THEOSISTheodoret of Cyrus
Why does the commandment prohibit the killing of animals for consumption outside the tabernacle (Leviticus 17:3-6)? The Lord foresaw the potential for wickedness in some individuals and recognized that certain sacrifices were made to demonic entities. Consequently, He established that anyone who intended to sacrifice a bull, sheep, or goat must do so at the entrance of the tabernacle, where the blood is to be shed and the meat consumed at home. Should anyone fail to adhere to this directive, they were to be judged as guilty of murder. As it is written, "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).
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The intent behind this commandment is further illustrated by the following scripture: "Let the priest offer the fat in the stench of fragrance unto the Lord: and let not their sacrifices thereby be devoured with vanity, whereby they themselves commit fornication after them: the everlasting law shall be unto you in your generations" (Leviticus 17:6-7). This commandment remains applicable among the Jewish people, as the sacrificial animals are to be slaughtered by the priest.