Why is blood considered sacred according to Leviticus 17:13 and other scriptures? The Central Passage: Leviticus 17:13–14 “Any Israelite or foreigner living among you who hunts any animal or bird that may be eaten must drain its blood and cover it with dust, for the life of every creature is its blood. Therefore I have said to the Israelites, ‘You must not eat the blood of any creature,’ because the life of every creature is its blood; whoever eats it must be cut off.” Why Blood Is Sacred • Life resides in the blood – Leviticus 17:11: “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your lives; for it is the blood that makes atonement for life.” – Genesis 9:4: “But you must not eat meat with its lifeblood still in it.” – Deuteronomy 12:23: “Only be sure that you do not eat the blood, for the blood is the life…” • Blood belongs to God, not to man – By draining and burying the blood (Leviticus 17:13), the hunter confesses that life ultimately belongs to the Creator. – Disobedience carried the severe penalty of being “cut off” (Leviticus 17:14), underscoring divine ownership. • Blood is God’s appointed means of atonement – Hebrews 9:22: “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” – Sacrificial blood prefigured the perfect sacrifice of Christ (Hebrews 10:1–10). Practical Outworking in Israel 1. Ritual slaughter at the sanctuary (Leviticus 17:3–6) kept worship centralized and pure. 2. Draining and covering blood with dust (v. 13) prevented pagan-style blood rites. 3. Dietary discipline reminded Israel daily that life comes from God alone. Fulfillment in Christ • Matthew 26:28: “This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” • 1 Peter 1:18–19: “You were redeemed… with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot.” • Revelation 5:9: “You are worthy… for You were slain, and with Your blood You purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue.” Key Takeaways • Blood is sacred because it embodies life, which belongs to God. • God reserves blood for atonement; human consumption violates its holy purpose. • Old-covenant blood restrictions point forward to the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus, whose shed blood secures eternal redemption for all who believe. |
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