SCRIPTURE: LEVITICUS 17
BIBLE VERSES:
“I will set my face against any Israelite or any foreigner residing among them who eats blood, and I will cut them off from the people. For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life. Therefore I say to the Israelites, “None of you may eat blood, nor may any foreigner residing among you eat blood.” (Leviticus 17:10-12)
“Because the life of every creature is its blood. That is why I have said to the Israelites, “You must not eat the blood of any creature, because the life of every creature is its blood; anyone who eats it must be cut off.” (Leviticus 17:14)
EATING BLOOD FORBIDDEN (vs. 1-16)
- A man is guilty of bloodshed if he sacrifices an ox, a lamb or a goat in the camp or outside and did not bring it to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and present it as an offering to the Lord in front of the tabernacle of the Lord. He has shed blood and must be cut off from his people. (vs. 3-4)
- The Israelites who made sacrifices in the open field must bring to Lord, that is , to the Lord at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and sacrifice them as fellowship offerings (v. 5)
- The priest is to sprinkle the blood against the altar of the Lord at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and burn the fat as an aroma pleasing to the Lord (v. 6)
- The Israelites must no longer offer any of their sacrifices tot he goat idols (v. 7)
- Any Israelite or any alien living among them who offers a burnt offering or sacrifice and does not bring it to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting to sacrifice it to the Lord must be cut off from his people (v. 9)
- Any Israelite or any alien living among them who eats any blood will be cut off from his people. (v. 10)
- Any Israelite or any alien living among you who hunts any animal or bird that may be eaten must drain out the blood and cover it with earth. (v. 13)
- Anyone, whether native born or aline, who eats anything found dead or torn by wild animals musat wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be ceremonially unclean till evening;l then he will be clean. But if he does not wash his clothes and bathe himself, he will be held responsible. (vs. 15-16)
THOUGHTS;
Blood represents the life of every creature.. God prohibits eating or drinking of blood for the following reasons:
- To discourage pagan practices. Eating blood was a common pagan practice as they hope to gain the characteristics (strength / speed) of the slain animals. God’s people are to rely on Him.
- To preserve the symbolism of the sacrifice. Blood symbolizes the life of the animal that was sacrificed in sinner’s place. To drink it would destroy the evidence of the sacrifice.
- To protect the people from infection because many deadly diseases are transmitted through the blood.