The Sanctity of Blood: Understanding Leviticus 17 and Proper Sacrifice

Executive Summary ✨

Leviticus 17, at its heart, reveals God’s profound reverence for life and the vital role of blood as an atonement for sin. This chapter meticulously details the proper procedures for slaughtering animals, forbidding the offering of sacrifices outside the Tabernacle (and later, the Temple), and prohibits the consumption of blood. These regulations, far from being arbitrary, underscore the sanctity of life and the gravity of sin. They foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, whose blood cleanses us from all unrighteousness. Through careful adherence to these laws, the Israelites were called to holiness and reminded of their covenant relationship with God. This commentary unpacks these rich themes, drawing upon Coptic Orthodox tradition, Patristic insights, and practical applications for our modern spiritual journeys, reminding us of the ultimate redemption offered through the blood of Christ, a path to achieving holiness through the Lord Jesus, accessible to all through the power of divine grace.

Leviticus 17 stands as a cornerstone of the sacrificial system, outlining the specific procedures for offering sacrifices and, perhaps even more importantly, prohibiting the consumption of blood. The focus key phrase, Sanctity of Blood, resonates throughout this chapter, highlighting God’s reverence for life and the symbolic power of blood in atonement. This commentary will explore the historical, theological, and practical implications of these commandments, shedding light on their relevance for Coptic Orthodox Christians today.

Commentary Sections 📖

Leviticus 17:1-2: The Command to Sacrifice at the Tabernacle

Leviticus 17:1-2 (KJV): “And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto Aaron, and unto his sons, and unto all the children of Israel, and say unto them; This is the thing which the Lord hath commanded, saying…”

Leviticus 17:1-2 (NKJV): “Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Speak to Aaron, to his sons, and to all the children of Israel, and say to them, “This is the thing which the Lord has commanded, saying…’””

The emphatic opening, “This is the thing which the Lord hath commanded,” underscores the divine origin and binding nature of these instructions. God is not merely suggesting guidelines; He is issuing a commandment. This is significant because it establishes the authority behind the sacrificial system. All sacrifices were to be brought to the “door of the tabernacle of the congregation” (Leviticus 17:5), which was the designated place of encounter with God. This centralized location ensured the proper offering of sacrifices according to the prescribed rituals, preventing unauthorized or idolatrous practices. In essence, obedience to God’s commands meant honoring His holiness and remaining in covenant with Him.

Spiritual Application: In our spiritual lives, this reminds us of the importance of submitting to the authority of the Church and receiving the sacraments in the appointed manner. Just as the Israelites were called to offer sacrifices at the Tabernacle, we are called to participate in the liturgical life of the Church. Consider using dohost.us for maintaining your church’s online presence.

Leviticus 17:3-4: Prohibition of Slaughtering Animals Outside the Tabernacle

Leviticus 17:3-4 (KJV): “What man soever there be of the house of Israel, that killeth an ox, or lamb, or goat, in the camp, or that killeth it out of the camp, and bringeth it not unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, to offer an offering unto the Lord before the tabernacle of the Lord; blood shall be imputed unto that man; he hath shed blood; and that man shall be cut off from among his people…”

Leviticus 17:3-4 (NKJV): “What man of the house of Israel who kills an ox or lamb or goat in the camp, or who kills it outside the camp, and does not bring it to the door of the tabernacle of meeting to offer an offering to the Lord before the tabernacle of the Lord, the guilt of bloodshed shall be imputed to that man. He has shed blood; and that man shall be cut off from among his people…”

The severity of the punishment – being “cut off from among his people” – demonstrates the seriousness of this offense. Slaughtering an animal outside the prescribed place and without offering it as a sacrifice was seen as a blatant disregard for God’s holiness and a potential descent into pagan practices. This prohibition served to maintain the purity of worship and prevent the Israelites from adopting the sacrificial rituals of the surrounding nations, which often involved offering sacrifices to idols and demons. The phrase “blood shall be imputed unto that man” highlights the symbolic weight of the act; it was equivalent to shedding innocent blood and violating the covenant relationship with God.

