The Significance of Blood Sacrifice in the Old Testament

Abstract

Sacrifice does not appear to be foreign to Israel, because the surrounding nations practiced it. Undoubtedly, therefore, blood sacrifice in the Old Testament could be traced to Babylonian, Canaanite or Ancient Nomadic rituals and fellowship meals according to the New Concise Bible Dictionary. Undue reference made to Old Testament Blood Sacrifice, has become a contemporary basis for some clandestine activities in our society. The purpose of blood sacrifice in the Old Testament is, therefore, paramount. Studies of this nature find the Historical, Theological, Descriptive and Exegetical approach integral to its end product. It is noteworthy at this juncture to observe that some of the Old Testament sacrifices were non-bloody; but, the scope of this study is majorly on the Bloody sacrifices of the Old Testament. Moreover, the symbolic nature and significance of blood sacrifice in the Old Testament is the major stress area of the study. Consequently, it should be on record, that the use or misuse of blood sacrifice, outside the basic Old Testament prescription, by any mortal should, therefore, not only be kept on hold or at abeyance, but also be outrightly abrogated. This is because it borders on the character and prerogative of God who instituted it.