Deuteronomy 12:27
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 12:27
27 And thou shalt offer thy burnt offerings, the flesh and the blood, upon the altar of the LORD thy God: and the blood of thy sacrifices shall be poured out upon the altar of the LORD thy God, and thou shalt eat the flesh.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 12 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of salvation, discipleship, prayer. Written during the end of the wilderness wandering (c. 1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Moses delivered these speeches as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with different Canaanite city-states.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-32: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Deuteronomy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Deuteronomy 12:27
27 And thou shalt offer thy burnt offerings, the flesh and the blood, upon the altar of the LORD thy God: and the blood of thy sacrifices shall be poured out upon the altar of the LORD thy God, and thou shalt eat the flesh.
Analysis
Sacrificial procedure: 'And thou shalt offer thy burnt offerings, the flesh and the blood, upon the altar of the LORD thy God: and the blood of thy sacrifices shall be poured out upon the altar of the LORD thy God, and thou shalt eat the flesh.' This prescribes central sanctuary sacrifice. Burnt offerings (olah, עֹלָה) were wholly consumed on altar; worshipers ate none. But peace offerings allowed worshipers to eat portions after blood was poured and fat burned. The altar location ('altar of the LORD thy God') emphasizes that sacrifice occurs at authorized location. Blood poured on altar atones (Leviticus 17:11); consuming flesh celebrates fellowship with God.
Historical Context
Leviticus 1-7 details sacrificial procedures. The altar, first at Tabernacle then Temple, was the exclusive location for covenant sacrifice. Jeroboam's rival altars at Dan/Bethel (1 Kings 12:28-33) violated this, earning divine condemnation. Hebrews 13:10 declares Christians 'have an altar'—Christ's cross—from which we feast spiritually. Christ's sacrifice supersedes animal offerings, being perfect and final (Hebrews 10:1-18). The Lord's Supper enacts this spiritual feast on Christ's atoning sacrifice.
Reflection
- How does blood poured out on the altar prefigure Christ's blood poured out for atonement?
- What does eating the flesh of sacrifice teach about participating in Christ's benefits through faith?
- How does the Lord's Supper continue the pattern of sacred meal celebrating covenant relationship?
Word Studies
- Altar: מִזְבֵּחַ (Mizbeach) H4196 - Altar, place of sacrifice
Cross-References
- Sacrifice: Leviticus 1:9, 1:13
- Blood: Leviticus 1:5, 17:11