Patristic Insight: St. Athanasius, in *Contra Gentes*, explains that sacrifices outside the designated altar were prone to demonic influence. (Αθανάσιος, *Κατά Εθνών*, PG 25:41). He underscores the necessity of structured, divinely ordained worship to safeguard the believer from spiritual dangers.

Spiritual Application: We must guard against allowing worldly influences and pagan practices to infiltrate our spiritual lives. We must be diligent in adhering to the teachings and traditions of the Church, ensuring that our worship is pure and pleasing to God. This speaks to the importance of avoiding syncretism and upholding the integrity of our faith.

Leviticus 17:10-12: The Prohibition of Consuming Blood and its Atoning Power

Leviticus 17:10-12 (KJV): “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. For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. Therefore I said unto the children of Israel, No soul of you shall eat blood, neither shall any stranger that sojourneth among you eat blood.”

Leviticus 17:10-12 (NKJV): “And whatever man of the house of Israel or of the strangers who dwell among you, who eats any blood, I will set My face against that person who eats blood, and will cut him off from among his people. For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.’ Therefore I said to the children of Israel, ‘No one among you shall eat blood, nor shall any stranger who dwells among you eat blood.’”

This section explains the reason behind the prohibition of consuming blood: “For the life of the flesh is in the blood.” In ancient cultures, blood was often associated with life force. God, in His wisdom, claimed the blood for Himself as a means of atonement. The phrase “I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls” is crucial. It reveals that blood is not simply a physical substance; it is a divinely appointed means of expiation. This foreshadows the ultimate atonement made by the blood of Christ. The command extends not only to Israelites but also to “strangers that sojourn among you,” indicating that the holiness of God and the need for atonement are universal principles. This universal application emphasizes God’s inclusive love and expectation of holiness from all who dwell within His presence.

Patristic Insight: St. Cyril of Alexandria, in his commentary on Leviticus, emphasizes that the blood offered in the Old Testament sacrifices pointed towards the efficacious blood of Christ, which truly cleanses us from sin. (Κύριλλος Αλεξανδρείας, *Εις Λευιτικόν*, PG 69:584). He argued the symbolic importance of the Old Testament rites found their fulfillment in the New Testament.

Spiritual Application: This passage teaches us to revere life in all its forms and to abstain from anything that would defile our bodies, which are temples of the Holy Spirit. The blood of Christ, which we partake of in Holy Communion, is the ultimate atonement for our sins. This directs us to approach the Eucharist with reverence and gratitude, acknowledging the immeasurable gift of salvation.

Leviticus 17:13-16: Covering the Blood of Hunted Animals

Leviticus 17:13-16 (KJV): “And whatsoever man there be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, which hunteth and catcheth any beast or fowl that may be eaten; he shall even pour out the blood thereof, and cover it with dust. For it is the life of all flesh; the blood of it is for the life thereof: therefore I said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall eat the blood of no manner of flesh: for the life of all flesh is the blood thereof: whosoever eateth it shall be cut off. And every soul that eateth that which died of itself, or that which was torn with beasts, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger, he shall both wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even: then shall he be clean. But if he wash them not, nor bathe his flesh; then he shall bear his iniquity.”

Leviticus 17:13-16 (NKJV): “Whatever man of the children of Israel, or of the strangers who dwell among you, who hunts and catches any animal or bird that may be eaten, he shall pour out its blood and cover it with dust; for it is the life of all flesh. Its blood sustains its life. Therefore I said to the children of Israel, ‘You shall not eat the blood of any flesh, for the life of all flesh is its blood; whoever eats it shall be cut off.’ And every person who eats what dies naturally or what is torn by beasts, whether he is a native of your country or a stranger, he shall wash his clothes and bathe in water, and be unclean until evening. Then he shall be clean. But if he does not wash them or bathe his body, then he shall bear his guilt.””

