116:13 refers to this custom. It is also alluded to in 1 Corinthians 10:16,
where the apostle speaks of the “cup of blessing.”
- BLIND Blind beggars are frequently mentioned (Matthew 9:27; 12:22;
20:30; John 5:3). The blind are to be treated with compassion (Leviticus
19:14; Deuteronomy 27:18). Blindness was sometimes a punishment for
disobedience (1 Samuel 11:2; Jeremiah 39:7), sometimes the effect of old
age (Genesis 27:1; 1 Kings 14:4; 1 Samuel 4:15). Conquerors sometimes
blinded their captives (2 Kings 25:7; 1 Samuel 11:2). Blindness denotes
ignorance as to spiritual things (Isaiah 6:10; 42:18, 19; Matthew 15:14;
Ephesians 4:18). The opening of the eyes of the blind is peculiar to the
Messiah (Isaiah 29:18). Elymas was smitten with blindness at Paul’s word
(Acts 13:11). - BLOOD (1.) As food, prohibited in Genesis 9:4, where the use of animal
food is first allowed. Comp. Deuteronomy 12:23; Leviticus 3:17; 7:26;
17:10-14. The injunction to abstain from blood is renewed in the decree of
the council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:29). It has been held by some, and we
think correctly, that this law of prohibition was only ceremonial and
temporary; while others regard it as still binding on all. Blood was eaten by
the Israelites after the battle of Gilboa (1 Samuel 14:32-34).
(2.) The blood of sacrifices was caught by the priest in a basin, and then
sprinkled seven times on the altar; that of the passover on the doorposts
and lintels of the houses (Exodus 12; Leviticus 4:5-7; 16:14-19). At the
giving of the law (Exodus 24:8) the blood of the sacrifices was sprinkled on
the people as well as on the altar, and thus the people were consecrated to
God, or entered into covenant with him, hence the blood of the covenant
(Matthew 26:28; Hebrews 9:19, 20; 10:29; 13:20).
(3.) Human blood. The murderer was to be punished (Genesis 9:5). The
blood of the murdered “crieth for vengeance” (Genesis 4:10). The “avenger
of blood” was the nearest relative of the murdered, and he was required to
avenge his death (Numbers 35:24, 27). No satisfaction could be made for
the guilt of murder (Numbers 35:31).
(4.) Blood used metaphorically to denote race (Acts 17:26), and as a
symbol of slaughter (Isaiah 34:3). To “wash the feet in blood” means to
gain a great victory (Psalm 58:10). Wine, from its red colour, is called “the
blood of the grape” (Genesis 49:11). Blood and water issued from our
Saviour’s side when it was pierced by the Roman soldier (John 19:34).