1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
2 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,
3 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,
4 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:
5 To the end that the children of Israel may bring their sacrifices, which they offer in the open field, even that they may bring them unto the LORD, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest, and offer them [for] peace offerings unto the LORD.
6 And the priest shall sprinkle the blood upon the altar of the LORD [at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and burn the fat for a sweet savour unto the LORD.
7 And they shall no more offer their sacrifices unto devils, after whom they have gone a whoring. This shall be a statute for ever unto them throughout their generations.
8 And thou shalt say unto them, Whatsoever man [there be] of the house of Israel, or of the strangers which sojourn among you, that offereth a burnt offering or sacrifice,
9 And bringeth it not unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, to offer it unto the LORD; even that man shall be cut off from among his people.
10 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.
11 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.
12 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.
13 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.
14 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.
15 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.
16 But if he wash [them] not, nor bathe his flesh; then he shall bear his iniquity.
Overview of Leviticus Chapter 17
Leviticus Chapter 17 addresses the laws regarding sacrifices and the proper handling of blood, emphasizing the sanctity of life and the importance of worshiping God in the prescribed manner. This chapter serves as a critical reminder of the covenant relationship between God and the Israelites, highlighting the significance of obedience to divine commands.
Key Themes
- Sanctity of Blood: The chapter emphasizes the sacredness of blood, which is seen as the life force of the creature.
- Proper Worship: It outlines the correct procedures for making sacrifices, ensuring that worship is conducted in a manner pleasing to God.
- Community and Individual Responsibility: It stresses the collective and individual obligations of the Israelites in maintaining holiness.
Detailed Analysis
Verses 1-9: Prohibition of Unlawful Sacrifices
In these verses, God commands Moses to convey to the Israelites that any animal sacrificed must be brought to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting. This ensures that sacrifices are made in a designated holy place, reinforcing the idea that worship should be centralized and orderly.
- It prohibits the Israelites from offering sacrifices in the open fields, which could lead to idolatrous practices.
- The requirement of bringing the animal to the priest signifies the importance of mediators in worship.
- Failure to follow these commands results in being cut off from the community, highlighting the serious consequences of disobedience.
Verses 10-14: Regulations on Blood Consumption
This section underscores the prohibition against consuming blood, as it is considered the life of the flesh. The Israelites are reminded that blood must be poured out on the ground, symbolizing a return to God and the sacredness of life.
- The rationale for this prohibition is rooted in the belief that blood belongs to God, as it represents life.
- This commandment serves to set the Israelites apart from surrounding nations that may have different practices regarding blood.
- The emphasis on blood signifies its role in atonement and the covenant relationship with God.
Verses 15-16: Cleanliness and Uncleanliness
The final verses address the issue of cleanliness concerning the consumption of animals that die of natural causes or are torn by beasts. The Israelites are instructed to avoid consuming such animals, as they are considered unclean.
- This regulation reinforces the theme of holiness and purity in the community.
- It serves as a reminder that God’s standards for cleanliness extend beyond ritual practices to everyday life.
- Those who consume unclean animals are deemed unclean until evening, emphasizing the need for purification.
Conclusion
Leviticus Chapter 17 serves as a foundational text for understanding the importance of proper worship, the sanctity of life, and the communal responsibilities of the Israelites. The laws presented in this chapter not only outline specific practices but also reinforce the overarching theme of holiness that permeates the entire book of Leviticus. By adhering to these regulations, the Israelites demonstrate their commitment to God and their identity as His chosen people.
