Bible Dictionaries
Food
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Originally the Creator granted the use of the vegetable world for food to man (Genesis 1:29 ), with the exception mentioned (2:17). The use of animal food was probably not unknown to the antediluvians. There is, however, a distinct law on the subject given to Noah after the Deluge (Genesis 9:2-5 ). Various articles of food used in the patriarchal age are mentioned in Genesis 18:6-8; 25:34; 27:3,4; 43:11 . Regarding the food of the Israelites in Egypt, see Exodus 16:3; Numbers 11:5 . In the wilderness their ordinary food was miraculously supplied in the manna. They had also quails (Exodus 16:11-13; Numbers 11:31 ). In the law of Moses there are special regulations as to the animals to be used for food (Leviticus 11; Deuteronomy 14:3-21 ). The Jews were also forbidden to use as food anything that had been consecrated to idols (Exodus 34:15 ), or animals that had died of disease or had been torn by wild beasts (Exodus 22:31; Leviticus 22:8 ). (See also for other restrictions Exodus 23:19; 29:13-22; Leviticus 3:4-9; 9:18,19; 22:8; Deuteronomy 14:21 .) But beyond these restrictions they had a large grant from God (Deuteronomy 14:26; 32:13,14 ).
Food was prepared for use in various ways. The cereals were sometimes eaten without any preparation (Leviticus 23:14; Deuteronomy 23:25; 2 Kings 4:42 ). Vegetables were cooked by boiling (Genesis 25:30,34; 2 Kings 4:38,39 ), and thus also other articles of food were prepared for use (Genesis 27:4; Proverbs 23:3; Ezekiel 24:10; Luke 24:42; John 21:9 ). Food was also prepared by roasting (Exodus 12:8; Leviticus 2:14 ). (See COOK .)
Copyright Statement
These dictionary topics are from M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition, published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain.
Bibliography Information
Easton, Matthew George. Entry for 'Food'. Easton's Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/ebd/f/food.html. 1897.