Chapter 16 returns to a discussion of the death of Aaron’s sons. God tells Moses he doesn’t want Aaron just walking around the Holy Place like he owns the place. He has to bring in an offering and make the sacrifice for atonement, etc. With the knowledge that this record was written centuries after the events are to have occurred, it is interesting to read the details of Aaron’s personal failings. This is a myth not a fairy tale. This is a cultural story that has ambiguity. [It also has bunches of stuff about what to do with the fat and intestines of the bulls, male goats, etc.]
Chapter 17 is about not eating blood. It reveals that there was still a problem with offering sacrifices to other idols. But it also has this line, “For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.” Lev. 17:11. My thought is that my substitutionary atonement brothers and sisters would find this pretty significant for later gory theatrical productions and such.
Chapter 18 will get its own entry. In the meantime, consider this from Salt-n-Peppa.