Food: Originally the Creator granted the use of the vegetable world for food to man (Genesis 1:29), with the exception mentioned (Genesis 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 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.)