What’s for Dinner? Yahweh’s Food Laws

When it comes to obeying the food laws in the Scriptures, many Christians scratch their heads and say that was in the Old Mosaic Covenant and was done away with the New Covenant, that is the death, burial, and resurrection of our Savior.   They quote several New Testament passages to prove their point.  But saints must remember, “All Scriptures (including the Old Testament Scriptures) are given by inspiration of Yahweh and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of Yahweh may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

 

What this article will answer by looking at all the Scriptures in the Old and New Testament is as follows: (1) are Yahweh’s Food Laws still for believers today, and if Yahweh’s Food Laws are still for believers today (2) what are the common foods today in the US that we should or should not eat.   It is not the intent of this article to review uncommon foods that Yahweh tells us that we should or should not eat.

 

I believe a great place to start on whether or not the Food Laws are still for saints today is in the New Testament with the Apostle Peter right after the resurrection of our Messiah.   This gets right to the argument of whether or not the Food Laws were done away after the death, burial, and resurrection of Messiah.  Remember Peter was one of the Twelve Apostles and much authority was given to Peter by Messiah.  And Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit, which taught  the apostles all things (John 14:26).  Therefore if anyone should have known that the Food Laws had changed after the resurrection of our Savior, it would have been Peter.

 

Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my assembly; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.   19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

 

Let us review a key passage on this topic of clean and unclean food tied to the Apostle Peter after the resurrection of our Savior in Acts chapter 10.  Many use this passage to argue that the Food Laws have been done away. They stop at verse 15, where it appears that Yahweh has cleansed anything that was unclean or common in Peter’s vision of unclean animals and make the argument this includes unclean foods. 

 

Acts 10:10 And he (Peter) became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,   11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:   12 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.   13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.   14 But Peter said, Not so, Sovereign; for I have never eaten anything that is common (#2839) or unclean (#169).   15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What Yahweh hath cleansed, that call not thou common (#2840).  16 This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. 

 

2839 koinos {koy-nos’}  •  probably from 4862; TDNT – 3:789,447; adj •  AV – common 7, unclean 3, defiled 1, unholy 1; 12 •  1) common 2) common i.e. ordinary, belonging to generality 2a) by the Jews, unhallowed, profane, Levitically unclean 

 

2840 koinoo {koy-no’-o}  •  from 2839; TDNT – 3:809,447; v •  AV – defile 11, call common 2, pollute 1, unclean 1; 15 •  1) to make common 1a) to make (Levitically) unclean, render unhallowed, defile, profane 1b) to declare or count unclean 

 

169 akathartos {ak-ath’-ar-tos}  •  from 1 (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of 2508 (meaning cleansed); TDNT – 3:427,381; adj •  AV – unclean 28, foul 2; 30 •  1) not cleansed, unclean 1a) in a ceremonial sense: that which must be abstained from according to the levitical law 1b) in a moral sense: unclean in thought and life 

 

But as we read past verse 15 in the Book of Acts, we start to see the meaning of Peter’s vison and the purpose of that vision from Yahweh.  And it has nothing to do with unclean foods becoming acceptable to eat in Yahweh’s eye.

 

An interesting observation is that the Greek word #169 or “akathartos” was used to describe unclean foods. We find in the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) “akathartos” used to designate unclean foods listed in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14.   But Peter added another Greek word “koinos”, translated as common, when describing his vision.  And when Yahweh responds to Peter comment that he has not eaten anything common our unclean, Yahweh specifically responds that he has cleansed the common but does not state that he has cleansed the unclean, which in this case tied to man’s food.

 

And think about this.  After seeing this vision three times Peter told Yahweh that he has never eaten anything that was unclean.  Remember this is after Messiah’s resurrection and we just read that Messiah gave Peter the keys to Kingdom of Heaven prior to this moment.  Peter was clearly obeying Yahweh’s Food Laws after Messiah’s resurrection and was very puzzled what this vision meant. 

 

17 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate,

 

Peter didn’t run to the nearest restaurant to have a shrimp cocktail with a bacon sandwich and say yeah I can eat anything I want!! In fact there is no evidence that Peter ate anything unclean after this vision.  So with Peter doubting what the vision meant, the Holy Spirit had to step in to tell him in the next verse what Yahweh meant….and it wasn’t that all foods were okay to eat!

 

In fact, all you have to do is read further in verse 28 to find out what Yahweh cleansed.  And what Yahweh cleansed was all men, including Gentiles.  Yahweh was telling Peter that no man is unclean in His eyes.  Not that all foods were clean and okay to eat.  This vision helped Peter understand that Yahweh shows no partiality (verse 34) when it comes to mankind and that it was okay to preach to Gentiles.  In fact as we read verse 19-44 we see Peter through the Holy Spirit entering the House of Cornelius (Gentile), preaching the evangel, and witnessing the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Gentiles just like it was on the Jews.  

 

19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.   20 Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.   21 Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?   22 And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth Elohim, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from Elohim by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.

 

25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.

 

28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but Yahweh hath shewed me that I should not call any man common (#2839) or unclean (#169).

 

34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that Yahweh is no respecter of persons:  35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

 

44 While Peter yet spake these words (i.e. the evangel), the Holy Spirit fell on all them (i.e. house of Cornelius) which heard the word.   45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Spirit.

 

Another place to look to see if the Food Laws were part of the Old Mosaic Covenant that has been done away is to start at the very beginning of mankind.  And we see that from the very beginning, Yahweh gave man direction on what foods he could and could not eat.  This was before the covenant at Sinai, the Mosaic Covenant, that was supposedly done away with as many believe with the death, burial, and resurrection of our Savior.

