Gen 9:4-6 | TNotes | STEP | 9:4 A key restriction is imposed. Since blood was identified with life, it had to be drained from a slain animal before its meat could be eaten (see Lev 3:17 ; 7:26-27 ; 17:10-14 ; Deut 12:16 , 23 ). The law of Moses prohibited eating animals that died naturally, since their blood had not been drained (Deut 14:21 ). God provided animal blood to atone for human sin (Lev 17:11 ; Heb 9:22 ).

9:4 ^a A key restriction is imposed. Since blood was identified with life, it had to be drained from a slain animal before its meat could be eaten (see Lev 3:17 ^b; 7:26-27 ^c; 17:10-14 ^d; Deut 12:16 ^e, 23 ^f). The law of Moses prohibited eating animals that died naturally, since their blood had not been drained (Deut 14:21 ^g). God provided animal blood to atone for human sin (Lev 17:11 ^h; Heb 9:22 ⁱ).
Summary for Gen 9:5-6: 9:5-6 ^j Violence, including murder, was a major factor in bringing about God’s judgment of the flood (4:8 ^k; 6:11 ^l, 13 ^m). At this new beginning for humans, God affirmed the sanctity of human life and established a system of retributive justice for the taking of human life (see also Ps 9:12 ⁿ; thematic note for Retribution at end of chapter). The function of law is to restrain human wickedness and preserve moral order. This law was further developed in the law of Moses (Exod 21:12-14 ^o; Lev 24:17-22 ^p; Num 35:16-34 ^q; Deut 17:6-7 ^r; 19:15 ^s).
9:6 ^t For God made human beings in his own image: The death penalty has a theological basis. God’s image gives humans a unique status and authority within creation (1:26-28 ^u). Since murder destroys a person made in God’s image, the ultimate penalty must be imposed on a murderer. See also Exod 21:23-25 ^v. We are not to pursue personal revenge (Rom 12:17-19 ^w) but are to uphold the justice of the “governing authorities” that God has established (Rom 13:1-7 ^x).