There are a couple of rules about how to pay restitution for crimes against your fellow man, but pages and pages about how to pay for crimes against your Lord. Pages. We learn in great detail which parts of which animals to burn, flay, and sprinkle, and in which corner of the altar, depending on who the perpetrator was. But only for crimes against the Lord. For stealing and lying, restitution plus 20%, and that’s it.

An important aspect of all the offerings for the Lord is that, while most of them are burnt completely (the aroma is pleasing), some go to the priests. It’s a pretty good racket the priests have set up here.

So what is the problem with fat and blood? I understand the concept of unclean animals (I have my own prejudices), and I have some ideas about kids and their mothers’ milk, but I don’t see the problem with blood and fat? The fat is the most delicious part of a grilled lamb chop. Leaving it behind is a sin!

Tomorrow: Leviticus 8-10.