Leviticus 7:22-27

Lev 7:22 Yahveh spoke to Moses, and this is what he said,
Lev 7:23 “Speak to the people of Israel, and this is what you should say, you will eat no fat, of ox or sheep or goat.
Lev 7:24 The fat of an animal that dies of itself and the fat of one that is torn by beasts may be put to any other use, but on no account will you eat it.
Lev 7:25 Because every soul who eats of the fat of an animal of which a fire offering may be made to Yahveh will be eliminated from his people.
Lev 7:26 Moreover, you will eat no blood whatever, whether of fowl or of animal, wherever you stay.
Lev 7:27 Whatever soul eats any blood, that soul will be eliminated from his people.”

dependence diet

Both the fat of the animal and its blood were essential to the health and life of it as an organism. The fat was its protection, and the blood was its source of inner cleansing, renewal and preservation. The LORD did not allow consumption of these essential elements because they symbolised dependence upon him for protection and preservation.

When Daniel and his friends were taken as captives into Babylon, they were given the choice foods of the king to protect them from illness, and to preserve their health. But they realised that if they ate of these foods, they would be admitting that they depended on Nebuchadnezzar, not the LORD. They had the courage to reject these choice foods and rely on a dependence diet. God made them the healthiest of all the captives because they displayed loyalty to him.

Under the new covenant, there are dietary restrictions as well. Whatever we do, it must be unto the Lord, not for men (Col. 3:23). Like the old covenant restrictions, it is the purpose that is the reason for restricting the product.

LORD, give us eating habits which display our dependence on you, and gratitude for your protection and preservation.