Numbers 5:5-8 New International Version (NIV)
Restitution for Wrongs
5 The Lord said to Moses, 6 “Say to the Israelites: ‘Any man or woman who wrongs another in any way and so is unfaithful to the Lord is guilty 7 and must confess the sin they have committed. They must make full restitution for the wrong they have done, add a fifth of the value to it and give it all to the person they have wronged. 8 But if that person has no close relative to whom restitution can be made for the wrong, the restitution belongs to the Lord and must be given to the priest, along with the ram with which atonement is made for the wrongdoer.
Restitution was a unique concept at this time. God put this into place as part of his law for Israel. When we have wronged others, do more than apologize. Look for ways to leave the victim better off than before. When you have been wronged, seek restoration rather than striking out in revenge.
