The Scarlet Thread of the Bible
Behold the Lamb
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
Introduction
The purpose and role of blood in the human body is extremely significant.
Blood supplies oxygen and nutrients to tissues, removes waste, transports hormones and other signals throughout the body, and regulates body pH and core body temperatures.
Subsequently, blood regulates the body’s systems and maintains homeostasis which is defined as the ability to maintain internal stability in an organism to compensate for environmental changes, such as maintaining body temperature at 98.6 degrees.
Blood, therefore, is the sustainer of life.
As might be expected then, when a first responder arrives on the scene of an injury accident, an initial action, and major aim, is to stop the loss of blood of the injured.
The significance of blood was recorded in the Bible some 3,400 years ago. The word occurs nearly 500 times in the Bible.
One of the foundational passages in the entire Bible is:
“For the life of the flesh is in the blood…” Leviticus 17:11a NKJV
The Hebrew word for ‘life’ in this verse is Nephesh defined as the soul by which the body lives by drawing breath. Soul is the inner part of man.
Likewise, the Hebrew for ‘flesh’ is Basar defined as a created living creature. It defines the external form of a person. Flesh is weak, temporary, corruptible (subject to decay), and mortal.
The predominant Hebrew word for ‘blood’ is Dam defined as the very essence of life as defined above. Thus, the shedding of blood results in loss of life, or death.
Then God told Moses to tell the people the significance of the blood and its predominant purpose in the Bible.
“…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.” Leviticus 17:11b NKJV
The Hebrew word for atonement in this verse is Kapar defined as ‘reconcile’ or ‘appease.’
Other similar, and related, Hebrew words are Kaphos meaning ‘cover,’ and Kopher meaning ‘ransom’ or ‘satisfaction.’
God revealed the sanctity of blood in the first book of the Bible.
“Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed for in the image of God He made man.” Genesis 9:6 NKJV
That verse introduced capital punishment for the shedding of blood, and it has never been rescinded.
Another very significant Hebrew word for blood is Netsach with the primary meaning the ‘brilliant juice of grapes.’
Jacob used Netsach when prophesying about his son Judah’s future.
“Binding his donkey to the vine, and his donkey’s colt to the choice vine, he washed his garments in wine, and his clothes in the blood (Netsach) of grapes.” Genesis 49:11 NKJV
The application of this verse will be covered in detail in this book.
Thus, the blood of animals was sacrificed to God as a substitute to ‘cover’ the sins of the one who sinned in the Old Testament.
Mankind had a problem; however…
“For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.” Hebrews 10:4 NKJV
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
The book focuses on the sanctity of the blood, especially as blood is the required payment for sins, which applies to everyone ever born. A key verse is found in Leviticus where it is stated: "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." Leviticus 17:11 NKJV
The book begins by detailing all Old Testament offerings which required blood, and then details the seven sacred feast days for the Israelites and the part that blood played in each of them. Following the part that blood played in offerings and sacred feast days is a discussion relative to the part that blood played in ratifying covenants. And then the book provides a detailed account of the requirements of the Mediator and High Priest. The final chapter of the book details the ultimate blood shed of the Lamb of God who offered Himself and His blood to pay for the sins of the world.
About the Author
The author has taught the Bible for 45 years. He has published more than 500 newspaper columns relating primarily to current events and Scripture. Has taught at Oral Roberts University and North Eastern State University in Oklahoma where he retired as Assistant Professor of Industry and Technology in 2005. Prior to teaching he served two decades in the industrial sector. He has published two books relative to industrial technology and has been published in such technical journals as Management Accounting, Journal of Industrial Engineering, and Pecan South. This is his fifth book in the religious genre. He is a veteran of the USMC and presently serves as a voluntary Chaplin in a veterans hospital.