Leviticus17

Leviticus 17 establishes strict laws concerning the proper location for animal sacrifices and the consumption of blood. It commands that all animals intended for sacrifice must be brought to the Tabernacle door to prevent unauthorized worship and idolatry. Furthermore, the chapter strictly forbids eating blood, emphasizing that the life of the flesh is in the blood, which is designated for atonement. Violations of these commands result in the offender being cut off from their people.
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Centralization of Worship and Slaughter

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And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying,
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Speak unto Aaron, and unto his sons, and unto all the children of Israel, and say unto them: This is the thing which Jehovah hath commanded, saying,
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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 without the camp, ​
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and hath not brought it unto the door of the tent of meeting, to offer it as an oblation unto Jehovah before the tabernacle of Jehovah: blood shall be imputed unto that man; he hath shed blood; and that man shall be cut off from among his people: ​
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to the end that the children of Israel may bring their sacrifices, which they sacrifice in the open field, even that they may bring them unto Jehovah, unto the door of the tent of meeting, unto the priest, and sacrifice them for sacrifices of peace-offerings unto Jehovah. ​
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And the priest shall sprinkle the blood upon the altar of Jehovah at the door of the tent of meeting, and burn the fat for a sweet savor unto Jehovah.
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And they shall no more sacrifice their sacrifices unto the he-goats, after which they play the harlot. This shall be a statute forever unto them throughout their generations. ​
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And thou shalt say unto them, Whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among them, that offereth a burnt-offering or sacrifice,
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and bringeth it not unto the door of the tent of meeting, to sacrifice it unto Jehovah; that man shall be cut off from his people.

The Sacred Prohibition Against Eating Blood

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And whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among them, that eateth any manner of blood, I will set my face against that soul that eateth blood, and will cut him off from among his people. ​
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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 maketh atonement by reason of the life. ​
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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.
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And whatsoever man there be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among them, who taketh in hunting any beast or bird that may be eaten; he shall pour out the blood thereof, and cover it with dust. ​
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For as to the life of all flesh, the blood thereof is all one with 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.

Purity Laws for Eating Carrion

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And every soul that eateth that which dieth of itself, or that which is torn of beasts, whether he be home-born or a sojourner, he shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even: then shall he be clean. ​
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But if he wash them not, nor bathe his flesh, then he shall bear his iniquity. ​

Study Notes for Leviticus 17

Verse 3

This law mandated that any animal slaughtered for consumption (ox, lamb, or goat) must be brought to the Tabernacle door. This ensured that all meat consumption was under priestly oversight, preventing unauthorized sacrifices.

Verse 4

Unauthorized slaughter was considered blood guilt, a serious offense punishable by being 'cut off' (excommunication or death). The goal was to centralize worship and prevent the people from sacrificing in pagan ways.

Verse 5

The primary intent was to redirect sacrifices previously offered in unauthorized locations ('open field') back to the legitimate place of worship, ensuring that all offerings were properly dedicated to the LORD.

Verse 7

The 'devils' (Hebrew: *se'irim*, meaning 'hairy ones' or 'goat-demons') refers to pagan deities or spirits, often associated with satyr-like figures, worshipped by surrounding cultures.

Verse 10

This law is directed against the consumption of blood, a universal prohibition applying to both Israelites and resident aliens. The severe consequence ('set my face against') indicates divine judgment.

Verse 11

This verse provides the theological foundation for the prohibition: blood represents the life (*nephesh*) of the creature. God reserved the life-principle (blood) exclusively for use on the altar to make atonement for human souls.

Verse 13

Even when hunting wild game, the blood must be properly drained and covered with dust. This ritual ensures that the sacred element of life is respected and not consumed, even outside the Tabernacle context.

Verse 15

Eating an animal that died naturally (carrion, which would retain its blood) caused ritual uncleanness, requiring ceremonial washing but not the severe penalty of 'cut off.' This is a matter of ritual purity rather than willful sacrilege.

Verse 16

Neglecting the required purification rituals (washing clothes and bathing) means the person remains unclean and 'bears his iniquity,' possibly incurring ritual exclusion or divine discipline.

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