The questions is, what will you do with it?
Leviticus 17 is all about blood. And if blood gets an entire chapter devoted to it, you know it must be important.
To The Tabernacle!
f you slaughter an animal in any kind of sacrifice, go to the tabernacle.
Go directly to the Tabernacle. Do not pass “Go.” Do not collect $200.
If it wasn’t clear already, the Tabernacle is now officially the center of Israelite life and culture. Every sacrifice must end up there so the priests can perform the necessary procedure.
It would seem that the main reason is to make sure the sacrifice is for YHWH and not some other “goat-demon” out in the desert. Yes, that is what my Bible said. Goat-Demon.
(Interesting that on the day of atonement, the priest sends a goat out into the wilderness carrying the sins of the people. Apparently, they also believed that goat-demons lived out there as well.)
Israelites and Aliens
“If anyone of the house of Israel or of the aliens who reside among them eats any blood . . .”
This phrase, or something like it, is repeated five times in Leviticus 17.
The blood laws apply to the Israelites. That makes sense. But if you are a foreigner living among them, regardless of what you think of YHWH, you must obey them as well.
Why?
Here is a case where what you believe about God has nothing to do with how you are required to act. God doesn’t require the aliens to worship him, but he does require them to obey him in this area.
Cleanliness laws affect everyone because hygiene affects everyone. One person walking around with a skin disease can infect the whole population. So in that case, asking a foreigner to obey your laws makes perfect sense.
The blood laws seem to be more about worship and idolatry. So why require foreigners to follow them?
Blood = Life + Atonement
“For the life of the flesh is in the blood; and I have given it to you for making atonement.”
“. . . It is the blood the makes atonement.”
Blood isn’t neutral.It has inherent meaning for YHWH and his people.
God has given life and atonement to his people. Both of those things are incredibly important and both of them come from blood.
Which means blood is not a thing to be taken lightly.
The Whole Dang Thing 
Obligatory:
“I drink your milkshake!” 😉
Seriously, the blood is a big deal. Can you imagine the stench of that place? Just thinking about the cloying, coppery scent of blood that must’ve permeated the air makes my stomach clench.
Death is the consequence of sin, and sacrifices were God’s illustrated sermon on the subject. Thankfully, Christ has come, and paid the price for us–because I’m grateful I don’t live under the sacrificial system. I wouldn’t last a day.
although, to be fair, you would have made it. All you would need to do is offer the sacrifice necessary to make atonement. The system seems to be designed to forgive and restore people rather than condemn them.
I like the part where every male that opens the womb must be redeemed! Even a human.
I think He doesn’t force aliens to worship Him because you cannot force people to worship. But bringing them into the community and seeing the benefits of living according to God’s law may draw them into relationship with God.
PS: I hope I hit 500.
And yes, I replied to double my chances.
Cheating? Maybe…
Sorry dude. You were like three off. But you made a good effort and you can be proud of that.
Well bummer, I suppose 1,000 is just around the corner.
I’ll be ready.
I have been reading your blog for a bit and find your concept exciting and oddly convicting. Shouldnt all believers walk through the Bible and consider it’s points. Love your sarcastic humor and realistic perspective”