Leviticus 17

Chapter Summary

Leviticus 17 begins by instructing the Israelites to bring their sacrifices to the tabernacle, rather than slaughtering animals in the field, to prevent the consumption of blood and to maintain the sanctity of worship. The chapter then explains the consequences of eating blood, which is considered an abomination, and the necessity of draining the blood of animals before consumption. The Israelites are also commanded to avoid eating strangled animals or those that have died naturally, as these are considered unclean. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of obeying these regulations to maintain the covenant with God and to avoid being cut off from the community. Key verses, such as Leviticus 17:11, which states that the life of the flesh is in the blood, and Leviticus 17:14, which warns against eating blood, highlight the significance of these commands.

Context for the Chapter

Leviticus 17 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Leviticus, which focuses on the priestly code and the regulations surrounding worship and sacrifice. This chapter follows the instructions for the consecration of the priests and the establishment of the sacrificial system, as seen in Leviticus 8-10. The regulations in Leviticus 17 are meant to maintain the covenant between God and the Israelites, ensuring their sanctity and separation from the surrounding nations. The chapter also looks forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which fulfills the requirements of the law and provides atonement for sin, as seen in Hebrews 9:22.

Heart Application

As believers, we can apply the principles of Leviticus 17 by recognizing the significance of Christ's sacrifice and the importance of living a life of obedience to God's commands. We must also acknowledge the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement, as seen in Leviticus 17:11. By understanding the regulations surrounding sacrifice, we can deepen our appreciation for God's holiness and the significance of Christ's sacrifice, and strive to live a life that is pleasing to Him.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Leviticus 17 teaches that God is holy and that sin must be atoned for through sacrifice. The chapter emphasizes the importance of following God's commands and avoiding uncleanness, as seen in Leviticus 17:10-11. By understanding the regulations surrounding sacrifice, believers can deepen their appreciation for God's holiness and the significance of Christ's sacrifice. The ultimate goal is to live a life that is pleasing to God, as stated in Leviticus 17:14.

Voices from the Church

“The sacrifice of Christ is the fulfillment of all the sacrifices of the Old Testament, and it is the only sacrifice that can truly atone for sin.”

— John Calvin

“The blood of Christ is the life of the soul, and without it, there can be no salvation.”

— Charles Spurgeon

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction to Sacrifice (17:1-2) — The chapter begins by instructing the Israelites to bring their sacrifices to the tabernacle, rather than slaughtering animals in the field.
2. The Prohibition Against Eating Blood (17:3-7) — The Israelites are commanded not to eat blood, as it is considered an abomination, and to drain the blood of animals before consumption.
3. The Importance of Sacrifice (17:8-9) — The chapter emphasizes the importance of sacrifice and the need to bring all sacrifices to the tabernacle to maintain the covenant with God.
4. The Consequences of Disobedience (17:10-14) — The chapter warns of the consequences of disobeying God's commands, including being cut off from the community.
5. Conclusion (17:15-16) — The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of obeying God's commands to maintain the covenant and avoid uncleanness.

Core Doctrines

The Doctrine of Atonement

Leviticus 17 teaches that atonement is necessary for sin and that it can only be achieved through the shedding of blood, as seen in Leviticus 17:11. This doctrine is fulfilled in Christ's sacrifice, which provides atonement for sin.

The Doctrine of Sanctification

The chapter emphasizes the importance of sanctification, or being set apart as holy, through obedience to God's commands and the avoidance of uncleanness, as seen in Leviticus 17:10-11.

The Doctrine of the Holiness of God

Leviticus 17 highlights the holiness of God and the need for believers to maintain their sanctity and separation from the surrounding nations, as seen in Leviticus 17:14.

The Doctrine of the Sacrifice of Christ

The chapter points forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which fulfills the requirements of the law and provides atonement for sin, as seen in Hebrews 9:22.

Lessons from Leviticus 17

1. The Importance of Obedience — Leviticus 17 teaches that obedience to God's commands is essential for maintaining the covenant and avoiding uncleanness, as seen in Leviticus 17:10-11.
2. The Significance of Sacrifice — The chapter emphasizes the importance of sacrifice and the need for atonement, highlighting the significance of Christ's sacrifice, as seen in Hebrews 9:22.
3. The Holiness of God — Leviticus 17 highlights the holiness of God and the need for believers to maintain their sanctity and separation from the surrounding nations, as seen in Leviticus 17:14.
4. The Foreshadowing of Christ — The regulations surrounding sacrifice in Leviticus 17 point forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which fulfills the requirements of the law and provides atonement for sin.
5. The Necessity of Atonement — The chapter teaches that atonement is necessary for sin and that it can only be achieved through the shedding of blood, as seen in Leviticus 17:11.

