Leviticus 17:11

For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for your souls upon the altar; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.

Study Bible

For the life of the flesh is in the blood
This phrase emphasizes the fundamental belief that blood is the essence of life. In ancient Hebrew culture, blood was seen as the life force of a being, a concept that is echoed in Genesis 9:4, where God commands Noah not to consume blood because it represents life. This understanding underscores the sacredness of blood in sacrificial practices, as it symbolizes the life that is offered to God.

and I have given it to you to make atonement for your souls upon the altar
Here, God declares that He has provided blood as a means for atonement, highlighting His sovereignty and grace. The altar, central to Israelite worship, was the place where sacrifices were made to reconcile humanity with God. This practice foreshadows the ultimate atonement through Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice on the cross fulfills the need for blood atonement once and for all, as seen in Hebrews 9:12-14.

for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul
This statement reinforces the necessity of blood for atonement, a principle that permeates the sacrificial system of the Old Testament. The Hebrew word for atonement, "kaphar," means to cover or to reconcile, indicating that blood serves as a covering for sin. This concept is prophetically linked to the New Testament, where Christ's blood is described as the means of eternal redemption (Ephesians 1:7). The sacrificial system, with its emphasis on blood, serves as a type of Christ, pointing to His ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The prophet and leader of the Israelites, who received the laws from God, including the instructions in Leviticus.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, to whom the laws in Leviticus were given as part of their covenant relationship with Him.

3. The Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the divine presence, where sacrifices were made, including those involving blood for atonement.

4. Priests
The descendants of Aaron, responsible for performing the sacrifices and rituals as outlined in Leviticus.

5. Sacrificial System
The divinely instituted method for atonement and worship, central to the religious life of Israel.

Teaching Points

The Sanctity of Life
The verse underscores the sacredness of life, as represented by blood. In our lives, we should honor and respect the life God has given us and others.

Atonement and Reconciliation
Blood is central to atonement, symbolizing the seriousness of sin and the need for reconciliation with God. Reflect on the gravity of sin and the grace offered through Christ's sacrifice.

The Fulfillment in Christ
The sacrificial system points to Jesus, whose blood was shed for the ultimate atonement. Embrace the completeness of His sacrifice and live in the freedom it provides.

Obedience to God's Commands
The Israelites were called to follow God's laws regarding sacrifices. Similarly, we are called to live in obedience to God's Word, understanding its purpose and significance.

The Role of Faith
Just as the Israelites had to trust in the sacrificial system for atonement, we are called to have faith in Christ's sacrifice for our salvation.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of life being in the blood influence your understanding of the value God places on life?

2. In what ways does the sacrificial system in Leviticus point to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ in the New Testament?

3. How can we apply the principle of atonement in our daily lives, particularly in our relationships with others?

4. What does it mean to live in obedience to God's commands today, and how can we ensure our actions align with His will?

5. How does understanding the role of faith in the Old Testament sacrificial system enhance your faith in Christ's atoning work?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 9:4
This verse establishes the sanctity of blood, prohibiting the consumption of blood because it represents life.

Hebrews 9:22
This New Testament verse echoes the principle that without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness, connecting the Old Testament sacrificial system to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

John 6:53-56
Jesus speaks of His blood as true drink, symbolizing the new covenant and eternal life through His sacrifice.

Romans 3:25
Paul discusses Jesus as the propitiation by His blood, received by faith, highlighting the fulfillment of the atonement principle in Christ.