Knowing The Word: Leviticus 17:1, 10-16, Blood and Sacrifice

God established the sacrificial system with the Israelites to make atonement for their sins. It was a daily reminder to the Israelites that the forgiveness of sins came at a price. Ultimately, the sacrificial blood pointed to the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross—the “once for all” sacrifice that put an end to all sacrifices. The Israelites were forbidden to eat blood because of its sacrificial importance. When the sacrificial system was fulfilled in Jesus, the blood laws came to an end.

1 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying . . . 10 “If any one of the house of Israel or of the strangers who sojourn among them eats any blood, I will set my face against that person who eats blood and will cut him off from among his people. 11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life. 12 Therefore I have said to the people of Israel, No person among you shall eat blood, neither shall any stranger who sojourns among you eat blood.

13 “Any one also of the people of Israel, or of the strangers who sojourn among them, who takes in hunting any beast or bird that may be eaten shall pour out its blood and cover it with earth. 14 For the life of every creature is its blood: its blood is its life. Therefore I have said to the people of Israel, You shall not eat the blood of any creature, for the life of every creature is its blood. Whoever eats it shall be cut off. 15 And every person who eats what dies of itself or what is torn by beasts, whether he is a native or a sojourner, shall wash his clothes and bathe himself in water and be unclean until the evening; then he shall be clean. 16 But if he does not wash them or bathe his flesh, he shall bear his iniquity.”

Prayer: Almighty God, whose Son was lifted high upon the cross that he might draw the whole world to himself: Mercifully grant that we, who glory in the mystery of our redemption, may have grace to take up our cross and follow him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God. Amen.