The heavy punishments that had already overtaken the people might naturally give rise to apprehensions for the future, especially considering that …

For it is ignorance.— Rather, for it is a sin of ignorance, or an error. So also at the end of the vers…

And the priest shall make an atonement for all the
congregation of the children of Israel …

Though ignorance will to a degree excuse, it will not justify those who might have known their Lord's will, yet did not do it. David prayed to be c…