Leviticus 17:1-16 - Homilies By J.a. Macdonald

Statutes concerning blood.

The sacredness of blood is everywhere marked in Scripture. The chapter before us contains some of the more important statutes concerning it.

I. IN RESPECT TO THE BLOOD OF SACRIFICE .

1 . It must be brought to the door of the tabernacle.

(a) To the blood of those offered at the door of the tabernacle. As a matter of course, the bleed of such sacrifices would be sprinkled and poured out at the altar.

(b) To the blood of those also offered outside the camp ( Leviticus 17:3 , Leviticus 17:5 ). Sacrifices were formerly offered wherever the providence of God might indicate ( Genesis 12:8 ; Job 1:5 ). God still reserved to himself the right to sanction the offering of sacrifices where he pleased (see 6:26 ; 13:19 ; 1 Samuel 7:9 ; 2 Samuel 24:18 ; 1 Kings 18:23 ). Without such sanction, the altar of the tabernacle is the one place appointed for the shedding of sacrificial blood.

2 . The penalty of disobedience is excision.

II. IN RESPECT TO FOOD .

1 . Blood as food is absolutely forbidden.

2 . Two reasons for the prohibition are assigned. These are:

3 . The penalty here also is excision