 

Genesis 2:16 And Yahweh Elohim commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:   17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

 

Another Scriptural account noting distinctions between clean and unclean animals also occurred long before the Exodus and the Mosaic Covenant when Yahweh told Noah to take into the ark unclean animals by twos and the clean ones by sevens.  It is interesting to note that Yahweh did not have to explain to Noah what animals were clean or unclean.  So we see the concept of clean and unclean animals was in existence long before the Exodus.  This Scriptures clearly shows that the popular idea that clean and unclean animals originated in the Old Mosaic Covenant is incorrect.  And as we will see after we search all Scriptures, Yahweh’s distinction between clean and unclean has never been rescinded and that distinction continues to exist today for good reasons.

 

Genesis 7:1 And Yahweh said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.   2 Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the male and his female: and of beasts that are not clean by two, the male and his female.

 

Another interesting observation is that whenever animals are mentioned in Scriptures as a food source in connection with a sacrifice before Mount Sinai (i.e. Old Mosaic Covenant), they are always clean animals.   This reinforces the truth that Yahweh’s Food laws are spiritual and have been around from the beginning.

 

Genesis 15:7 And he said unto him, I am Yahweh that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it.   8 And he said, Sovereign Yahweh, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?   9 And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.   10 And he took unto him all these, and divided them in the midst, and laid each piece one against another: but the birds divided he not.

 

Genesis 22:13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.

 

Exodus 12:5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:   6 And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.   7 And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.   8 And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.

 

Yahweh’s Food Laws are important for Saints today.  Besides the potential health benefits, which we will discuss later, of eating certain foods (“clean foods”) and not eating certain foods (“unclean foods”), obedience to Yahweh’s Food Laws distinguishes between those that are holy and those that are unholy.  Scriptures are clear, how we obey the clean and unclean Food Laws is on the same level with saints being holy or unholy.   Selah (i.e. think about it).

 

Leviticus 10:8 And the YAHWEH spake unto Aaron, saying,  9 Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations:   10 And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean;

 

Leviticus 11:45 For I am the YAHWEH that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your Elohim: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.   46 This is the law of the beasts, and of the fowl, and of every living creature that moveth in the waters, and of every creature that creepeth upon the earth:   47 To make a difference between the unclean and the clean, and between the beast that may be eaten and the beast that may not be eaten.

 

Ezekiel 22:26 Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shewed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them.

 

Ezekiel 44:23 And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.

 

And we see Yahweh not only connecting unclean and clean, including food, with unholy and holy in the Old Testament, we see this connection in the New Testament. 

 

1 Thessalonians 4:7 For Yahweh hath not called us unto uncleanness (#167), but unto holiness.   8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but Elohim, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.

 

167 akatharsia {ak-ath-ar-see’-ah}  •  from 169; TDNT – 3:427,381; n f •  AV – uncleanness 10; 10 •  1) uncleanness 1a) physical 1b) in a moral sense: the impurity of lustful, luxurious, profligate living 1b1) of impure motives 

 

Romans 6:18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.   19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness (#167) and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.   20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.

 

Although many will say this Greek word “akatharsia”, or uncleanness pertains to impure living and scoff that unclean living includes eating unclean foods, it is clear to those that study all the Scriptures on this topic of clean and unclean foods this Greek word “akathartos” includes not following Yahweh’s Food Laws.

 

Yahweh gave all of His laws and commandments for good reason.  They teach us right from wrong, good from evil, beneficial and harmful.  Again they teach us how to be Holy, that is set apart from the common or ordinary.  Yahweh’s laws and commandments including clean and unclean foods define the way to be Holy, set apart for Yahweh’s purposes.

 

And it is amazing that if we look at additional passages in the New Testament, uncleanness, including eating unclean foods, is linked with other sinful acts that Yahweh hates including adultery/fornication, witchcraft, hatred, covetousness, etc.

 

Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness (#167), lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of Yahweh.

 

Colossians 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness (#167), inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:   6 For which things’ sake the wrath of Yahweh cometh on the children of disobedience:   7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.

 

2 Corinthians 12:21 And lest, when I come again, my Elohim will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness (#167) and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.

 

Ephesians 4:17 This I say therefore, and testify in Yahweh, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,   18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of Elohim through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:   19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness (#167) with greediness.

 

And not only does Yahweh classify uncleanness with other sins, He tells us in His Word that those who follow uncleanness, including eating unclean foods, will not inherit the Kingdom of Messiah and Yahweh.  Those are very strong words not to be taken lightly.  Of course, being holy means much more than merely avoiding unclean foods.  Messiah spoke of the “weightier matters of the law”, such as judgment, mercy and faith.

 

Ephesians 5:1 Be ye therefore followers of Yahweh, as dear children;   2 And walk in love, as Messiah also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to Yahweh for a sweetsmelling savour.   3 But fornication, and all uncleanness (#167), or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;   4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.   5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean (#169) person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Messiah and of Yahweh.

 

When we understand the spiritual principles that stand as the basis for Yahweh’s laws and commandments, we don’t look for loopholes to avoid doing what He commands.  When we enjoy a loving relationship with Yahweh we keep His commandments, including Yahweh’s commandments on Food Laws.

 

1 John 5:2 By this we know that we love the children of Yahweh, when we love Yahweh, and keep his commandments.

 

John 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.

