A different perspective
Earlier this week I posted a blog on the dangers of eating pork. I appreciated everyone’s comments and the different perspectives. One comment on Genesis 1:29 prompted me to write another post.
https://steemit.com/homesteading/@hansjurgen/never-on-the-homestead
Genesis 1:29 (NKJV) - And God said, “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food.
From this verse it is a commonly believed that humans did not eat meat before the flood because there is no mention of eating meat. However, I do not think this is conclusive and I believe that people did eat meat before the flood. Does it not mean they did not enjoy a good piece of lamb?
It was 1000 years between Adam and Noah so it seems to me unlikely that humans did not eat meet. Consider the book of Jasher: I know it is not in the Canon of Scripture, but it does illustrate that at some point in Israelite history it was believed that meat was consumed before the flood.
Jasher 1:17-25…
The story goes like this, Cain and Abel argued because Abel’s sheep got into Cain’s fields. Cain got angry and Abel was unsympathetic and told Cain, if you don’t like it then give me the clothes you have made from their wool and pay me for the meat which you have eaten. He continued and told Cain, when you have done this I will take my flock from your field. Cain responded and said if I killed you who would punish me. At this point things got out of hand and Cain picked up a plow and killed Abel. I would like to know after he killed Abel who kept the sheep out of his field.
Fast forward a 1000 years when God told Noah after the flood:
Gen 9:3 – Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you all things, even as the green herbs.
This verse has also been used to argue that humans did not eat meat before the flood. However, I think it is taken out of context and that God was giving a reminder. He is saying it is okay to eat meat, fruits, and vegetables just as it had always been. It had to be a question in Noah’s mind because he was looking at how few animals had survived the flood.
The following verses also are a reminder to not drink blood, do not murder, and be fruitful and multiply (which is to say go forth and live your life) just like it has always been. Nothing has changed except that it will now rain on the earth.
My goal is not that you agree with me, but just to give a perspective. Your comments are always welcome.
Have a great day! Every comment is up-voted and thanks for your up-vote, Tim and Joann