1 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying,
2 Speak to Aaron and his sons and to all the people of Israel and say to them, This is the thing that the Lord has commanded.
3 So whether it is a bull or a ram, you shall not slaughter it outside the camp.
4 and does not bring it to the entrance of the tent of meeting to offer it as a gift to the Lord in front of the tabernacle of the Lord, bloodguilt shall be imputed to that man. He has shed blood, and that man shall be cut off from among his people.
5 And the people of Israel shall bring their sacrifices that they sacrifice in the open field, that they may bring them to the Lord, to the priest at the entrance of the tent of meeting, and sacrifice them as sacrifices of peace offerings to the Lord.
6 And the priest shall throw the blood on the altar of the Lord at the entrance of the tent of meeting and burn the fat for a pleasing aroma to the Lord.
7 So they shall no more sacrifice their sacrifices to goat demons, after whom they whore. This shall be a statute forever for them throughout their generations.
8 And you shall say to them, Any one of the house of Israel, or of the strangers who sojourn among them, who offers a burnt offering or sacrifice
9 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.
10 And any man of the house of Israel, or of the strangers who sojourn among them, who 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.
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.”
The True Meaning of Leviticus 17
The book of Leviticus was written by Moses, the great prophet and leader of the Israelites. Leviticus, the second book in the Pentateuch or the first five books of the Bible, provides detailed instructions and laws for the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. We will explore the importance of proper sacrificial practices and the sanctity of blood in this chapter. The Lord lays out clear guidelines for the Israelites, emphasizing the significance of offering sacrifices at the Tent of Meeting and the reverence they must have for the life-giving power of blood. These teachings will serve as a foundation for the Israelites as they seek to honor God and maintain their covenant relationship with Him.
Throughout this passage, we will see references to other pivotal moments in the Israelites’ journey, such as the Exodus from Egypt and the establishment of the Tabernacle. These connections will help us understand the broader context and the importance of the Lord’s instructions in Leviticus 17.
Leviticus 17:1-9
The Lord gives instructions to Moses about the importance of offering sacrifices in the designated place, the Tent of Meeting, rather than anywhere else in Leviticus 17:1-9. The chapter begins with the Lord commanding Moses to instruct the people of Israel that they must bring their sacrifices to Him at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting. This command was crucial in emphasizing the significance of offering sacrifices in the prescribed location as a way to maintain order and obedience within the community.
The reason for this specific instruction was to prevent the Israelites from offering sacrifices to goat idols in the open fields. The Lord ensured that the people would follow the proper procedures and avoid falling into idolatry by centralizing the practice of offering sacrifices at the Tent of Meeting. This command highlights God’s desire for His people to worship Him in a specific manner that reflects reverence and obedience.
Throughout the Bible, the theme of worshiping God in the right way and in the right place is consistently emphasized. Jesus in the New Testament also speaks about the importance of worshiping God in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24), stressing the heart and sincerity behind worship. This concept echoes the significance of offering sacrifices in the designated place in Leviticus 17, signifying that God values not only the act of worship but also the attitude and intention behind it.
The mention of sacrificing to goat idols in the open fields serves as a warning against falling into the trap of idolatry. Idol worship was a common temptation for the Israelites throughout their history, leading them away from the one true God. This command in Leviticus 17 reinforces the idea of loyalty and faithfulness to God, rejecting any form of false worship or idolatrous practices.
Furthermore, the mention of blood in sacrifices highlights the foundational importance of blood in the Old Testament sacrificial system. The shedding of blood in sacrifices was a symbolic act of atonement for sin, representing the payment required for cleansing and forgiveness. This theme of blood atonement runs throughout the Bible, ultimately pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, whose blood was shed for the forgiveness of sins for all who believe in Him (Hebrews 9:22, 10:19-22). Leviticus 17:1-9 teaches us about the significance of offering sacrifices in the right place and the importance of worshiping God with sincerity and obedience. It also serves as a reminder to guard against idolatry and false worship. The overarching theme of blood atonement in sacrifices points forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who became the perfect atonement for our sins, fulfilling the requirements of the law and bringing salvation to all who believe.
Leviticus 17:10-14
The verses in Leviticus 17:10-14 discuss the importance of abstaining from consuming blood, highlighting the significance of blood as the life force within animals. The verses state, “And whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel or of the strangers that sojourn among you, that eateth any manner of blood, I will even set my face against that soul that eateth blood, and will cut him off from among his people.” This commandment is reiterated multiple times in the Old Testament as it is seen as a fundamental principle in the covenant between God and His people.
