Vers. 13, 14. [of Leviticus 17] "And whatsoever man there be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, which hunteth, and catcheth any beast or fowl that may be eaten; he shall even pour out the blood thereof, and cover it with dust. For it is the life of all flesh; the blood of it is for the life thereof: therefore I said onto the children of Israel, Ye shall eat the blood of no manner of flesh: for the life of all flesh is the blood thereof: whosoever eateth it shall be cut off."
Another opportunity is taken of solemnly charging Israel to remember the blood of atonement. The hunter in his full career must keep atonement in his eye; and, when he has his prey in his hand, must reverently stand still and pour out its blood to Jehovah, to cover it from the gaze of men and the ravenous appetite of creatures of prey. God would have the sinner's soul send up its adoring thanks to him for atonement amid their forests, and in their wilds. Redemption should be sung of by every man in every situation; and none should be found in a situation wherein he cannot sing the song of Moses and the Lamb.
Israel's huntsmen were to be men of faith. They were not to hunt for the gratifying of wild fiery passions; but for food and necessity. The chastening solemnity of "pouring out the blood" was a check on the huntsman. None who would not stay, in their vehement, eager, keen pursuit, to realize redemption must engage in this employment. It is not for the gay, wild spirits of youth; or, if fiery youth engage therein, it must lead them to the most solemn views of sin and righteousness. Yea, it shall be even a way of life to them. Let them go—let them ride furiously over rook and chasm—let them shoot the arrow—but, lo! the field becomes an avenue to lead them to the presence of the Holy God. They must stand still at the blood! "He taketh them in their craftiness." After his most ardent chase, in the recess of the forest, the huntsman of Israel meets with God!
Andrew Bonar, "A Commentary on the Book of Leviticus", chapter 17.
Let us all be challenged to by this quote to consider how we may remember God and walk before Him in our daily employments in our vocation, especially those of us who like me are employed in a secular vocation (I opened a thread asking that question: How to Remember the Lord in Our Secular Vocations)
Another opportunity is taken of solemnly charging Israel to remember the blood of atonement. The hunter in his full career must keep atonement in his eye; and, when he has his prey in his hand, must reverently stand still and pour out its blood to Jehovah, to cover it from the gaze of men and the ravenous appetite of creatures of prey. God would have the sinner's soul send up its adoring thanks to him for atonement amid their forests, and in their wilds. Redemption should be sung of by every man in every situation; and none should be found in a situation wherein he cannot sing the song of Moses and the Lamb.
Israel's huntsmen were to be men of faith. They were not to hunt for the gratifying of wild fiery passions; but for food and necessity. The chastening solemnity of "pouring out the blood" was a check on the huntsman. None who would not stay, in their vehement, eager, keen pursuit, to realize redemption must engage in this employment. It is not for the gay, wild spirits of youth; or, if fiery youth engage therein, it must lead them to the most solemn views of sin and righteousness. Yea, it shall be even a way of life to them. Let them go—let them ride furiously over rook and chasm—let them shoot the arrow—but, lo! the field becomes an avenue to lead them to the presence of the Holy God. They must stand still at the blood! "He taketh them in their craftiness." After his most ardent chase, in the recess of the forest, the huntsman of Israel meets with God!
Andrew Bonar, "A Commentary on the Book of Leviticus", chapter 17.
Let us all be challenged to by this quote to consider how we may remember God and walk before Him in our daily employments in our vocation, especially those of us who like me are employed in a secular vocation (I opened a thread asking that question: How to Remember the Lord in Our Secular Vocations)
Last edited:
