TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Deuteronomy 15:19–23.
Here is, 1. A repetition of the law concerning the firstlings of their cattle, that, if they were males, they were to be sanctified to the Lord (Deu 15:19), in remembrance of, and in thankfulness for, the sparing of the first-born of Israel, when the first-born of the Egyptians, both of man and beast, were slain by the destroying angel (Exo 13:2, Exo 13:15); on the eighth day it was to be given to God (Exo 22:30), and to be divided between the priest and the altar, Num 18:17, Num 18:18. 2. An addition to that law, for the further explication of it, directing them what to do with the firstlings, (1.) That were females: "Thou shalt do no work with the female firstlings of the cow, nor shear those of the sheep" (Deu 15:19); of them the learned bishop Patrick understands it. Though the female firstlings were not so entirely sanctified to God as the males, nor so early as at eight days old, yet they were not to be converted by the owners to their own use as the other cattle, but must be offered to God as peace-offerings, or used in a religious feast, at the year's end, Deu 15:20. Thou shalt eat it before the Lord thy God, as directed Deu 12:18. (2.) But what must they do with that which was blemished, ill-blemished? Deu 15:21. Were it male or female, it must not be brought near the sanctuary, nor used either for sacrifice or for holy feasting, for it would not be fit to honour God with, nor to typify Christ, who is a Lamb without blemish; yet it must not be reared, but killed and eaten at their own houses as common food (Deu 15:22), only they must be sure not to eat it with the blood, Deu 15:23. The frequent repetition of this caution intimates what need the people had of it, and what stress God laid upon it. What a mercy it is that we are not under this yoke! We are not dieted as they were; we make no difference between a first calf, or lamb, and the rest that follow. Let us therefore realize the gospel meaning of this law, devoting ourselves and the first of our time and strength to God, as a kind of first-fruits of his creatures, and using all our comforts and enjoyments to his praise and under the direction of his law, as we have them all by his gift.
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Summary
Deuteronomy 15:23 delivers a profound and specific command within the Mosaic Law, prohibiting the consumption of blood from any animal slaughtered for food and mandating its return to the earth. This regulation transcends mere dietary restriction, serving as a foundational theological statement on the sanctity of life, which is intrinsically linked to the blood, and asserting God's ultimate sovereignty over all life. It reinforces Israel's covenant identity as a holy nation set apart by divine decree, embodying a deep reverence for the life-force that belongs solely to the Creator.
Context
Literary Context
Deuteronomy 15:23 appears within Moses' final addresses to the Israelites as they stand poised to enter the Promised Land, serving as a reiteration and expansion of the covenant laws previously given at Mount Sinai. Specifically, this verse concludes a section (Deuteronomy 15:19-23) dealing with the proper handling of firstborn male livestock dedicated to the Lord, which were to be eaten by the clean within the community. While the preceding verses focus on consecrated animals, verse 23 broadens the scope to any animal consumed for sustenance, whether sacrificed or simply slaughtered. This placement emphasizes the pervasive nature of the blood prohibition, applying universally to all meat consumption, thereby underscoring its fundamental importance beyond the sacrificial system.
Historical & Cultural Context
The ancient Near East was replete with diverse religious practices, many of which involved the consumption of blood, often in pagan rituals associated with fertility, divination, or communion with deities. Such practices were anathema to Yahwistic worship. By strictly forbidding the consumption of blood and commanding its return to the ground, God established a clear distinction between Israel and its pagan neighbors. This command served not only to prevent syncretism but also to instill a unique reverence for life that contrasted sharply with the often-violent and life-disregarding customs of surrounding cultures, reinforcing Israel's identity as a holy people consecrated to the One True God.
Key Themes
Deuteronomy 15:23 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the Sanctity of Life, a principle deeply rooted in the biblical understanding that "the life of the flesh is in the blood" as articulated in Leviticus 17:11. This command also underscores the theme of Holiness and Separation, as God's people are called to be distinct from the nations, reflecting His own holy character in their daily lives and dietary practices, much like the broader dietary laws in Leviticus 11. Finally, it highlights Divine Sovereignty and Ownership, asserting that life, represented by the blood, ultimately belongs to God and must be treated with the utmost respect, returned to the earth as a tribute to the Creator, rather than appropriated by humans.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term is central to the verse and carries immense theological weight throughout the Old Testament. Dâm is consistently identified as the life-force of a creature (e.g., Leviticus 17:11). The prohibition against consuming dâm is not merely a dietary rule but a profound theological statement acknowledging that life belongs to God alone. To consume the blood would be to appropriate life, an act reserved for the Creator.
The verb shâphak means "to spill forth," "to pour out," or "to shed." In this context, it denotes a deliberate, respectful act of returning the blood to the ground. This action is not one of casual disposal but a ritualistic acknowledgment that the life-force, once released from the animal, is to be given back to the earth, which God created and from which all life springs. It signifies a symbolic return to the divine source.
Verse Breakdown
"Only thou shalt not eat the blood thereof"
This clause establishes the absolute prohibition. The emphatic "Only" (Hebrew, raq) underscores the singular importance and strictness of this command. It is a direct, negative injunction against the consumption of blood, applying to all animals slaughtered for food, not just those offered in sacrifice. This prohibition is rooted in the sacredness of life, which God has declared to reside in the blood.
