The answer is: God said, "the blood is the life."

Deut 12:23

The prohibition against eating blood in Deuteronomy stems from a deeply intertwined belief in the sanctity of life. When you think about it, blood is often seen as the very essence of life itself. The Israelites were reminded that blood symbolizes a connection to the life force of creatures. To consume it would disrespect the Creator’s intention and the sacredness of existence.

Interesting side note: Ancient cultures worldwide often viewed blood as sacred. Not just the Israelites, but many societies had rituals involving blood—all pointing to its significance. The emphasis on not consuming blood signifies a moral responsibility regarding living beings, reflecting a universal respect for life.

Now, let’s put this in context with the dietary practices. The Israelites had many guidelines surrounding food, which weren’t simply about what tasted good, but tied into health, spiritual purity, and community identity. Just like the kosher laws for modern Jews detail preparation and consumption, these early laws offered structure, promoting mindful eating and reverence for the cycle of life.

Think of this also as an echo of broader themes in various religious texts, where the life force is treated with solemn respect. Even much later in the narrative, Jesus’ statements about using bread and wine during the Last Supper draw on the symbolism of life and sacrifice—though the contexts differ, they highlight a continuing thread of finding meaning in the physical manifestations of faith.