 

John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

 

One of the key Scriptures used by some to justify eating anything that one desires comes from Colossians 2:16.  This is another misunderstood passage in the Scriptures.  Proponents that unclean foods have been done away with interpret this passage to mean that no one can judge you for eating anything that you want and that crux of the matter is the resurrection of Messiah not clean or unclean foods. 

 

If we truly look at the words of this passage, something entirely different is being told.  According to Paul’s letter to the Colossians, the New Testament assembly is being judged on how we keep Yahweh’s Food Laws (1), Sabbath Days (2), Holy Days (3), and New Moons. 

 

Colossians 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat (i.e. food), or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:   17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body (is) of Messiah.

 

First, this verse in Colossians clearly indicates that Yahweh’s Food Laws, Sabbath Days, Holy Days, and New Moons are shadows of things to come, meaning that they have not been done away.  The Greek word translated shadow, #4639 “skia”, means “shadow” or “adumbration”.  According to the Heritage Dictionary, “adumbration” is “something that foreshadows or partially or guardedly discloses something or gives a sketchy outline of something”.  The definition of foreshadow is “to present an indication or suggestion of beforehand; presage”.  And lastly the definition of “presage” is “(1) an indication or warning of a future occurrence; (2) prophetic significance or meaning”.

 

• For more information on Yahweh’s New Moon, please read “The New Moon”
• For more information on Yahweh’s Sabbath, please read “The Fourth Commandment”
• For more information on Yahweh’s feast days, please read “Passover and Easter”, “Chag Hamatzot” (including “Firstfruits” and “The Night to be Much Observed”), “Pentecost”, “Yom Teruah…Day of Shouting”, “Yom Kippur – Day of Atonement”, “Feast of Tabernacles”, and “The Last Great Day”

 

So, the Food Laws, Sabbath Days, Holy Days, and New Moons not only have not been done away but are sneak previews of a greater reality to come.  Therefore we keep these appointed times and teachings all the more. And if you look closely at Colossians 2:17, you will notice at the end of this passage the word “is” is added by the translators.   If this added word is removed, we get a clear understanding of this passage which should read; “Let no man (i.e. person) therefore judge you…….but the body of Messiah”. 

 

Therefore the judge should be the body or assembly of Messiah.  The addition of the word “is” has really distorted this passage with many believing that this passage states Messiah’s sacrifice abolished Yahweh’s Food Laws, Sabbath Days, Holy Days, and New Moons. 

 

Messiah makes it abundantly clear in Matthew 5 that he did not come to abolish the law.  Messiah also states that nothing shall change in the law until all be fulfilled with the passing of the existing heavens and earth, which will happen with the New Heavens and Earth. 

 

Matthew 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.   18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.   19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.  

 

In fact, not only have Yahweh’s laws not been abolished, they have been magnified.  Messiah himself in Matthew 5 gives several examples of Old Testament laws that have been magnified for New Testament believers.  Two of those examples are the Old Testament laws for murder and adultery.

 

Matthew 5:21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:   22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

 

27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:   28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

 

The Scriptures tell us that unless a saint’s righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees that he shall in no case enter the kingdom of heaven.  Selah (i.e. think about it).  And we know that the scribes and Pharisees kept all of Yahweh’s laws.  Where the scribes and Pharisees failed was their man-made addition to Yahweh’s laws turning the law into legalism, confusing the spirit of the law with the letter of the law.

 

Matthew 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

 

Far from being abolished or done away with, Yahweh’s Food Laws, Sabbaths, Holy Days, and New Moon are present symbols and indicators of future spiritual truths.  They will, according to Colossians 2:16, be fully realized and fulfilled in the ages to come.  Paul warns us here to not worry about non-believers judging us in these things but only to be concerned about the judgment of those in the assembly as to how well we keep these commandments of Yahweh.

 

The death, burial, and resurrection of our Savior did not eliminate Yahweh’s laws (Hebrew 7:12) but signaled some changes in the law.  These changes in the law were based on Messiah becoming our High Priest and the final sacrifice to take away all sin.  Therefore there was no longer the need for the Levitical priesthood or sacrifices.  Administrative changes, however, are not to be confused with Yahweh’s law itself, which Messiah clearly states will continue to exist until the New Heaven’s and Earth (Matthew 5:18). 

 

It is interesting to note that in every instance Scriptures spells out administrative changes in the law.  We find no administrative changes in the New Testament regarding clean and unclean food.

 

Hebrews 7:11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?   12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.

 

Let us stop for a minute and review verse 12 and ask a question.  How can anyone say the law was done away with the clear statement that there was a change in the law.  Additional proof that the law as not been done away with the death, burial, and resurrect of our Savior is based on the New Testament definition of sin.  Over and over we read sin is the transgression of the law and without the law there is knowledge of sin. 

 

1 John 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

 

Romans 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

 

Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:   13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

 

Romans 7:7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Yahweh forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.

 

The Scriptures from Genesis to Revelation is a book about law. However, it is not written as a purely legal book.  The Hebrew word for law is “torah”.  And that Hebrew word encompasses direction and instruction, concepts much broader than a mere legal code. Yahweh’s law existed before the Scriptures were written.  As Paul noted, “the law is spiritual”. 

 

Romans 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

 

In fact we see Yahweh’s law was in existence long before the Israelites left Egypt and arrived at Mount Sinai with Abraham’s obedience to Yahweh’s law.   Therefore the law is spiritual and has been existence since the beginning of mankind.

 

Genesis 26:2 And Yahweh appeared unto him, and said, Go not down into Egypt; dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of:   3 Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father;  4 And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;   5 Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws (#8451-torah).

