That which dieth of itself, or is torn with beasts, he shall not eat to defile himself therewith: I am the LORD.
That which dies of itself or is torn by beasts is not to be eaten, because eating it defiles the eater and renders him ceremonially unclean. The prohibition was given to the priests and laid upon Israel. The passage in Leviticus 22 to 24 teaches the duty of showing mercy to the poor.
Defilement does come through what enters the mouth. Gratifying a perverted appetite is forbidden, as is indulging sinful habits of eating what injures health and weakens spirituality. Twisting Scripture to justify a course leading to death is also forbidden.
Choosing a lawful, healthful diet in obedience brings a clear conscience, improved physical condition, a clear mind, and communion with God, a sacrifice repaid with gain and great glory when the Lord gathers His saints who have made a covenant with Him by sacrifice. Israel was bound by the prohibition even though surrounding peoples commonly ate such meat, and it gave no license to deceive others by selling them meat unfit for Israel to eat. To sell spoiled meat for food, as when an ox is left dead until its carcass is bloated, is wrong. Those who do not know that such practices are wrong should be taught so by Christians.
That which dies of itself or is torn by beasts is not to be eaten, because eating it defiles the eater and renders him ceremonially unclean. The prohibition was given to the priests and laid upon Israel. The passage in Leviticus 22 to 24 teaches the duty of showing mercy to the poor.
Defilement does come through what enters the mouth. Gratifying a perverted appetite is forbidden, as is indulging sinful habits of eating what injures health and weakens spirituality. Twisting Scripture to justify a course leading to death is also forbidden.
Choosing a lawful, healthful diet in obedience brings a clear conscience, improved physical condition, a clear mind, and communion with God, a sacrifice repaid with gain and great glory when the Lord gathers His saints who have made a covenant with Him by sacrifice. Israel was bound by the prohibition even though surrounding peoples commonly ate such meat, and it gave no license to deceive others by selling them meat unfit for Israel to eat. To sell spoiled meat for food, as when an ox is left dead until its carcass is bloated, is wrong. Those who do not know that such practices are wrong should be taught so by Christians.