"thou shalt pour it upon the ground as water"
This second clause provides the prescribed method for handling the blood. The phrase "as water" (Hebrew, kammayim) is a simile indicating that the blood should be treated as something common and discarded, yet paradoxically, its disposal is a sacred act. It implies a complete and thorough draining, ensuring no blood is retained for consumption, and its return to the earth signifies its sacred nature and its ultimate belonging to God. It is not to be collected, stored, or utilized for human purposes, but returned to the dust from which life originated.
Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 15:23 employs several literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. Symbolism is paramount, as blood serves as the primary symbol for life itself, a concept deeply ingrained in Israelite theology (e.g., Genesis 9:4). The act of pouring blood onto the ground is symbolic of returning life to its Creator, acknowledging God's ultimate sovereignty. The phrase "as water" functions as a simile, likening the act of pouring blood to the mundane act of pouring water. This seemingly simple comparison paradoxically elevates the act, emphasizing that the sacred substance (blood) is to be completely relinquished and not treated as something to be consumed or hoarded, but rather returned to the earth, becoming indistinguishable from a common liquid once it is absorbed. Furthermore, the command itself is an example of legal prose, characterized by its direct, imperative tone, underscoring the divine authority behind the instruction.
Theological and Thematic Connections
The command in Deuteronomy 15:23 is not an isolated dietary restriction but a foundational theological principle woven throughout the fabric of biblical revelation. It underscores God's absolute ownership of all life, asserting that the life-force, symbolized by the blood, belongs to Him alone and is not for human appropriation. This principle forms the bedrock for understanding the sacrificial system, where the shedding of blood represented the giving of life for atonement, a substitute life offered to God. By prohibiting the consumption of blood, God instilled in Israel a profound reverence for life and a constant reminder of the sanctity of the life-giving essence, preparing them to grasp the ultimate significance of a life given in sacrifice for sin. This divine decree also served to distinguish Israel from pagan nations, whose practices often involved the desecration or ritualistic consumption of blood, thus emphasizing Israel's unique covenant relationship and call to holiness.
Reflection and Application
Deuteronomy 15:23, while part of the Mosaic Law, offers timeless principles for believers today, even as the specific dietary regulations are understood differently in the New Covenant. At its heart, this verse calls us to a profound reverence for life itself, recognizing that all life is a sacred gift from God and belongs ultimately to Him. It challenges us to consider how we treat not only animal life but all forms of life, particularly human life, which is made in God's image. This command also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands, even when their rationale may not be immediately apparent to us, trusting in His wisdom and His desire for our holiness. Furthermore, it deepens our appreciation for the sacrificial system, where the shedding of blood was central to atonement, pointing forward to the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice of Christ. Our response to God's commands should be one of humble submission and a desire to reflect His character in our lives, honoring the Giver of life in all our actions.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was eating blood strictly forbidden in the Old Testament?
The strict prohibition against consuming blood, reiterated multiple times in the Old Testament (e.g., Genesis 9:4, Leviticus 17:11, Deuteronomy 12:23), was primarily for theological reasons, not merely health. The Bible explicitly states that "the life of the flesh is in the blood" (Leviticus 17:11). Therefore, consuming blood would be seen as appropriating the life-force, which God declared belonged to Him alone. It was a constant reminder to Israel that life is sacred and a gift from God. Additionally, it served to distinguish Israel from surrounding pagan cultures who often incorporated blood consumption into their idolatrous rituals, emphasizing Israel's call to holiness and separation unto the Lord.
Is the command to abstain from blood still applicable to Christians today?
While Christians are not under the Mosaic ceremonial or dietary laws in the same way as ancient Israel (as affirmed in Mark 7:19 and Romans 14:17), the early church did specifically instruct Gentile converts to "abstain from things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood" (Acts 15:29). This apostolic decree was likely a practical measure to facilitate fellowship between Jewish and Gentile believers, respecting the deep-seated Jewish conviction about blood's sanctity, and avoiding practices associated with paganism. For Christians today, while not a salvific requirement, the underlying principle of respecting the sanctity of life and avoiding practices that defile or dishonor God remains profoundly relevant. Many Christians choose to abstain from blood as a matter of conscience, recognizing its enduring symbolic significance and the historical precedent set by the early church.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Deuteronomy 15:23, with its profound emphasis on the sanctity of blood as the essence of life and its commanded return to the earth, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament prohibition against consuming blood, and the ritualistic pouring out of blood in sacrifices, consistently pointed to the truth that "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins" (Hebrews 9:22). Unlike the blood of animals, which could only temporarily cover sin, the precious blood of Jesus, shed on the cross, was the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice that truly atones for sin. His blood was not poured out "as water" to be discarded, but rather, it was poured out to purchase our redemption (Ephesians 1:7) and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:7). Through His voluntary giving of His life, symbolized by His shed blood, Jesus became the ultimate Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, providing eternal life and reconciliation with God for all who believe, transforming the ancient command into a vibrant reality of grace and new life in Him.