 

When Yahweh began to work with ancient Israel after the Exodus, He was not announcing His law for the first time.  He was restating His law to the Israelites who had spent several generations as slaves in Egypt (Exodus 12:41).  Because the Israelites were slaves in Egypt for many generations, they did not remember Yahweh’s law, much less obeyed it. 

 

So it is abundantly clear that Yahweh’s law, including His Food Law, is still for saints today.  Let us review prophetic Scriptures that show that not only are Yahweh’s Food Laws for saints today, but are for saints in the future.  We find two prophetic Scriptures in Isaiah and Revelation. 

 

These prophetic fulfilments yet to come make a distinction between clean and unclean foods and animals plus discuss punishment to those who disobey Yahweh on this matter.  If unclean and clean designations no longer exist, why are they used in the end times yet to come?  The Scriptures continues to show obedience to the laws of clean and unclean foods as an identifying characteristic of saints.

 

Isaiah 66:15 For, behold, Yahweh will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire.   16 For by fire and by his sword will Yahweh plead with all flesh: and the slain of Yahweh shall be many.   17 They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one tree in the midst, eating swine’s flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith Yahweh.

 

Revelation 18:1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.   2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.

 

And think about this, nowhere in the Scriptures is a follower of Yahweh eating unclean foods.  If at any time the distinction between clean and unclean foods had ceased to exist, shouldn’t that have been made clear in the Scriptures through examples of Yahweh’s servants eating foods that used to be unclean? 

 

In fact the few instances in the New Testament were we see clean and unclean foods, it seems clear that in the New Covenant there is a continuation of Yahweh’s Food Laws.  On two occasions during Messiah’s ministry Yah’shua miraculously multiplied a few fish and bread to feed large crowds that follow him (Matthew 14:15-21 and 15:32-38).  In spite of the abundance of food, Yah’shua commanded His disciples to gather up the left overs so nothing was lost (John 6:12).  Clearly Messiah did not want to waste clean foods. 

 

Contrast this with casting of demons out of a possessed man in Mark 5:1-3.  Where did the demons go…to 2,000 valuable pigs that ended up drowning in the sea.  Clearly in Messiah’s eyes pigs should not have been raised for food.

 

Another often-misunderstood passage used by some to say Yahweh’s Food Laws have been done away is in Mark 7 (also Matthew 15:1-20).  Here Yah’shua said that it does not matter what enters a man from the outside because it cannot defile him.  So may interpret this to mean we can eat anything.

 

Mark 7:18 And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him;   19 Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?   20 And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.

 

But you have to read verses 2-5 to clearly understand that the topic is about unwashed hands, not unclean foods.  The Pharisees, who found fault with Yah’shua and His disciples, only ate foods that were clean.  They strictly followed Yahweh’s Food Laws. What they objected was Yah’shua and His disciples not washing their hands before eating, which was a customary ritual of the Pharisees’.  What Yah’shua was saying in the above passage is that one thoughts and actions were much more spiritually important than washing one’s hands.  And if you read the same account in Matthew 15, verse 20 clearly states “but to eat with unwashed hands defileth not a man”.

 

Mark 7:1 Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem.   2 And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled (#2839 koinos), that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault.   3 For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.   4 And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.   5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?

 

Matthew 15:18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.   19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:   20 These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.

 

Another New Testament Scripture that is used by some to prove that saints should not abstain from any foods which Yahweh created (including unclean foods) and that we should receive any foods that Yahweh created with thanksgiving is found in 1 Timothy 4.

 

1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;   2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;   3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats (i.e. food), which Yahweh hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.   4 For every creature of Yahweh is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:

 

Let us start for the beginning of this verse.  The people that are telling saints they cannot eat certain foods are those that have fallen away and have given themselves to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils.  So why would one believe that this passage is talking about Yahweh declaring unclean foods clean? 

 

What the Apostle Paul letters to Timothy is saying is these false teachers are telling believers to follow false commandments (i.e. forbidding to marry) not found in the Scriptures.  Also, what these false believers were commanding was to abstain from foods which Yahweh created to be received with thanksgiving.  What foods did Yahweh create to be received with thanksgiving….yes you got it clean foods!  So we can assume that the false teachers were commanding saints to not eat foods that were determined to be clean by Yahweh.

 

The last New Testament passage used by many to say the Food Laws have been done away under the New Covenant is found in Romans 14.  I have to say, this has been a very difficult passage for me to understand.   But I have learned early on that I have to look at the whole council of Yahweh when trying to understand the truth about the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16).   Truth seeking in the Scriptures is like putting together a puzzle.   When 90-95% of the puzzle pieces fit nicely together you get a clear picture of the truth.  What I find is a lot of people focus on the few puzzle pieces that don’t fit nicely, and miss the picture completely.

 

Romans 14:1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.   2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.   3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for Yahweh hath received him.   4 Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for Yahweh is able to make him stand.

 

14 I know, and am persuaded by the Sovereign Yah’shua, that there is nothing unclean (#2839 koinos) of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean (2839 koinos), to him it is unclean (2839 koinos).   15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat (i.e. food), now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Messiah died.   16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of:   17 For the kingdom of Yahweh is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

 

21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

 

At the beginning of this article we noted the two Greek words, “akatharots” and “koinos” which are translated unclean or common.  And we also noted that the Greek word “akathartos” was used to describe unclean foods.  We based this on the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) where the writers chose this Greek word “akathartos” to designate unclean foods listed in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14.  

