Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the prohibition against consuming blood is a significant dietary law that extends to all creatures, including birds. This command is rooted in the broader theological and covenantal framework of the Old Testament, where blood is regarded as sacred and representative of life.The foundational text for this prohibition is found in the book of Leviticus, which outlines the dietary laws given to the Israelites. Leviticus 17:13-14 states: "When any man from the house of Israel or any foreigner living among them hunts and catches any animal or bird that may be eaten, he must drain its blood and cover it with dirt. For the life of all flesh 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.’" This command underscores the sanctity of life, as blood is equated with life itself. The act of draining the blood and covering it with dirt is a ritual acknowledgment of the life given by God and a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people. The prohibition is not merely a dietary restriction but a theological statement about the value of life and the holiness of God. The commandment is reiterated in Deuteronomy 12:23-24 , where it is written: "But be sure that you do not eat the blood, because the blood is the life, and you must not eat the life with the meat. You must not eat the blood; pour it on the ground like water." The prohibition against consuming blood, including that of birds, is also linked to the sacrificial system. Blood was used in various sacrificial rites as a means of atonement and purification, symbolizing the life given to atone for sin. Leviticus 17:11 explains, "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 souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life." In the New Testament, the early church grappled with the question of whether Gentile converts should adhere to Jewish dietary laws. The Jerusalem Council, as recorded in Acts 15, addressed this issue. The apostles and elders concluded that Gentile believers should abstain from certain practices, including the consumption of blood. Acts 15:28-29 states: "It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond these essential requirements: You must abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality." This decision reflects the continuity of the principle that blood, as the symbol of life, is to be treated with reverence and not consumed. The prohibition against eating blood, including that of birds, remains a testament to the sacredness of life and the divine order established by God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 7:26Moreover you shall eat no manner of blood, whether it be of fowl or of beast, in any of your dwellings. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Leviticus Whether a Suitable Cause Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies which ... Faustus Fails to Understand Why He Should be Required Either to ... The Disciple, -- Master, in These Days Some Learned Men and their ... The Church. The Sixth Commandment How Abram Fought with the Assyrians, and Overcame Them, and Saved ... The Use of the Symbolic Style by Poets and Philosophers. Communion with Christ and his People. Here Beginneth the History of Noah Resources What does it mean that Jesus had nowhere to lay His head? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parable of the Mustard Seed? | GotQuestions.org What does God want me to do? | GotQuestions.org Birds: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Birds are Hostile to Strange Kinds Birds of Cruel and Rapacious Kings Birds of People of Different Countries Birds of the Devil and his Spirits Birds: (Snaring) Designs of the Wicked Birds: Called: Birds of the Air Birds: Called: Fowls of Heaven Birds: Called: Fowls of the Air Birds: Clean: Offered in Sacrifice Birds: Confinement of, in Cages Alluded To Birds: Created for the Glory of God Birds: Creation of, on the Fifth Creative Day Birds: Differ in Flesh from Beasts and Fishes Birds: Early Distinguished Into Clean and Clean Birds: Have Each Their Peculiar Note or Song Birds: Herb of the Field Given As Food To Birds: Inhabit: Deserted Cities Birds: Instinct of, Inferior to Man's Reason Birds: Lessons of Wisdom to be Learned From Birds: Make Their Nests in Clefts of Rocks Birds: Make Their Nests in Deserted Cities Birds: Make Their Nests in Trees Birds: Make Their Nests: On the Ground Birds: Make Their Nests: Under the Roofs of Houses Birds: Make, and Dwell in Nests Birds: Many Kinds of, Carnivorous Birds: Many Kinds of, Graniverous Birds: Many Kinds of, Migratory Birds: Moses' Law Protected the Mother from Being Taken With the Young Birds: Names Given To, by Adam Birds: No Likeness of, to be Made for Worship Birds: Not to be Eaten With Their Young Birds: Often Remove from Places Suffering Calamities Birds: Often Suffered for Man's Sin Birds: Often Worshipped by Idolaters Birds: Power Over Given to Man Birds: Rapid Flight of, Alluded To Birds: Solomon Wrote the History of Birds: Songs of, at the Break of Day Birds: Taken in Snares or Nets Birds: The Blood of, not to be Eaten Birds: Unclean: Not to be Eaten Birds: What Species Were Unclean Related Terms |
    |