he’s a liar and a thief.

It’s so much easier to make excuses and blame others, rather than own up to bad behavior. This particular law is so important that it needed to be written in Vayikra, and clarified in Parshat Nasso.