Leviticus 17:3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Cyril explains that there existed a singular tabernacle and an altar where all offerings were made, along with one temple in Jerusalem, constructed by Solomon as a representation of the ancient tabernacle. The law made it strictly forbidden for anyone to present sacrifices outside of this sacred tabernacle; those who attempted such an act faced severe consequences, being subjected to execution and threatened with death, as it is stated, ‘If any man ... shall kill a bullock or a sheep or a goat in the camp, or if any man shall kill outside the camp .... that man shall be destroyed from among his people’ (Leviticus 17:3-9).

Why does the law prohibit the killing of animals for consumption outside the tabernacle (Leviticus 17:3-6)? God was aware of the malice present in some individuals, knowing that certain sacrifices were offered to demons. Therefore, He commanded that anyone wishing to kill a bull, a sheep, or a goat must bring it to the entrance of the tabernacle to offer its blood, and they could then eat the flesh at home. Those who fail to follow this directive are to be considered guilty of murder. He declares, “It shall be imputed to that man for the blood that is shed, and his soul shall be consumed from his people” (Leviticus 17:4).