substitution by the victim for the offerer, or an imparting to the victim of the guilt of the offerer or, again, whether there are elements of all included. What is clear is the emphasis on the grace of God. The guilty is aware that restoration of the relationship with God is not worked mechanically but depends upon God’s gracious choice; humans cannot coerce God into forgiveness, nor can they wrest favour from him. Despite sacrifice, forgiveness may be withheld (cf. Hos. 8:11–14). All that the individual