The explanation of this system is partly to be found in the Old Testament concept of sin as ‘theo-fugal.’20 Sin is an attitude of rebellion against Yahweh, and the person who sins wittingly is a person who does not wish forgiveness. Having taken up a deliberate stand against Yahweh, he has cut himself off from the source of forgiveness. He is therefore to be cut off from Israel, the people of God, lest his sin contaminate the people as a whole (e.g. Joshua 7; 1 Samuel 14), and his sin is atoned for