And whatsoever man there be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, which hunteth and catcheth any beast or fowl that may be eaten; he shall even pour out the blood thereof, and cover it with dust. (Leviticus 17:13)
This must have provided an impressive lesson for the hunter. He is out hunting and brings down a bird. Remembering God’s injunction to treat the blood with respect, he pours it out on the ground and reverently covers it. This was not, of course, for the sake of the bird. It was to teach man the value and importance of life (see Matt. 10:29).