 

It is interesting to note the Apostle Paul chose the Greek word “koinos” in Romans 14.  “Koinos” has a meaning of common, ordinary, or ceremonial unclean.  If you review the New Testament passages using “koinos”, it is tied to ceremonial uncleanness.  As previously reviewed, Mark chapter 7 is an example where uncleanness (“koinos”) is tied to the disciples eating with unwashed hands.   Another example covered is Acts 10 where Peter uses both “akatharots” and “koinos” in his response to the vision to distinguish between unclean food and ceremonial unclean or common.  What we discovered after our review of Acts 10, Peter’s vision had nothing to do with all food being clean, but Yahweh declared all people clean by using the Greek word “koinos”.

 

So, what is unclean in Romans 14?  To gain a clue, one has to read Paul’s other letters to the Corinthians primarily in chapter 10.   After reading Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, it appears that Paul may be making the same point in his letter to the Romans in chapter 14 that he was making to the Corinthians about clean foods sacrificed to idols.  That point is that clean foods offered to idols can be eaten, but if that clean food offered to idols offends or makes your brother or sister weak, offended or to stumble, you should abstain from eating it (Romans 14:21 and 1 Corinthians 10:29).

 

In the Gentile markets meat was sold that had been first sacrificed to different idols and many Jews and Gentile converts whom Paul calls “weak” in the faith did not buy or eat this meat, considering it impure. Paul, however, said that this food was sacrificed to nothing.   These pagan idols were meaningless, nonliving objects invented by man.  Paul realized that they could do neither good nor bad because as “deities” they were non-existent. 

 

Although we may not understand completely why Yahweh prohibits certain foods, it is clear from Scripture, to be Holy we must be obedient to Yahweh commandments (i.e. teachings) and laws, including obedient to Yahweh’s Food Laws!   

 

1 Peter 1:14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:   15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;   16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

 

Ephesians 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

 

In Yahweh’s Word, there are two main passages distinguishing clean and unclean foods.  These passages are located in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14.  These passages are long and some of the words on what is clean or unclean can be somewhat unclear.  But it is clear that these passages state to be Holy one must avoid what Yahweh says are unclean foods.  In Yahweh’s sight refraining from eating unclean food is a sign of obedience to Yahweh’s Word and that we are one of His set-apart saints.   Yahweh requires Holy conduct that is distinctly different from that of the rest of the world.

 

2 Corinthians 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith Yahweh, and touch not the unclean (#169) thing; and I will receive you,   18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith Yahweh Almighty.

 

It is not the intent of this article to review all the foods that are unclean or clean, but to highlight those foods that typical Americans eat that are unclean or clean. 

 

The bulk of the foods that are unclean include all pork products, meat that is not from an animal that are cud-chewing and have divided hooves, fowls that are raptors or scavengers, creeping things (i.e. rodents), all insects except for locust, crickets, and grasshoppers, fish which does not have fins and scales including all shellfish, and mushrooms.

 

Common unclean foods American’s eat:

• All pork products (bacon, ham, pork sausage, etc.)
• Catfish
• Lobster
• Crab
• Clams
• Mussel
• Oyster
• Scallop
• Shrimp
• Squid
• Swordfish
• All mushrooms

 

Although Yahweh did not reveal the specific reasons some animals may be eaten and other must be avoided, we can make a generalized conclusion.  Many of the animals listed as unclean are scavengers.   In many cases they don’t hunt for their own foods and eat dead and decaying matter.  An example would be a pig. They will eat about anything including garbage, feces, and decaying flesh.  When it comes to sea creatures, many of the unclean sea creatures (i.e. catfish, shrimp, crab, lobster, etc.) are also scavengers eating decaying matter.  Many unclean animals purpose is to clean the earth of society’s disease laden refuse.   A lot of unclean animals are part of Yahweh’s environmental sanitation system, cleaning up decaying matter.  Even if there was no prohibition of eating these unclean animals and sea creatures, would you want to eat them?  Selah (i.e. think about it).

 

As you may noticed, the above unclean food list includes mushrooms.  Mushrooms are unclean foods, but are not listed in Leviticus 11 or Deuteronomy 14.  Looking at plants in the Scriptures, Yahweh limited our food to those plants and trees that bear seeds.  Yahweh also limited clean plants to those plants that are green and propagate by seeds. Those plants that lack either chlorophyll or seeds, or both, are called into questions….including fungi such as mushrooms as well as various parasitic plants.

 

Genesis 1:29 And Elohim said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat (i.e. food).

 

Genesis 9:3 Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.

 

Is the above Scripture conclusive that we should not eat mushrooms?  Let us take a look at a few facts about mushrooms.

 

• First of all Mushroom are seedless. They reproduce thru spores.
• Are chlorophyll-free, no flowers, no leaves
• Gets nourishment from dead or living organic matter, not from the soil. Therefore are parasites and scavengers.
• Doesn’t need sunlight. Thrives in the dark.
• Mushrooms play an important role in the breakdown, cleaning, and renewal of forests.

 

If you start to think about all the above, there are many reasons not to eat mushrooms.  First they are not from seeds.  Yahweh clearly tells us that seed bearing plants were made for food, not spores.  Mushrooms live off dead or living matter (i.e. parasite) and are not from the soil.  They play a role in the breakdown and cleaning of the forest.  This is similar to shell fish and pigs, which were designed to help clean the environment, not to be eaten.

