But flesh with its life, that is, its blood, you shall not eat.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 4. With blood. This was a matter of indifference in itself, like the forbidden fruit. But God gave the prohibition, to keep people at a greater distance from imbruing their hands in the blood of others, which nevertheless we know some have drunk! He would also assert his dominion over all things; the blood or life of animals being reserved to be offered in sacrifice to him, instead of the life of man. Leviticus 17:11. Blood of brutes is gross and unwholesome. Menochius.—The apostles required this law to be observed by the first Christians, that the Jews might not be disgusted: but, after a competent time had been allowed them, the Church thought proper to alter this discipline. Saint Augustine c. Faust. xxxii. 13.