MH page 312

Only such animals could be used for food as were in good condition. No creature that was torn, that had died of itself, or from which the blood had not been carefully drained, could be used as food.

Ancient dietary regulations permitted only healthy animals for food, prohibiting those torn, naturally dead, or improperly bled. Describes historical health and slaughter practices among the Israelites.

By departing from the plan divinely appointed for their diet, the Israelites suffered great loss. They desired a flesh diet, and they reaped its results. They did not reach God's ideal of character or fulfill His purpose. The Lord “gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.” Psalm 106:15 . They valued the earthly above the spiritual, and the sacred pre-eminence which was His purpose for them they did not attain.

Departing from divine dietary instruction leads to spiritual loss and failure to attain God's ideal. This is a spiritual and theological reflection on obedience and character development.