 

Mushrooms are a fungus.  Mildew is a surface fungus.  So mushrooms and mildew are related scientifically. It is interesting to note that the term “mildew”, which is a surface fungus and is related to mushrooms, is used in the Scriptures in a negative way.  In fact it is used as a curse, not a blessing.

 

Deuteronomy 28:22 Yahweh shall smite thee with a consumption, and with a fever, and with an inflammation, and with an extreme burning, and with the sword, and with blasting (#7711), and with mildew (#3420); and they shall pursue thee until thou perish.

 

1 Kings 8:37 If there be in the land famine, if there be pestilence, blasting (#7711), mildew (#3420), locust, or if there be caterpiller; if their enemy besiege them in the land of their cities; whatsoever plague, whatsoever sickness there be (also see 2 Chronicles 6:28)

 

Amos 4:9 I have smitten you with blasting (#7711) and mildew (#3420): when your gardens and your vineyards and your fig trees and your olive trees increased, the palmerworm devoured them: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith Yahweh.

 

Haggai 2:17 I smote you with blasting (#7711) and with mildew (#3420) and with hail in all the labours of your hands; yet ye turned not to me, saith Yahweh.

 

7711 sh@dephah {shed-ay-faw’} or !ApD’vi shiddaphown {shid-daw-fone’}  •  from 07710; TWOT – 2335a,2335b •  AV – blasting 5, blasted 1; 6 •  n f 1) blighted or blasted thing, blighted, blasted n m 2) blight (of crops) 

 

3420 yeraqown {yay-raw-kone’}  •  from 03418; TWOT – 918d; n m •  AV – mildew 5, paleness 1; 6 •  1) mildew, paleness, lividness 1a) mildew, rust 1b) paleness 

 

So what are some of the common foods in the Scriptures that are clean and have been eaten with Yahweh’s blessing throughout Scriptures? The complete “grocery list” of clean foods in the Scriptures include spices, fruits, vegetables, grains, fish, fowl, meats and other foods and drinks.

 

Seasonings, Spices, and Herbs

• Anise (Matthew 23:23)
• Capers (Psalm 51:7 and John 19:29)
• Coriander (Exodus 16:31 and Numbers 11:7)
• Cinnamon (Exodus 30:23 and Revelation 18:13)
• Cumin (Isaiah 28:25 and Matthew 23:23)
• Dill (Matthew 23:23)
• Garlic (Numbers 11:5)
• Mint (Matthew 23:23 and Luke 11:42)
• Mustard (Matthew 13:31and Mark 4:31)
• Salt (Ezra 6:9, Job 6:6, and Luke 14:34)
• Sweet Cane (Isaiah 43:24 and Jeremiah 6:20)

 

Fruits and Nuts

• Apples (Song of Solomon 2:5 and Joel 1:12)
• Almonds (Genesis 43:11 and Numbers 17:8)
• Dates (2 Samuel 6:19 and 1 Chronicles 16:3)
• Figs (Nehemiah 13:15 and Jeremiah 24:1-3)
• Grapes (Leviticus 19:10 and Deuteronomy 23:24)
• Melons (Numbers 11:5 and Isaiah 1:8)
• Olives (Isaiah 17:6 and Micah 6:15)
• Pistachio Nuts (Genesis 43:11)
• Pomegranates (Numbers 20:5 and Deuteronomy 8:8)
• Raisins (Numbers 6:3 and 2 Samuel 6:19)
• Sycamore Fruit, which is a type of Fig (Psalm 78:47 and Amos 7:14)

 

Vegetables and Legumes

• Beans/Legumes (2 Samuel 17:28 and Ezekiel 4:9)
• Cucumbers (Numbers 11:5)
• Gourds/Squash (2 Kings 4:39)
• Leeks (Numbers 11:5)
• Lentils (Genesis 25:34 and 2 Samuel 17:28)
• Onions (Numbers 11:5)

 

Grains

• Barley (Deuteronomy 8:8 and Ruth 2:23)
• Bread (Genesis 25:34,  2 Samuel 6:19 & 16:1, and Mark 8:14)
• Corn (Ruth 2:14, 1 Samuel 17:17, and Matthew 12:1)
• Flour (2 Samuel 17:28, 1 Kings 17:12, Ezekiel 16:19)
• Rye (Isaiah 28:25)
• Wheat (Ezra 6:9, Deuteronomy 8:8, and Psalm 81:16)

 

Fish (with scales and fins)

• Matthew 15:36
• John 21:11-13

 

Fowl

• Chicken (Matthew 23:33)
• Dove (Leviticus 12:8)
• Partridge (1 Samuel 26:20 and Jeremiah 17:11)
• Pigeon (Genesis 15:9 and Leviticus 12:8)
• Quail (Exodus 16:13 and Psalm 105:40)

 

Animal Meats

• Bison (Deuteronomy 14:5)
• Calf (Deuteronomy 14:4, Proverbs 15:17 and Luke 15:23)
• Goat (Genesis 27:9 and Deuteronomy 14:4)
• Lamb (2 Samuel 12:4)
• Oxen (1 Kings 19:21)
• Sheep (Deuteronomy 14:4)
• Venison (Genesis 27:7)

 

Dairy

• Butter (Proverbs 30:33)
• Cheese (1 Samuel 17:18, 2 Samuel 17:29, and Job 10:10)
• Curds/Cottage Cheese (Genesis 18:8 and Isaiah 7:15)
• Milk (Exodus 33:3, Job 10:10, and Judges 5:25)

 

Miscellaneous

• Eggs (Job 6:6 and Luke 11:12)
• Grape Juice (Numbers 6:3 and Zechariah 9:17)
• Honey (Exodus 33:3, Deuteronomy 8:8, and Judges 14:8-9)
• Locust (Mark 1:6)
• Olive Oil (Ezra 6:9 and Deuteronomy 8:8)
• Vinegar (Ruth 2:14 and John 19:29)
• Wine (Ezra 6:9, John 2:1-10, 1 Timothy 5:23)

 

Before we move on, I like to share a few words about wheat.  This grain has become maligned in recent times because of the poor health effects that many suffer by eating wheat, which has gluten.  So how do we reconcile the problem that many have eating wheat/gluten with the many passages concerning wheat and bread that are positive in the Scriptures?  In fact our Savor referred to Himself as the Bread of Life.

