Leviticus 17 contains regulations concerning the offering of sacrifices and the proper treatment of blood. The chapter begins with God commanding Moses to convey to the Israelites that any person who offers a sacrifice outside the tabernacle will be cut off from the community. Sacrifices must be presented at the entrance of the tabernacle, where the blood is to be sprinkled on the altar.
The chapter emphasizes the sanctity of blood, stating that the Israelites must not eat blood. The life of a creature is in its blood, and God has given it to the people for atonement. It is the blood that makes atonement for the soul. Consuming blood is strictly prohibited, and those who do so will be cut off from their people.
Additionally, the Israelites are instructed not to offer sacrifices to goat idols or in the open fields. Sacrifices are to be brought to the tabernacle, and any person who does not abide by these regulations will be held accountable.
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