Gen 9:4 | MHM | STEP | v. 4 : God commands them not to eat meat with its blood in it, meaning they should not eat raw flesh or flesh from a living animal ( v. 4 ). This rule reminds people that life belongs to God. It teaches them to be patient and not cruel. Also, while animal sacrifices were still practiced, blood was important as it made atonement for sins (Lev. xvii. 11; 2 Sam. xxiii. 16 ; Prov. xxiii. 20; 1 Sam. xiv. 32 ).

‏ Genesis 9:4

v. 4: God commands them not to eat meat with its blood in it, meaning they should not eat raw flesh or flesh from a living animal (v. 4 ^a). This rule reminds people that life belongs to God. It teaches them to be patient and not cruel. Also, while animal sacrifices were still practiced, blood was important as it made atonement for sins (Lev. xvii. 11; 2 Sam. xxiii. 16 ^b; Prov. xxiii. 20; 1 Sam. xiv. 32 ^c).