“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.”
Context and Background: Leviticus is the third book of the Old Testament and is part of the Pentateuch, which comprises the first five books of the Bible. Leviticus focuses primarily on the religious and ceremonial laws given to the Israelites through Moses. The book addresses various aspects of worship, sacrifices, purification, and guidelines for holy living.
In Leviticus 17, God speaks to Moses, instructing him to convey specific regulations regarding the proper handling of blood and the prohibition of consuming blood. The Israelites are called to follow these guidelines to maintain their holiness and distinctiveness as God’s chosen people.
Understanding the Verse:
- “And whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you…” This phrase emphasizes that the commandment regarding the consumption of blood applies to both the Israelites and the foreigners residing among them. God’s law applies universally to all within the community.
- “…that eateth any manner of blood…” The commandment specifically forbids the consumption of any kind of blood. This prohibition extends to both humans and animals, emphasizing the sanctity of blood and the need to handle it properly.
- “I will even set my face against that soul that eateth blood and will cut him off from among his people.” This statement highlights the severity of the offense. God declares that anyone who consumes blood will face His direct opposition, and the transgressor will be “cut off” from the community. The phrase “cut off” likely refers to excommunication or being severed from the covenantal relationship with God’s people.
Interpretation and Application:
- The Sanctity of Blood: The prohibition against consuming blood emphasizes the sanctity and symbolic significance of blood. In the biblical context, blood represents life and is seen as belonging to God alone. The command reflects the reverence God desires for the sacredness of life and His role as the giver and sustainer of life.
- Holiness and Distinctiveness: The commandments in Leviticus were designed to set the Israelites apart from the surrounding nations and to promote holiness. By obeying this prohibition, the Israelites demonstrated their obedience and loyalty to God, distinguishing themselves as His chosen people. This principle also applies to believers today, as we are called to live in a way that sets us apart as followers of Christ.
- Symbolism and Fulfillment in Christ: The prohibition against consuming blood finds fulfillment in the New Testament through the person of Jesus Christ. In the New Covenant, Jesus shed His blood as the ultimate sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. Through His blood, believers are cleansed and redeemed (Hebrews 9:11-14). As Christians, we are not bound by the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament, including the prohibition of consuming blood, as our righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ.
- Principles of Obedience and Reverence: While the specific prohibition may not apply directly to Christians today, the underlying principles of obedience to God’s commands and reverence for His holiness remain relevant. We are called to honor God’s instructions, obey His moral laws, and approach Him with reverence and awe.
It’s important to study the Bible holistically and consider the entire message of Scripture when interpreting and applying individual verses. Leviticus 17:10, within the broader context of the Old and New Testaments, reveals God’s desire for His people to live in obedience, honor His holiness, and find ultimate redemption through faith in Jesus Christ.
