Topical Encyclopedia The prohibition against the consumption of blood is a significant directive found in the Scriptures, first explicitly stated after the Flood. This command is rooted in the sanctity of life and the symbolic representation of life through blood. The directive is given to Noah and his descendants, establishing a universal moral principle that transcends the covenant with Israel.Biblical Foundation The initial prohibition is found in Genesis 9:4, where God commands Noah, "But you must not eat meat with its lifeblood still in it." This command is part of the broader Noahic Covenant, which God establishes with Noah and all living creatures after the Flood. The context of this command is significant, as it follows God's permission for humanity to consume animal flesh, a new allowance in the post-diluvian world. However, the consumption of blood is strictly forbidden, underscoring the sacredness of life. Theological Significance The prohibition against eating blood is deeply connected to the theological understanding of life. In Leviticus 17:11, the text states, "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life." This verse highlights the life-giving and atoning properties of blood, which are central to the sacrificial system and foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. Continuity in the Mosaic Law The Mosaic Law reiterates and expands upon the prohibition given to Noah. Leviticus 7:26-27 commands, "You must not eat the blood of any bird or animal in any of your dwellings. If anyone eats blood, that person must be cut off from his people." This reinforces the seriousness of the command and its application to the Israelites, emphasizing the need for holiness and obedience to God's statutes. New Testament Perspective The New Testament reaffirms the prohibition against consuming blood in the context of the early Church. In Acts 15:20, the Jerusalem Council, addressing Gentile believers, instructs them to abstain from "food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals, and from blood." This directive indicates the continued relevance of the prohibition, even as the Church expands beyond Jewish boundaries. Cultural and Historical Context In the ancient Near Eastern context, the consumption of blood was often associated with pagan rituals and practices. By prohibiting the eating of blood, God set His people apart from surrounding nations, establishing a distinct identity rooted in holiness and reverence for life. This command served as a boundary marker, distinguishing the worship and ethical practices of God's people from those of the pagans. Practical Implications The prohibition against eating blood has practical implications for dietary practices and the preparation of food. It necessitates the proper draining of blood from animals before consumption, a practice that has been observed in various Jewish and Christian traditions throughout history. This command underscores the importance of obedience to God's laws and the recognition of His sovereignty over life. In summary, the prohibition against the consumption of blood is a divine mandate that underscores the sanctity of life and the unique role of blood in God's redemptive plan. It is a command that has been upheld throughout biblical history and continues to hold theological significance for believers today. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 9:4But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall you not eat. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Evans -- the Fall and Recovery of Man The Life of Adam The Survival of the Fittest. Letter xxii. To Eustochium. Essay Scriptural Predictions of an Apostasy. A Treatise to Prove that no one Can Harm the Man who Does not ... Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... The Dialogue against the Luciferians. Epistle Lxiii. Limenius, Bishop of Vercell??, Having Died, the See ... Resources Do the news reports of rivers turning blood red have anything to do with the end times? | GotQuestions.orgIs pleading the blood of Jesus biblical? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about donating blood/blood donations? | GotQuestions.org Blood: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Blood of Animals Slain for Good to be Poured on the Earth Blood of Legal Sacrifices for Atonement Blood of Legal Sacrifices for Purification Blood of Legal Sacrifices: How Disposed of Blood of Legal Sacrifices: Ineffectual to Remove Sin Blood of Legal Sacrifices: Not offered With Leaven Blood of Oppression and Cruelty Blood of Sacrifices, Typical of the Atoning Blood of Christ Blood: (Building With) of Oppression and Cruelty Blood: (Given to Drink) of Severe Judgments Blood: (On One's own Head) Guilt Blood: (Preparing To) Ripening for Destruction Blood: (Washing the Feet In) Victories Blood: Beasts of Prey Delight In Blood: Birds of Prey Delight In Blood: Blood of the Ram of Consecration Put on the Tip of Right Ear, Thumb Blood: Eating of, Forbidden to Man After the Flood Blood: Eating of, Forbidden to The Early Christians Blood: Eating of, Forbidden to The Israelites Under the Law Blood: Forbidden to be Used As Food Blood: Idolaters Made Drink-Offerings of Blood: Sacrificial of the Bullock of Sin offering, Put on the Horns of the Altar Blood: Sacrificial used for Cleansing of Leprosy Blood: Sacrificial without Shedding of, No Remission Blood: Sacrificial: On the Horns of the Altar of Sweet Incense Blood: Sacrificial: Poured at the Bottom of the Altar Blood: Sacrificial: Sprinkled About the Altar Blood: Sacrificial: Sprinkled all Around, and Upon the Altar Blood: Sacrificial: Sprinkled on Altar and People Blood: Sacrificial: Sprinkled on Door Posts Blood: Sacrificial: Sprinkled on the Altar Blood: Sacrificial: Sprinkled on the Mercy Seat Blood: Sacrificial: Sprinkled Seven Times Before the Curtain Blood: Shedding of Human: Always Punished Blood: Shedding of Human: Defiling to the Land Blood: Shedding of Human: Defiling to the Person Blood: Shedding of Human: Forbidden Blood: Shedding of Human: Hateful to God Blood: Shedding of Human: Jews often Guilty of Blood: Shedding of Human: Mode of Clearing Those Accused of Blood: The Jews often Guilty of Eating Blood: The Price of, not to be Consecrated Blood: Water Turned Into, As a Sign Blood: Waters of Egypt Turned Into, As a Judgment Related Terms Blood-guiltiness (4 Occurrences) Blood-shedding (2 Occurrences) Bloodguiltiness (15 Occurrences) |
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