We can infer from Scripture that the practice of animal sacrifice was an accommodation God made to meet his people where they were at. Here are some reasons to think this:
- While Cain and Abel were the first ones to make sacrifices, there is no indication that God commanded them to do this. It seems they started this on their own, probably because in their fallen state they felt estranged from God and fearful of God so they wanted to do something to ensure God was not angry with them.
- We know that animal (and child) sacrifices were going on in the ancient Near East for thousands of years before Israel came into existence. In fact, animal (and often child) sacrifices have been a staple of human religion since the beginning of history. It is highly implausible that the Israelites were the one ancient Near Eastern group that didn’t sacrifice animals (and sometimes children) until Yahweh told them to.
- In Leviticus 17:7, Yahweh tells the Israelites to stop sacrificing to goat demons and instead make sacrifices to him. It looks like Yahweh is taking over a pagan practice, redirecting it to him and giving it a new meaning.
- Many aspects of the Israelite ritual of making sacrifices reflect ancient Near Eastern pagan influences—such as the common idea that God enjoyed the aroma of sacrifices and viewed the sacrifices as his food.
- From the later prophets and the New Testament, we learn that God did not delight or desire animal sacrifices.
