This was held with the pieces of the victims laid aside from sacrifices of a joyful nature (epuloe sacroe, dapes), not only in all ancient heathen nations (Saubert, De Sacrific. c. 26; Feith, Antiq. Hom. 1, 10, 7; Stuck, Antiq. Conviv. 1, 33; Lakemacher, Antiq. Groecor. Sacre, p. 384 sq.; Dougtai Annal. 1, 235; on the Romans, see, among others, Josephus, War, 7, 1, 3; comp. also Plato, Leg. 5, p. 738; Herod. 6:67), but also among the Israelites (Deuteronomy 12:6 sq.; 1 Samuel 9:19; 1 Samuel 16:3; 1 Samuel 16:5; 2 Samuel 6:19). Only the thank offerings of individuals, however, among that people gave opportunity for these festivals, since of these alone certain rich portions were consumed on the altar (Leviticus 3:3 sq., Leviticus 3:9 sq.; Leviticus 14:15); the breast and the right shoulder belonged to the officiating priests (Leviticus 7:31 sq.), and all the rest of the flesh was restored to the offerer (Deuteronomy 27:7). This was to be eaten on the same or the following day (Leviticus 7:16), and in the company of all members of the household and of bidden guests (the Levites especially were often invited) (Deuteronomy 12:12). Other sacred meals were held at the times of festivals (Deuteronomy 16:11 sq.). Upon the tithe meal, (See TITHE).
Heathen sacrificial meals, which were held sometimes in the temples (1 Corinthians 8:10), sometimes in private houses, are mentioned (Numbers 25:2). The participation of an Israelite in these was accounted idolatry (Numbers 25:3 sq.; Psalms 106:28; Tobit 1:12; 1 Corinthians 10:20 sq.; Revelation 2:14); hence, too, the apostles forbade Christians to join them (Acts 15:29; Acts 21:25), or at least warned against them on account of those who were weak in faith (1 Corinthians 8:1 sq.; 1 Corinthians 10:28 sq.). Such "meat offered to idols," however, was set forth on the table not only at the sacrificial meals (1 Corinthians 8:10; 1 Corinthians 10:27), but the poor or the avaricious used to preserve it for future use (Theophr. Char. 10) or sell it to traders (ibid. 23); hence it might easily happen that one who bought at the meat market received it (1 Corinthians 10:25). (See FESTIVAL).