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.
This is the best explanation i have found, but is still highly unsatisfying to those of us who love animals. Killing animals who trust you, in order to bear the punishment for your sins, is unjust and ineffective. Why did God “need” to make such a concession? He didn’t concede on other pagan practices.
Hi Linda,
Good question! Greg has written more about this topic here, which may give further perspective: https://reknew.org/2019/09/why-did-god-require-animal-sacrifice-in-the-old-testament/
Hope that helps,
—Emily from the Communications Team
I don’t believe that God would EVER ask or require the same things as the devil himself. He is a creation as well as you and me. In Jeremiah we can clearly see that God does NOT want innocent blood shed~especially not on HIS Temple steps! I’ve never been able to understand certain parts of the Bible..It’s almost like they just bypass Jesus’s actual words.. “It is within ourselves not outside” “Love each other” “Don’t spill blood-innocent blood especially. I was so relieved to read that book of Jeremiah. I’ve also learned that in the Garden of Eden there were no carnivores! We all are plants/fruit/vegies (Just like Shadrack, Meshack & Abendigo stopped eating the Kings meat and fine dining for their vegetarian diet and came out stronger than all the Kings men!!). Our teeth are not made for eating flesh..only the flesh of fruits. I love you all and do not want to argue at all. Just seeking guidance or another point of view that would explain this? I don’t buy that killing animals was saving anyone. Only demons ask for blood sacrifices.
Hi Ashley,
Thanks for sharing! Passing along this comment from Greg. —Emily from the Communications Team
Hi Ashley,
Thanks for your thoughtful comments. I could not agree with you more.
If you are interested in my take not only on animal sacrifices but all the violence (and violent instructions) attributed to God in the OT, check out my book, Cross Vision.
Bless you
And keep thinking!
Greg