 

John 6:32 Then Yah’shua said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.   33 For the bread of Yahweh is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.   34 Then said they unto him, Sovereign, evermore give us this bread. 35 And Yah’shua said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

 

We also have a feast, Unleavened Bread, where saints are commanded to eat unleavened bread for seven days.  If wheat and bread was something that Yahweh did not want us to eat, why would he command us to eat unleavened bread for seven days?  For more information on this feast, please read “Chag Hamatzot”.  Lastly we see in the Parable of the Wheat and Tares, wheat in this parable represents true believers (Matthew 13).  So how can a saint not eat wheat and bread?

 

With all that being said, if someone has a bad reaction to one of the above foods listed above including wheat/gluten, it does not mean one has to eat it. And in the case where Yahweh commands us to eat unleavened bread for seven days, a saint who has a bad reaction to wheat/gluten may want to use a different grain in their unleavened bread (see clean grains).

 

Also, on the topic of wheat, there were two interesting findings that Yahweh gave to my wife.  First of all the Ezekiel 4:9 bread that we used to eat and think we were doing something Scriptural and healthy turns out to be a lie.  Sometimes all you have to do is read a passage.  Just because it is in the Scriptures does not make it profitable for saints.  If you read the passage, it is clear Ezekiel 4:9 bread is defiled bread that was actually made with dung.  Ezekiel 4:9 bread is based on the siege against Jerusalem that Yahweh allowed because of the iniquity of the Israelites.  Therefore we stop buying Ezekiel 4:9 bread.

 

Secondly, with many people unable to eat wheat/gluten, my wife found an ancient wheat called Einkorn wheat that many with wheat/gluten problems can eat.  Because this is an ancient wheat that has not been modified by man, it is very low in gluten. If you are someone who has a bad reaction to wheat/gluten, you may want to try this ancient wheat.

 

In addition to the foods we discussed that we can and cannot eat, Yahweh’s Word prohibits consumption of both fat and blood.  Both fat and blood were always separated from the meat when sacrificed and neither was eaten. Thus, it is necessary to remove as much blood and fat before meat is eaten.

 

Leviticus 3:16 And the priest shall burn them upon the altar: it is the food of the offering made by fire for a sweet savour: all the fat is Yahweh’s.   17 It shall be a perpetual statute for your generations throughout all your dwellings, that ye eat neither fat nor blood.

 

Genesis 9:4 But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat.

 

Leviticus 7:23 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Ye shall eat no manner of fat, of ox, or of sheep, or of goat.   24 And the fat of the beast that dieth of itself, and the fat of that which is torn with beasts, may be used in any other use: but ye shall in no wise eat of it.   25 For whosoever eateth the fat of the beast, of which men offer an offering made by fire unto Yahweh, even the soul that eateth it shall be cut off from his people.   26 Moreover ye shall eat no manner of blood, whether it be of fowl or of beast, in any of your dwellings.   27 Whatsoever soul it be that eateth any manner of blood, even that soul shall be cut off from his people.

 

Leviticus 17:10 And whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, that eateth any manner of blood; I will even set my face against that soul that eateth blood, and will cut him off from among his people.   11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.   12 Therefore I said unto the children of Israel, No soul of you shall eat blood, neither shall any stranger that sojourneth among you eat blood.   13 And whatsoever man there be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, which hunteth and catcheth any beast or fowl that may be eaten; he shall even pour out the blood thereof, and cover it with dust.   14 For it is the life of all flesh; the blood of it is for the life thereof: therefore I said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall eat the blood of no manner of flesh: for the life of all flesh is the blood thereof: whosoever eateth it shall be cut off.

 

Changing our ways can be very tough.  Many people really enjoy eating pork (bacon, sausage, pepperonis, ham, etc.), shellfish (shrimp, lobster, clams, etc.) and mushrooms and cannot fathom giving up those unclean foods.  They do not experience immediate adverse effects, so it is a puzzle to them why Yahweh would prohibit eating certain foods.  But Yahweh will bless you if you obey Him.  Remember, Yahweh’s ways are higher than our ways and there is a warning in Proverbs about following our ways (i.e. the ways of our flesh). 

 

Isaiah 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith Yahweh.   9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

 

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

 

 

HalleluYah

(10/17)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Addendum A – Should a saint be focused on their health?

 

 

Since we are on the topic of Yahweh’s food laws, a question to be asked is should a saint be focused on their health?  The short answer is that we should spend time and energy on our health, but not to the point of taking away valuable time in our walk with Messiah.  That is obeying the teaching of Yahweh including studying and meditating on the Word, prayer, and helping others in need.

 

First Scriptures tell us that saints are the temple of Yahweh.  So if we are the temple of Yahweh, taking care of our physical body is an important part of being a believer.

 

1 Corinthians 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of Yahweh, and that the Spirit of Yahweh dwelleth in you?   