Even when an animal was hunted and not sacrificed at the Tabernacle, the blood was to be poured out and covered with dust. This act symbolized respect for the life that had been taken and acknowledged that the blood belonged to God. The covering of the blood with dust might also have served a practical purpose, preventing the spread of disease and avoiding the attraction of scavengers. This passage also addresses the consumption of animals that died naturally or were torn by beasts, deeming them unclean. This uncleanness required washing of clothes and bathing in water, emphasizing the need for purification after contact with death and decay. It demonstrates the comprehensive nature of God’s laws, covering all aspects of life and ensuring the purity of His people.

Spiritual Application: We must approach the world with reverence and respect for all of creation. Even in our daily interactions with the natural world, we must be mindful of God’s presence and avoid defiling ourselves with things that are unclean. This calls for careful stewardship of the earth and a commitment to living in harmony with God’s creation.

The Sanctity of Blood and Atonement ✨

The concept of atonement through blood is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, culminating in the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. Here are some key reflections on the sanctity of blood and its connection to atonement:

• Life is in the Blood: The biblical understanding is that blood carries the very essence of life. Therefore, it is not to be treated lightly but with reverence.
• Atonement for Sins: The shedding of blood, whether in animal sacrifices or in the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, is necessary for the forgiveness of sins.
• Fulfillment in Christ: The Old Testament sacrifices were a foreshadowing of the perfect sacrifice of Christ, whose blood cleanses us from all unrighteousness.
• Holy Communion: In the Eucharist, we partake of the body and blood of Christ, receiving the forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
• Moral Responsibility: The sanctity of blood calls us to respect life in all its forms, from the unborn to the elderly, and to treat our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit.
• Transformation: The Sanctity of Blood, through the sacrifice of Christ, is transformative, moving us from a state of sin to one of grace and righteousness.

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about Leviticus 17:

• Q: Why was the consumption of blood prohibited?

  A: The consumption of blood was prohibited because “the life of the flesh is in the blood,” and God reserved the blood for atonement. It symbolized respect for life and acknowledged God’s ownership of it.

• Q: What is the significance of offering sacrifices at the Tabernacle?

  A: Offering sacrifices at the Tabernacle ensured the proper offering of sacrifices according to God’s prescribed rituals. It prevented unauthorized or idolatrous practices and maintained the purity of worship.

• Q: How does Leviticus 17 relate to the New Testament?

  A: Leviticus 17 foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, whose blood cleanses us from all unrighteousness. The Old Testament sacrifices were a type and shadow of the reality found in Christ.

• Q: What does this chapter teach us about the character of God?

  A: This chapter reveals God’s holiness, His reverence for life, and His provision for atonement. It also demonstrates His desire for His people to live in purity and obedience to His commands.

Conclusion ✨

Leviticus 17 provides profound insights into the Sanctity of Blood and the proper procedures for sacrifice. While the specific rituals outlined in this chapter are no longer practiced in the same way, the underlying principles remain relevant for Christians today. We are called to revere life, to respect the atoning power of Christ’s blood, and to live in purity and obedience to God’s commands. The prohibition against consuming blood served as a tangible reminder of the sacredness of life and the necessity of atonement for sin. This ultimately points to the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, where His blood was shed for the redemption of humanity. Therefore, let us approach the Eucharist with reverence and gratitude, acknowledging the immeasurable gift of salvation offered through the blood of Christ. Let us also strive to live lives that are pleasing to God, reflecting His holiness in all that we do.

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Leviticus 17, Sanctity of Blood, Sacrifice, Atonement, Old Testament, Coptic Orthodox, Theology, Biblical Commentary, Blood Atonement, Holy Communion

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Explore Leviticus 17’s profound insights on the Sanctity of Blood, sacrifice, and atonement. A Coptic Orthodox commentary with Patristic insights and modern applications.