1. Leviticus 17:11 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What were the repercussions for disobedience?

Leviticus 17:11 (ESV)

11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life.

The person who disobeys this command faces the same punishment as the man who sacrifices outside the tabernacle precincts; he will be excommunicated from the nation. In this instance, however, the nature of the punishment is underscored by the use of the first-person pronoun I. It is the Lord himself who will directly pour out this punishment on the offender. This highlights the heinousness of consuming animal blood.