Reading about old codes (laws) that predate Moses and his commandments.

It "seems" to give credence to my original assertion to the OP that it was a practice the people were doing anyway, and God merely stepped in to take charge and slowly wean them off of something that's really barbaric.

It seems entirely possible that sometimes people were doing them to show gratitude to God on their own, yes. Probably stemming from their early ancestors, Cain and Able. Things tend to get handed down from generation to generation.

I'm not sure though why it would be considered barbaric. Back in those days people slaughtered animals on their own and a sacrifice of a good solid animal would represent their thankfulness by giving God their "first fruits" or best. The sacrifices though were always foreshadowing the sacrifice to come, the ransom sacrifice that would be and end sacrifices.

/r/religion Thread Parent