Deuteronomy 12:27

Present the meat and blood of your burnt offerings on the altar of the LORD your God. The blood of your other sacrifices must be poured out beside the altar of the LORD your God, but you may eat the meat.

Study Bible

Present the meat and blood of your burnt offerings on the altar of the LORD your God
The phrase "Present the meat and blood" emphasizes the act of offering, which in Hebrew is "qarab," meaning to draw near or approach. This signifies the Israelites' approach to God through sacrifice, a central act of worship. The "burnt offerings" (Hebrew: "olah") were entirely consumed by fire, symbolizing complete devotion to God. The "altar of the LORD your God" was a sacred place, representing God's presence among His people. Historically, altars were central in ancient Near Eastern worship, serving as a point of contact between the divine and human realms. This act of presenting offerings underscores the importance of obedience and reverence in worship.

The blood of your other sacrifices is to be poured out beside the altar of the LORD your God
The "blood" in Hebrew, "dam," is significant in biblical theology as it represents life (Leviticus 17:11). The pouring out of blood beside the altar signifies the sanctity of life and the seriousness of sin, which requires atonement. The "other sacrifices" refer to peace offerings or fellowship offerings (Hebrew: "zebach shelamim"), which were shared meals symbolizing peace and communion with God. The act of pouring out the blood "beside the altar" rather than on it, as with burnt offerings, highlights the different purposes and meanings of various sacrifices. This practice reflects the Israelites' understanding of God's holiness and the need for purification and reconciliation.

but you may eat the meat
The permission "you may eat the meat" of certain sacrifices, such as peace offerings, indicates a communal aspect of worship. In Hebrew culture, sharing a meal was a sign of fellowship and covenant relationship. This contrasts with burnt offerings, which were wholly given to God. The consumption of the meat by the offerer and their family symbolizes participation in the blessings of the covenant and the peace that comes from being in right relationship with God. This practice foreshadows the New Testament concept of communion, where believers partake in the body and blood of Christ, celebrating the new covenant and unity with God and each other.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws and instructions to the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, receiving instructions on how to worship and live in the Promised Land.

3. The Altar of the LORD
A sacred place where sacrifices are offered to God, symbolizing His presence and holiness.

4. Burnt Offerings
Sacrifices made to God, symbolizing atonement and dedication.

5. The Promised Land
The land of Canaan, where the Israelites are to settle and establish their worship practices.

Teaching Points

The Sacredness of Blood
Blood is a powerful symbol of life and atonement. In the Old Testament, it was used to purify and consecrate, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Worship in Spirit and Truth
The Israelites were instructed to worship God according to His commands, emphasizing the importance of obedience and reverence in worship.

Community and Fellowship
The communal aspect of eating the meat of sacrifices highlights the importance of fellowship among believers, reflecting unity in worship and purpose.

Holiness and Separation
The specific instructions for sacrifices underscore the holiness of God and the need for His people to be set apart in their worship practices.

Christ as the Fulfillment
The sacrificial system foreshadows Christ's ultimate sacrifice, reminding believers of the completeness and sufficiency of His atonement for sin.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the instruction to pour out the blood beside the altar emphasize the sacredness of life and atonement in the Old Testament?

2. In what ways does the communal aspect of eating the meat of sacrifices relate to the New Testament practice of communion?

3. How can we apply the principles of obedience and reverence in worship from Deuteronomy 12:27 to our modern-day worship practices?

4. What does the sacrificial system in the Old Testament teach us about the nature of God and His expectations for His people?

5. How does understanding the Old Testament sacrifices enhance our appreciation of Christ's sacrifice on the cross?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 17:11
This verse explains the significance of blood in atonement, emphasizing its sacredness and the life it represents.

Hebrews 9:22
This New Testament verse highlights the necessity of blood for the forgiveness of sins, connecting the Old Testament sacrificial system to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

1 Corinthians 10:16-17
These verses discuss the communion of believers in the body and blood of Christ, drawing a parallel to the communal aspect of sacrifices in the Old Testament.