A Quick Bible Study Vol. 317: What the Bible says about Blood – Old Testament |
Author's Note: All previous volumes of this series are here. The first 56 volumes are compiled into the book "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible." "Part Two," featuring volumes 57-113, was published in December 2022.
Thanks for joining us today. This topic is the result of a “ding ding” I received in church after hearing a passage about the blood of Christ. Immediately, I knew my heavenly “Assignment Editor” was working on Sunday. As I have written many times, I never take Divine guidance for granted and always feel blessed that the Lord uses me to touch someone or many readers through this study. If that is you, please email me or leave a comment.
In the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), blood symbolizes life and death. Blood is also used as a sacrifice to God for the atonement of sin in one's life or among His people.
Blood sacrifice, the slaughter of animals, is recorded numerous times in the Old Testament. Later, in the New Testament, after the death and resurrection of Jesus, those who followed Him believed, and we believe today, that His blood was shed as atonement for our sins and for all humankind. More on the “blood of Christ” next week. Today, we read how blood in the Old Testament lays the foundation for Christ’s sacrifice.
The first mention of blood in the Old Testament appears in Genesis, after Cain killed his brother Abel out of jealousy because God favored Abel's offering. (Read Genesis 4.)
When God asked, “Where is your brother Abel?” Cain lied and, famously, answered, “I don’t know, am I my brother's keeper?” And then:
“The Lord said, ‘What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground’” (Genesis 4:10).
The second time blood is mentioned is in the passage my study Bible subtitles “God’s Covenant With........