 

1 Corinthians 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have of Yahweh, and ye are not your own?   20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify Yahweh in your body, and in your spirit, which are Yahweh’s.

 

We also know that gluttony is a sin.  American Heritage dictionary defines gluttony as excess in eating and drinking.  Therefore saints need to make sure they are not overeating food and drinking to excess. Obesity and alcoholism will cause health problems and will cause a saint to miss time with their creator, other believers, family and ultimately not follow the righteous path of Messiah.  Even exercising to excess may be part of gluttony.  Did you now that the Apostle Paul tells us in his letter to Timothy the following about exercise?        

 

1 Timothy 4:8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but righteousness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.   9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.

 

And the Scriptures are full of warnings to saints about gluttony.

 

Proverbs 23:20 Be not among winebibbers; among riotous (2151) eaters of flesh:  21 For the drunkard and the glutton (2151) shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.

 

Proverbs 28:7 Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous (2151) men shameth his father.

 

2151 ll;z” zalal {zaw-lal’}  •  a primitive root [compare 02107]; TWOT – 553; v •  AV – flow down 2, vile 2, glutton 2, riotous eaters 1, riotous 1; 8 •  1) to be worthless, be vile, be insignificant, be light 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be worthless, be insignificant 1a2) to make light of, squander, be lavish with 2) to shake, tremble,  quake  

 

Deuteronomy 21:18 If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and that, when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them:   19 Then shall his father and his mother lay hold on him, and bring him out unto the elders of his city, and unto the gate of his place;   20 And they shall say unto the elders of his city, This our son is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton (2151), and a drunkard.   21 And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear.

 

Philippians 3:17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.   18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the stake of Messiah:   19 Whose end is destruction, whose Elohim is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

 

Ephesians 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

 

1 Corinthians 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of Yahweh? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,   10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of Yahweh.

 

Even if a saint is obedient to Yahweh and His Word, including taking care of their physical well-being, Yahweh does not promise perfect health. Yahweh knows what we need and sometimes we need to physically suffer to get closer to Him.  A perfect example is the Apostle Paul who had an affliction.  Yahweh knew that the affliction He gave the Apostle Paul would enable him to not become prideful about His knowledge of Yahweh.

 

2 Corinthians 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.   8 For this thing I besought the Sovereign thrice, that it might depart from me.   9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Messiah may rest upon me.   10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Messiah’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

 

 

Through suffering, Yahweh is trying to mold His children to have the character of Messiah and realize the hope we have in Him.

 

Isaiah 64:8 But now, O Yahweh, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.

 

Zechariah 13:8 And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith Yahweh, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein.   9 And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, Yahweh is my Elohim.

 

1 Peter 5:10 But the Elohim of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Messiah YahwehShua, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

 

Romans 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;   4 And patience, experience (character); and experience (character), hope:   5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of Yahweh is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us.

 

Yahweh is ultimately molding His children for the Kingdom!  And He may have to accomplish this goal by causing physical maladies to get our attention.

 

Acts 14:21 And when they had preached the evangel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,   22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of Yahweh.

 

Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.   19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of Yahweh.

 

2 Thessalonians 1:3 We are bound to thank Elohim always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;   4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the assembly of Yahweh for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:   5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of Yahweh, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of Yahweh, for which ye also suffer:

 

1 Peter 1:6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:   7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of YahwehShua Messiah:

 

Although Yahweh will use trials and tribulations, including physical tribulations to get our attention and mold us into His image, there are promises of health and long life to those who obey Him.  So if you want to improve your health, start by obeying Yahweh and His Word.   Then focus on your physical health.

 

Proverbs 3:1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:   2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.

7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear Yahweh, and depart from evil.   8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

 

Proverbs 4:20 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.   21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.   22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.

 

Deuteronomy 28:1 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of Yahweh thy Elohim, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that Yahweh thy Elohim will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:   2 And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of Yahweh thy Elohim.   3 Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field.   4 Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.

 

Deuteronomy 7:11 Thou shalt therefore keep the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which I command thee this day, to do them.   12 Wherefore it shall come to pass, if ye hearken to these judgments, and keep, and do them, that Yahweh thy Elohim shall keep unto thee the covenant and the mercy which he sware unto thy fathers:   13 And he will love thee, and bless thee, and multiply thee: he will also bless the fruit of thy womb, and the fruit of thy land, thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep, in the land which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee.   14 Thou shalt be blessed above all people: there shall not be male or female barren among you, or among your cattle.   15 And Yahweh will take away from thee all sickness, and will put none of the evil diseases of Egypt, which thou knowest, upon thee; but will lay them upon all them that hate thee.

 

And if you turn your back on Yahweh by not being obedient to His Word, there may be curses, including physical and mental suffering.

 

Deuteronomy 28:15 But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of Yahweh thy Elohim, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee:   

18 Cursed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy land, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.   

21 Yahweh shall make the pestilence cleave unto thee, until he have consumed thee from off the land, whither thou goest to possess it.   22 Yahweh shall smite thee with a consumption, and with a fever, and with an inflammation, and with an extreme burning, and with the sword, and with blasting, and with mildew; and they shall pursue thee until thou perish.   

 

Deuteronomy 7:9 Know therefore that Yahweh thy Elohim, he is Elohim, the faithful Elohim, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;   10 And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face.   

 

If you want good physical and mental health, the question becomes how are you spending your precious time?

 

 

HalleluYah

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                            

 

 

 

 

HalleluYah

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