Leviticus 17: The Sacredness of Blood – Life Belongs to God

Key Verse: Leviticus 17:11 "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life."

Leviticus 17 focuses on the sacredness of blood and its role in atonement. In ancient Israel, blood was not just a bodily fluid—it represented life itself, given by God. Because of this, God gave strict commands about how blood was to be used in sacrifices and daily life.

This chapter reminds us that atonement and forgiveness come only through the shedding of blood—ultimately pointing to Jesus, whose blood was shed for our salvation.

Key Commands in Leviticus 17

1. All Sacrifices Must Be Made at the Tabernacle (Leviticus 17:3-9)

   • The Israelites were not allowed to offer sacrifices anywhere they pleased.

   • Sacrifices had to be made before the Lord, ensuring that worship was not corrupted by pagan practices.

2. The Prohibition Against Eating Blood (Leviticus 17:10-14)

   • The Israelites were forbidden from eating blood because it represented life, which belongs to God.

   • This command reinforced the sacredness of blood, emphasizing that only through blood could atonement be made.

3. Proper Disposal of Animals Killed for Food (Leviticus 17:15-16)

   • Even when eating meat, the Israelites had to drain the blood properly, showing respect for life.

Why Is Blood So Important?

In Leviticus 17:11, God makes it clear: Blood is the means of atonement.

• Blood represents life – Life comes from God, and only He has the right to determine how it is used.

• Blood is required for atonement – Sin leads to death, and only the shedding of innocent blood can cover sin. (Hebrews 9:22)

• Blood points to Christ’s ultimate sacrifice – The animal sacrifices foreshadowed Jesus, who would offer His own blood for our sins.

Jesus: The Perfect Blood Sacrifice

Leviticus 17 points directly to Jesus Christ, whose blood accomplished what animal sacrifices never could.

• Jesus' blood brings eternal atonement – Unlike the Old Testament sacrifices, which had to be repeated, Jesus’ sacrifice was once and for all. (Hebrews 9:12-14)

• We are redeemed by His blood – The blood of Christ cleanses us from sin and brings us into a new covenant with God. (Ephesians 1:7, 1 John 1:7)

• In Communion, we remember His blood – When Jesus said, “This is my blood of the covenant” (Matthew 26:28), He was declaring that His death fulfilled the purpose of all previous sacrifices.

A Lesson for Us

• Do we recognize the seriousness of sin, knowing that it requires the shedding of blood?

• Are we trusting in the blood of Jesus alone for our salvation?

• Do we live in gratitude, knowing that His sacrifice has fully cleansed us?

Leviticus 17 reminds us that life is in the blood, and our eternal life is only found in the blood of Jesus.

Are we living in the power of His atonement today?