Leviticus 17:10
If anyone from the house of Israel or a foreigner living among them eats any blood, I will set My face against that person and cut him off from among his people.
If anyone from the house of Israel or a foreigner living among them
This phrase establishes the inclusivity of the command, applying not only to the Israelites but also to any foreigners residing with them. This reflects the broader covenant community and the expectation that all who live within Israel's borders adhere to God's laws. The presence of foreigners in Israel is acknowledged throughout the Old Testament, and they were often expected to follow certain laws, especially those related to worship and purity (Exodus 12:49).

eats any blood
The prohibition against consuming blood is a significant aspect of the Mosaic Law. Blood is considered sacred because it represents life (Leviticus 17:11). This command underscores the sanctity of life and the importance of respecting God's creation. The prohibition is reiterated in the New Testament, where the early church, in Acts 15:20, instructs Gentile believers to abstain from blood, showing its continued relevance.

I will set My face against that person
This phrase indicates God's active opposition to those who disobey this command. Setting His face against someone implies divine judgment and disfavor. In biblical terms, God's face represents His presence and blessing (Numbers 6:24-26). Therefore, to have His face set against someone is to be deprived of His favor and protection.

and cut him off from among his people
Being "cut off" can imply either a divine or communal act of exclusion. It often means death or being ostracized from the community, which in ancient Israel was a severe punishment. This reflects the seriousness of the offense and the need to maintain the holiness and purity of the community. The concept of being cut off is seen in other contexts, such as in Genesis 17:14 regarding the covenant of circumcision, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands.

Persons / Places / Events
1. House of Israel
Refers to the descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel, who are the chosen people of God. They are the primary recipients of the laws given in Leviticus.

2. Foreigner Living Among Them
Non-Israelites who resided with the Israelites. This inclusion shows that God's laws were meant to be observed by all within the community, not just ethnic Israelites.

3. God
The speaker in this verse, emphasizing His authority and the seriousness of the commandment. God is portrayed as the enforcer of His covenant laws.

4. Eating Blood
A prohibited act in the Mosaic Law. Blood was considered sacred as it represents life, and consuming it was a violation of God's commandments.

5. Cut Off from His People
A severe consequence indicating excommunication or divine judgment, reflecting the seriousness of the offense.
Teaching Points
The Sanctity of Life
Blood symbolizes life, and respecting this commandment underscores the value God places on life. We are called to honor life in all its forms.

Obedience to God's Commands
This verse highlights the importance of obedience to God's laws, even when they may not align with cultural practices or personal preferences.

Inclusivity of God's Laws
The inclusion of foreigners shows that God's laws are universal and meant for all who choose to follow Him, emphasizing the unity and holiness of the community.

Consequences of Disobedience
The severe consequence of being cut off serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance and alignment with God's will.

Holiness and Distinction
God's people are called to be distinct from the surrounding nations, and adherence to His laws is a way to maintain that distinction.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the prohibition against eating blood teach us about the value God places on life, and how can we apply this principle in our daily lives?

2. How does the inclusion of foreigners in this commandment reflect God's desire for inclusivity and unity among His people?

3. In what ways does the command to abstain from blood consumption connect to the broader biblical theme of holiness and being set apart?

4. How can understanding the consequences of disobedience in this passage help us in making choices that align with God's will today?

5. How does the reaffirmation of this commandment in the New Testament (Acts 15:20) influence our understanding of its relevance for Christians today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 9:4
This verse establishes the prohibition against consuming blood, given to Noah and his descendants, indicating that this command predates the Mosaic Law.

Acts 15:20
The early church, in the Jerusalem Council, reaffirms the prohibition against consuming blood for Gentile believers, showing its continued relevance.

Hebrews 9:22
Discusses the significance of blood in the context of atonement, highlighting its sacredness and why it was not to be consumed.
Grace Before MeatR.M. Edgar Leviticus 17:1-16
Statutes Concerning BloodJ.A. Macdonald Leviticus 17:1-16
Dedication of Food to GodS. H. Kellogg. D. D.Leviticus 17:2-16
Laws for Holy LivingJ. A. Seiss, D. D.Leviticus 17:2-16
Restrictions Respecting the Use of BloodS. H. Kellogg, D. D.Leviticus 17:2-16
The Grand Principle of Right ActionS. H. Kellogg, D. D.Leviticus 17:2-16
The Scriptural Doctrine of BloodG. D. Boardman, D. D.Leviticus 17:2-16
Various Regulations in Chaps, 17.-22J. M. Gibson, D. D.Leviticus 17:2-16
Atoning DeathW. Clarkson Leviticus 17:10-16
The Natural Basis of AtonementR.A. Redford Leviticus 17:10-16
People
Aaron, Israelites, Moses
Places
Teman
Topics
Alien, Aliens, Blood, Cut, Eaten, Eateth, Eating, Eats, Face, Foreigners, Israelite, Kind, Manner, Midst, Sojourn, Sojourners, Sojourning, Sort, Soul, Strangers, Takes, Whatever, Whatsoever, Wrath
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Leviticus 17:10

     1255   face of God
     5150   face

Leviticus 17:10-14

     7315   blood, basis of life
     7525   exclusiveness

Library
Influences that Gave Rise to the Priestly Laws and Histories
[Sidenote: Influences in the exile that produced written ceremonial laws] The Babylonian exile gave a great opportunity and incentive to the further development of written law. While the temple stood, the ceremonial rites and customs received constant illustration, and were transmitted directly from father to son in the priestly families. Hence, there was little need of writing them down. But when most of the priests were carried captive to Babylonia, as in 597 B.C., and ten years later the temple
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

Justification.
Christ is represented in the gospel as sustaining to men three classes of relations. 1. Those which are purely governmental. 2. Those which are purely spiritual. 3. Those which unite both these. We shall at present consider him as Christ our justification. I shall show,-- I. What gospel justification is not. There is scarcely any question in theology that has been encumbered with more injurious and technical mysticism than that of justification. Justification is the pronouncing of one just. It may
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology

After the Scripture.
"In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God created He him."--Gen. v. 1. In the preceding pages we have shown that the translation, "in Our image," actually means, "after Our image." To make anything in an image is no language; it is unthinkable, logically untrue. We now proceed to show how it should be translated, and give our reason for it. We begin with citing some passages from the Old Testament in which occurs the preposition "B" which, in Gen. i. 27, stands before image, where
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Discourse on Spiritual Food and True Discipleship. Peter's Confession.
(at the Synagogue in Capernaum.) ^D John VI. 22-71. ^d 22 On the morrow [the morrow after Jesus fed the five thousand] the multitude that stood on the other side of the sea [on the east side, opposite Capernaum] saw that there was no other boat there, save one, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples went away alone 23 (howbeit there came boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they ate the bread after that the Lord had given thanks): 24 when the multitude
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Leviticus
The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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