Why blood?

[Xeno.of.athens]

Why did God command that Israel not eat blood?

Was it because the author of the commandment thought that eating or drinking blood was kind of disgusting?
Was it because people often get sick from drinking or eating blood?
Was it because, "the life of the flesh is in the blood", as the scripture says?
And if the latter is the main reason, then why blood instead of brains, for example, because modern medical books suggest that the person's personality, maybe his soul, is in the brain? Is blood special, and if it is then why is it special?

 

[trophy33]

The explanation seems to be given in the same verse where it is forbidden.

For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life. Therefore I say to the Israelites, “None of you may eat blood, nor may any foreigner residing among you eat blood.”
Lv 17:11-12

Blood was "reserved" for sacrifices. This usage/sacredness was the reason why it was forbidden to consume it in common life. Like the breads on the altars were forbidden to be eaten by common folk.

 

[Dan Perez]

The explanation seems to be given in the same verse where it is forbidden.

For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life. Therefore I say to the Israelites, “None of you may eat blood, nor may any foreigner residing among you eat blood.”
Lv 17:11-12

Blood was "reserved" for sacrifices. This usage/sacredness was the reason why it was forbidden to consume it in common life. Like the breads on the altars were forbidden to be eaten by common folk.

There are diseases in the blood !!

dan p

 

[Xeno.of.athens]

There are diseases in the blood !!

dan p

After cooking there are no diseases in blood. If you have a "black pudding" in the UK then you're eating cooked blood in with some other things.

 

[Always in His Presence]

Why did God command that Israel not eat blood?

Are you questioning God's commandment or His judgement?

Was it because the author of the commandment thought that eating or drinking blood was kind of disgusting?

The author is God

Was it because people often get sick from drinking or eating blood?
Was it because, "the life of the flesh is in the blood", as the scripture says?
And if the latter is the main reason, then why blood instead of brains, for example, because modern medical books suggest that the person's personality, maybe his soul, is in the brain? Is blood special, and if it is then why is it special?

I don't question God - I just obey Him.

 

[Xeno.of.athens]

Are you questioning God's commandment or His judgement?

The author is God

I don't question God - I just obey Him.

You avoid blood in foods?

Of course, in practical terms meat will almost always have some blood in it, so I do not mean to ask if you're a vegetarian, but do you avoid "blood sausage" and similar products?

 

[trophy33]

There are diseases in the blood !!

dan p

There are diseases everywhere, even in the air or water.

 

[trophy33]

You avoid blood in foods?

Of course, in practical terms meat will almost always have some blood in it, so I do not mean to ask if you're a vegetarian, but do you avoid "blood sausage" and similar products?

I personally do. It was in the initial instructions to Christian from Gentiles. Paul was more liberal later, but its so easy not to consume blood in our times that I see no reason why to specifically buy it.

 

[bling]

This does come up, but it takes lots of words to explain.
The Jews understood from the way blood was used (we should try to understand this without the experience) that this messy, smelly, staining blood of animals somehow could cleanse you, make you holy, make you acceptable, but only outwardly.
Inwardly the blood of animals could do nothing to cleanse you and was not to even be thought of as drinkable.

I have been asked: "Is God blood thirsty"? I say "NO"!! but I am.
God and Christ personally would have preferred Christ's blood to remain flowing through His veins, but I need to know that blood is available for me.
I need all the help I can get, to realize my heart has been cleansed and made holy. I need to physically feel the blood (represented by the wine of communion) flowing down my throat and over my heart, so I can know His blood has cleansed me.
Animal blood would only detract from the significance of Christ's blood cleansing me.
Short explanation.

 

[Always in His Presence]

You avoid blood in foods?

Of course, in practical terms meat will almost always have some blood in it, so I do not mean to ask if you're a vegetarian, but do you avoid "blood sausage" and similar products?

I cook my food - I do not eat meat raw -

I've heard of blood sausage, but have never eaten it - not sure why you are brining it up.

You offer no verses to reference. Exe 39 God instructs the son of man to drink blood. It would help the conversation if you would support your question with Scripture.

 

[Xeno.of.athens]

I cook my food - I do not eat meat raw -

I've heard of blood sausage, but have never eaten it - not sure why you are brining it up.

You offer no verses to reference. Exe 39 God instructs the son of man to drink blood. It would help the conversation if you would support your question with Scripture.

The dietary guidelines for Gentile Christians are not extensively detailed in Scripture. However, Acts 15 does prohibit the consumption of blood, a directive linked to the preaching of Moses in the synagogues, where Christians also worshipped during that era.

In the very early days of Christianity, many Christians did worship in synagogues alongside Jews [How & Where Early Christians Worshiped God]. The early Christians, who were primarily Jewish, continued to attend synagogue services and used these gatherings to spread the teachings of Jesus [How & Where Early Christians Worshiped God]. The apostle Paul, for example, often preached in synagogues to both Jews and God-fearers (Gentiles who followed Jewish customs) [Ancient Jewish Synagogues & Gentiles - EARLY CHURCH HISTORY].

 

[RileyG]

After cooking there are no diseases in blood. If you have a "black pudding" in the UK then you're eating cooked blood in with some other things.

What about raw fish (sushi)?

 

[Xeno.of.athens]

What about raw fish (sushi)?

I don't recall anything in the Law of Moses stating an explicit prohibition on eating the blood in fish. The prohibition in Leviticus 17:10-16 doesn't mention fish, possibly because fish are not used for atonement. Your point is good.

 

[RileyG]

I don't recall anything in the Law of Moses stating an explicit prohibition on eating the blood in fish. The prohibition in Leviticus 17:10-16 doesn't mention fish, possibly because fish are not used for atonement. Your point is good.

Jews can’t eat shellfish such as shrimp. I don’t think sushi is kosher, but I can be wrong.

 

[Xeno.of.athens]

Jews can’t eat shellfish such as shrimp. I don’t think sushi is kosher, but I can be wrong.

Sushi can be kosher, but it depends on the ingredients and preparation methods. Shellfish are prohibited for kosher foods.

The prohibition of blood in ancient Israel primarily concerned its use in sacrifices, rendering it unsuitable for human consumption. Consequently, significant efforts were made to remove blood from food. This prohibition was not for health reasons, although some modern Christians may believe otherwise.