Leviticus 7:22-27

Fat and Blood prohibited(22 27)

The Peace-Offering being the only sacrifice which was partly consumed by the offerer, any rule as to portions of the animal that were not to be eaten would appropriately be added to the regulations concerning this sacrifice. Accordingly, in ch. 3, which treats of the Peace-Offering, the prohibition of fat and blood occurs in a short form (Leviticus 7:17). It is repeated here in connexion with the preceding regulations about Peace-Offerings. The fat which is prohibited is that contained in the portions reserved as an offering made by fire unto the Lord, described at length in chs. 3, 4 and Leviticus 7:3-5. They were the same in the Peace-, Guilt-, and Sin-Offerings. The ordinary fat found with the flesh was not forbidden. Leviticus 7:25 explains that the portions which in a sacrifice are set apart for the Lord must not be consumed as food by man, even when the animals were not suitable to be offered on the altar, as in the case of that which dieth of itself, or is torn of beasts. If the animal were fit to be offered, according to Leviticus 17:4-5, it must when killed be brought before the Lord, and these portions would be burnt on the altar by the priest. The prohibition extends only to the ox, sheep, or goat, i.e. to the animals which were brought for sacrifice, but the prohibition of blood (Leviticus 7:26) is more general. No manner of blood may be eaten, whether of fowl or beast. It is of permanent obligation (Leviticus 3:17).

The command is given to Noah, Genesis 9:4 (P), and is repeated in this book, Leviticus 17:10-14. Cp. 1 Samuel 14:32-34. The prohibition of blood was enforced among the Arabs by Mohammed. See J. M. Rodwell's Koran2, Sur.2. [xci. The Cow 168.