Deuteronomy 12:27

Present the meat and blood of your burnt offerings on the altar of the LORD your God. The blood of your other sacrifices must be poured out beside the altar of the LORD your God, but you may eat the meat.

Study Bible

Present the meat and blood of your burnt offerings on the altar of the LORD your God.
In the ancient Israelite sacrificial system, burnt offerings were entirely consumed by fire, symbolizing complete dedication to God. The altar, central to worship, was where these offerings were made, signifying God's presence and the people's devotion. The phrase underscores the importance of following God's specific instructions for worship, reflecting the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The altar's location, often at the tabernacle or temple, was a sacred space, emphasizing the holiness required in approaching God. This practice foreshadows Christ's ultimate sacrifice, where His body and blood were offered for the atonement of sin, fulfilling the law's requirements.

The blood of your other sacrifices must be poured out beside the altar of the LORD your God,
Blood, representing life, was sacred and belonged to God. Pouring it beside the altar acknowledged God's sovereignty over life and death. This act was a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement. In the broader biblical narrative, the shedding of blood is a recurring theme, culminating in the New Testament with Jesus' crucifixion, where His blood was shed for the forgiveness of sins. The practice also highlights the separation between the sacred and the common, reinforcing the need for purity in worship.

but you may eat the meat.
Unlike burnt offerings, other sacrifices, such as peace offerings, allowed the worshiper to partake in the meal, symbolizing fellowship with God. This communal aspect of the sacrifice reinforced the covenant relationship and the blessings of obedience. Eating the meat was a tangible expression of sharing in God's provision and peace. In the New Testament, this concept is echoed in the Lord's Supper, where believers partake in the body and blood of Christ, signifying unity with Him and each other. The allowance to eat the meat also reflects God's provision and care for His people, ensuring their physical and spiritual nourishment.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws and instructions to the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, receiving instructions on how to worship and live in the Promised Land.

3. The Altar of the LORD
A sacred place where sacrifices are offered to God, symbolizing His presence and holiness.

4. Burnt Offerings
Sacrifices made to God, symbolizing atonement and dedication.

5. The Promised Land
The land of Canaan, where the Israelites are to settle and establish their worship practices.

Teaching Points

The Sacredness of Blood
Blood is a powerful symbol of life and atonement. In the Old Testament, it was used to purify and consecrate, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Worship in Spirit and Truth
The Israelites were instructed to worship God according to His commands, emphasizing the importance of obedience and reverence in worship.

Community and Fellowship
The communal aspect of eating the meat of sacrifices highlights the importance of fellowship among believers, reflecting unity in worship and purpose.

Holiness and Separation
The specific instructions for sacrifices underscore the holiness of God and the need for His people to be set apart in their worship practices.

Christ as the Fulfillment
The sacrificial system foreshadows Christ's ultimate sacrifice, reminding believers of the completeness and sufficiency of His atonement for sin.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the instruction to pour out the blood beside the altar emphasize the sacredness of life and atonement in the Old Testament?

2. In what ways does the communal aspect of eating the meat of sacrifices relate to the New Testament practice of communion?

3. How can we apply the principles of obedience and reverence in worship from Deuteronomy 12:27 to our modern-day worship practices?

4. What does the sacrificial system in the Old Testament teach us about the nature of God and His expectations for His people?

5. How does understanding the Old Testament sacrifices enhance our appreciation of Christ's sacrifice on the cross?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 17:11
This verse explains the significance of blood in atonement, emphasizing its sacredness and the life it represents.

Hebrews 9:22
This New Testament verse highlights the necessity of blood for the forgiveness of sins, connecting the Old Testament sacrificial system to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

1 Corinthians 10:16-17
These verses discuss the communion of believers in the body and blood of Christ, drawing a parallel to the communal aspect of sacrifices in the Old Testament.