Themes from Leviticus 17

1. Sanctification — Leviticus 17 emphasizes the importance of sanctification, or being set apart as holy, through obedience to God's commands and the avoidance of uncleanness, as seen in Leviticus 17:10-11.
2. Atonement — The chapter teaches that atonement is necessary for sin and that it can only be achieved through the shedding of blood, as seen in Leviticus 17:11.
3. The Holiness of God — Leviticus 17 highlights the holiness of God and the need for believers to maintain their sanctity and separation from the surrounding nations, as seen in Leviticus 17:14.
4. The Significance of Sacrifice — The chapter emphasizes the importance of sacrifice and the need for atonement, highlighting the significance of Christ's sacrifice, as seen in Hebrews 9:22.
5. The Foreshadowing of Christ — The regulations surrounding sacrifice in Leviticus 17 point forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which fulfills the requirements of the law and provides atonement for sin.

Questions for Meditation

1. What is the significance of blood in the sacrificial system, and how does it relate to Christ's sacrifice?
2. How do the regulations surrounding sacrifice in Leviticus 17 point forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ?
3. What are the consequences of disobeying God's commands, and how can believers maintain their sanctity and separation from the surrounding world?
4. How does the emphasis on atonement in Leviticus 17 relate to the doctrine of justification by faith, and what are the implications for believers today?
5. What are some practical ways that believers can apply the principles of Leviticus 17 to their daily lives, and how can they deepen their appreciation for God's holiness and the significance of Christ's sacrifice?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Leviticus 17

	Sermon	Description
	Overcoming Satan by the Blood of Jesus by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher addresses the concern of how to maintain righteousness and be a shining light in a world that is becoming increasingly dark. The preacher emphasizes th
	(Gospel in the Book of Esther) 1. the Doom of the People by Roy Hession	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the theme of redemption and foreshadowing in the word of God. He emphasizes that even though the nation of Israel faced discipline and conseq
	(Hebrews - Part 27): The Blood of Infinite Value by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the speaker uses the analogy of standing back from a painting to understand the passage being discussed. He emphasizes that sin leads to death and that when a perso
	How to Apply the Blood by Derek Prince	This sermon delves into the profound significance of the blood of Jesus shed on the cross, emphasizing the various provisions and effects of His sacrifice. It covers themes of rede
	From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Daniel) ch.1:8-2:35 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of obeying God's commandments, even the seemingly minor ones. He references four passages of scripture that forbid certain act
	Metatron by Jacob Prasch	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the Messiahship of Jesus and how it can be proven to both Jewish and Gentile Christians. The speaker encourages the audience to share the vide
	The Power of the Blood - Sermon 1 of 5 - the Passover Lamb by Roy Hession	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching about the blood of Jesus. He believes that when the blood of Jesus is preached, it brings liberty and joy to con
	(Easter Convention 2008) Quiet Time Tips by Gerhard Du Toit	In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal routine for prayer and devotion. He starts his day by spending the first half hour listening to old hymns, which helps him enter a s
	Questions People Ask-02 Questions and Answers by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the preacher discusses a conversation between Jesus and a young man who asks how to obtain eternal life. Jesus tells him to keep the commandments, specifically thos
	The Day of Atonement by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the significance of the Day of Atonement, also known as Yom Kippur, in the Old Testament. He explains the ritual of the scapegoat, wher

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Leviticus 17

Matthew Henry's commentary on Leviticus 17 emphasizes the importance of sacrifice and atonement in the biblical narrative. Henry notes that the regulations surrounding sacrifice in Leviticus 17 point forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which fulfills the requirements of the law and provides atonement for sin. Henry also highlights the significance of blood in the sacrificial system, noting that it represents the life of the flesh and is given to the Israelites on the altar to make atonement for their souls. Ultimately, Henry concludes that the chapter teaches believers to reverence the holiness of God and to trust in the sacrifice of Christ for salvation, as seen in Leviticus 17:11 and Hebrews 9:22. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?