Leviticus 17:1-16
Q.1. Why did God command that all sacrificial offerings be brought to the priests at the tabernacle? – (Lev.17:1-9)
God warned the people of Israel that they would be cut off from being His people, if they made blood sacrifices in any place other at the tabernacle (Lev.17:1-4). The reason was that these peace offerings were reserved for God alone and – They shall no longer offer their sacrifices to the goat demons with which they play the harlot. This shall be a permanent statute to them throughout their generations (Lev.17:7).
Q.2. Why did eating the blood of animals carry such a strong condemnation from God? – (Lev.17:10-16)
All lifeblood was to be treated with respect, because it underpinned the whole idea of substitutionary atonement – 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 by reason of the life that makes atonement … For as for the life of all flesh, its blood is identified with its life (Lev.17:11 & 14). Therefore, they could eat animals, but never the lifeblood. Even when a person hunted and killed a bird or animal for eating – he shall pour out its blood and cover it with earth … You are not to eat the blood of any flesh, for the life of all flesh is its blood … (Lev.17:13-14). Since Jesus died, God has done away with the need for multiple animal sacrifices to “cover” the sinner from God’s wrath. He always planned to send His One and Only Son to be the sinner’s substitute (c.f. 1 Pet.2:24; 3:8; 1 Jn.2:1-2). Consequently, Peter declared – … you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold … but with the precious blood as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ (1 Pet.1:18-19). God clearly stated that the death of anyone or anything was not to be taken lightly. Thus, He underscored the dignity of all living things.