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Originally mankind was vegetarian (Genesis 1:29/30), but after the flood God authorised man to eat meat (Genesis 9:3). The law laid down what could and what should not be eaten (Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14). We are not under the law of Moses, but there is no doubt something to be learnt from it whether we are interpreting it literally or seeking a spiritual

significance.

In Scripture what is generally spoken of are basic foodstuffs and drinks. Today we still consume them, but often they are mixed, cooked in various ways and subjected to various treatments. To take simple examples: we today have various kinds of ice creams and lollies, but the basic ingredients are simply cream and water. Even in Scripture there are indications that people went to the trouble of making a variety of foods. The baker in Genesis 40:17 said that in his dream he had in the uppermost basket on his head "all manner of victuals for Pharaoh that the baker makes". There was certainly variety there ! Then there was the manna that the people gathered "and ground it with hand-mills, or beat it in mortars, and boiled it in pots, and made cakes of it" (Numbers 11:8). Then as to drink Scripture speaks of "mixed wine" (Proverbs 23:30; Song of Songs 7:2) - cocktails are not just a modern invention !

The specific foods that Scripture speaks of are detailed in Appendix 1 and the drinks in Appendix 2. If we base our diet on these things we are not likely to go far wrong. How much each one of us needs to eat and what foods will depend on the metabolism of the individual, how much exercise he or she takes, as well as any allergies the person has.

Finally, let it be said that when we eat or drink we should do it to God's glory and thank God for it (1 Corinthians 10:30/31). Ultimately He is the one who provides it all and not only for ourselves (Psalm 65:9; 78:20) but also for animals (Job 38:41).

December 2000

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