The fat and blood belonged exclusively to God because they symbolized life and the richest part of the sacrifice, both of which are reserved for Him alone. Fat represented abundance and the choicest portion, while blood represented life, which only God has the right to give and take.
Leviticus 3:16–17 says:
“And the priest shall burn them on the altar as food, an offering made by fire for a sweet aroma; all the fat is the Lord’s. This shall be a perpetual statute throughout your generations in all your dwellings: you shall eat neither fat nor blood.”
The burning of the fat on the altar acknowledged God’s claim to the best and the most valuable portion of the sacrifice. The prohibition against eating blood reinforced the truth that life belongs to God alone. Leviticus 17:11 explains:
“For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.”
This law pointed to the central role of blood in atonement, ultimately fulfilled in Christ’s sacrifice. His blood, given for us, secured eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12). The exclusive claim of God on the fat and blood taught Israel to honor His holiness and to recognize that life and blessing come from Him.