The prohibition against consuming blood has deep spiritual and symbolic significance. Blood is equated with the essence of life, and in ancient times, sacrificing animals and offering their blood to God was a common practice. The Israelites were demonstrating their reverence for God’s creation and acknowledging His authority over life and death by refraining from consuming blood. This commandment served to set the Israelites apart from other nations and underscored their commitment to obeying God’s laws.
The mention of “strangers that sojourn among you” in the verse indicates that the commandment regarding the consumption of blood applied not only to the native Israelites but also to foreigners living among them. This inclusive approach highlights the universal and timeless nature of God’s laws, which are intended for all people, regardless of their background or nationality.
The severe consequence of being “cut off from among his people” for consuming blood underscores the gravity of this prohibition. This punishment was meant to deter disobedience and emphasize the importance of adhering to God’s commands. It also served to maintain the purity and sanctity of the community of believers.
The theme of the sanctity of blood and its association with atonement and forgiveness is further explored in the New Testament. Christians see the shedding of Jesus Christ’s blood on the cross as the ultimate sacrifice for the redemption of humanity. This symbolism ties back to the Old Testament practices of blood sacrifice, underscoring the continuity and fulfillment of God’s plan for salvation throughout Scripture. The Apostle Paul, in his letters to the early Christian communities, often references the significance of Christ’s blood in securing reconciliation with God and eternal life for believers (e.g., Romans 5:9, Ephesians 1:7). Leviticus 17:10-14 serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring God’s commandments, respecting the sanctity of life, and acknowledging the atoning power of blood in religious practices. The prohibition against consuming blood represents a foundational principle in the Old Testament law, with reverberations and deeper spiritual implications that extend into the New Testament teachings on redemption and salvation.
Leviticus 17:15-16
Leviticus 17:15-16 states, “And anyone, whether native-born or foreigner, who eats anything found dead or torn by wild animals must wash their clothes and bathe with water, and they will be ceremonially unclean till evening; then they will be clean.” But if they do not wash their clothes and bathe themselves, they will be held responsible.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining cleanliness and purity, not only physically but also spiritually. It distinguishes between the holy and the profane, the clean and the unclean. The idea of cleanliness was significant in the Israelites’ relationship with God in the context of Leviticus, where detailed laws and regulations provided them concerning their conduct and worship.
The mention of eating anything found dead or torn by wild animals connects back to the earlier verses in Leviticus 17 where the Israelites were instructed to bring their animal sacrifices to the entrance of the tent of meeting and not to offer them anywhere else. This directive was to ensure that the blood of the animals was presented to the Lord as a way to atone for their sins. Eating an animal that had not been sacrificed properly was seen as defiling oneself and breaking the purity laws set by God.
The need to wash clothes and bathe with water symbolizes the act of cleansing oneself physically, but it also carries a deeper symbolic meaning of purifying one’s heart and soul. The evening cleansing ritual reflects a temporary state of uncleanness that can be rectified through repentance and purification. This concept of temporary uncleanness followed by cleansing is a common theme throughout Leviticus and the Old Testament, highlighting the importance of repentance and seeking forgiveness from God.
Furthermore, the mention of both native-born and foreigners emphasizes that these laws of cleanliness applied to everyone within the community of Israel. It shows that all were expected to adhere to the same standards of purity and obedience to God’s commandments, regardless of their background. Believers need to maintain spiritual cleanliness and purity in their lives, as these verses remind in a broader context. Just as the Israelites were instructed to wash and cleanse themselves after being defiled, Christians are called to repent of their sins, seek forgiveness, and strive to live in obedience to God’s will. This verse serves as a timeless message of the importance of holiness and righteousness in our relationship with God.
After Leviticus 17
The people had been instructed to bring their sacrifices to the tent of meeting, where the Lord’s presence dwelled. This was to ensure the blood was properly poured out and the fat burned, as the Lord had commanded. Any who did not follow this protocol would be cut off from their people, for the life of the flesh is in the blood, and the Lord had given it to make atonement for their souls. The people left the tent of meeting, their minds must have been filled with the gravity of these instructions. The Lord had made it clear – the shedding of blood was a sacred act, not to be taken lightly. The Lord will continue to guide His people in the next chapter, laying out further commands regarding their holiness and relationship with Him. For it is only through obedience that we can truly draw near to the Almighty.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.