Did YHVH Desire the Children of Israel to Eat Meat?
A Biblical Healing Diet Perspective
YHVH reveals Himself as the healer of His people. He connects health with obedience.
Exodus 15:26 says:
“If you will diligently listen to the voice of YHVH your Elohim… I will put none of the diseases on you… for I am YHVH, your healer.”
The Hebrew word for “diseases” is machaleh—meaning afflictions or chronic illness. It signifies more than temporary plagues.
This word clearly links poor health with disobedience, while also affirming the spiritual and physical blessings that come from obeying YHVH’s commandments.
Therefore, it becomes evident that YHVH’s healing flows from obedience—especially in the area of dietary choices. As a result, this principle forms the foundation of the Biblical Healing Diet.
Understanding Egypt’s Afflictions
YHVH sent ten plagues to Egypt; however, only one—boils—directly impacted physical health.
Although boils were painful, they were temporary. In contrast, machaleh refers to long-term disease. This distinction, therefore, is crucial for understanding the deeper message.
YHVH promised protection not just from the plagues of Egypt but specifically from Egyptian diseases. Consequently, He offered more than temporary safety—He promised lasting wellness.
With this understanding in place, the stage is now set to explore YHVH’s ideal diet.
Eden’s Diet: YHVH’s Original Design
Genesis 1:29 gives the first dietary instruction:
“I have given you every seed-bearing plant… and every tree with seed-bearing fruit… for food.”
YHVH gave plants, not meat, in Eden. Genesis 2:9,16 confirms this. His original design was plant-based.
Eden was perfect. There was no death, pain, or disease. Therefore, a plant-based diet aligns with divine harmony.
What Changed After the Flood?
After the flood, Genesis 9:3 says:
“Every moving thing… shall be food for you.”
However, this was a concession, not an ideal. It followed massive destruction and limited plant availability.
Soon after, human lifespans dropped dramatically. The connection is clear—diet affects health and longevity.
The Wilderness Diet: Manna from Heaven
After leaving Egypt, YHVH fed Israel with manna. This appears to be plant-based food.
Numbers 11:5-6 records the people’s complaints:
“We remember the fish… but now there’s nothing but this manna.”
They missed meat, not out of need—but craving. They rejected YHVH’s perfect provision.
The High Cost of Craving Meat
YHVH responded to their complaints in Numbers 11:31-34:
“While the meat was still between their teeth… YHVH struck down the people.”
This was not a blessing—it was judgment.
Psalm 106:14-15 explains:
“He gave them what they asked, but sent leanness into their soul.”
Craving meat brought disease and suffering—not favor.
Did YHVH Ever Desire Animal Sacrifices?
The prophets answer clearly. Jeremiah 7:21-23 says:
“I did not speak… concerning burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
Isaiah 1:11-14 adds:
“I do not delight in the blood of bulls.”
These verses show YHVH never wanted animal blood. Sacrifices and meat were not His original plan.
Daniel’s Example: Living the Biblical Healing Diet
Daniel chose obedience over indulgence. He refused the king’s meat (Daniel 1:8-16).
Instead, he and his friends ate only plants.
The result? They appeared healthier, stronger, and wiser—in just ten days.
Their obedience led to visible, measurable health. The Biblical Healing Diet worked, even in Babylon.
Science Catches Up with Scripture
Modern research supports what Scripture revealed long ago.
- The China Study (2006): Plant-based diets reduce heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
- Adventist Health Studies: Vegetarians live longer with fewer chronic illnesses.
- World Health Organization: Processed meats are carcinogenic.
- Blue Zones Research: Longest-lived people eat mostly plant-based.
Clearly, YHVH’s original design brings lasting health.
Time to Return: Choose Life
Exodus 15:26 reminds us: Obedience brings healing. Disobedience brings disease.
Genesis 1:29 still stands. YHVH designed us for a plant-based diet.
The Israelites rejected manna and craved meat. YHVH gave them their desire—with devastating consequences.
The prophets, Daniel, and science all agree: YHVH’s way leads to health.
Embrace the Biblical Healing Diet
YHVH’s plan remains clear. He desires life, health, and wholeness for His people.
Obedience includes what we eat.
Choosing a plant-based diet honors His design. It restores health, pleases YHVH, and reflects Eden’s harmony.
Let’s return to the Biblical Healing Diet. Let’s walk in healing, strength, and obedience.
Choose life.
Choosing life through a Whole Food Plant-Based (WFPB) diet reflects a commitment to health and well-being as designed by YHVH. This lifestyle embraces the abundance of natural, unprocessed foods, emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, which offer vital nutrients and energy. By honoring the divine intention behind our food choices, we nourish our bodies while fostering a deeper connection to the Earth and its creation. Adopting a WFPB diet not only promotes physical health but also aligns with a spiritual journey towards fulfilling our purpose and living harmoniously within YHVH’s design.
Choose health.
Choosing health through a Whole Food Plant-Based (WFPB) diet not only benefits the body but also aligns with YHVH’s divine design for our nourishment. By intentionally embracing natural, unprocessed foods rich in nutrients, we actively honor the Creator’s intention for our bodies to thrive.
Furthermore, this lifestyle promotes physical vitality while simultaneously fostering a deeper connection to the earth—one that reflects the harmony originally found in Eden. In addition, opting for a WFPB diet demonstrates a clear commitment to both health and obedience.
Ultimately, this choice enables us to live more fully and faithfully, fulfilling our purpose within YHVH’s greater plan.
Choose YHVH’s way
Choosing YHVH’s way in regards to a whole food plant-based (WFPB) diet means following the diet that YHVH designed for our bodies. By consuming plant-based foods in their natural state, we honor the way YHVH created food to nourish and sustain us. This diet aligns with the principles of stewardship and respect for creation that are central to YHVH’s teachings.
Join the Journey Towards Health and Wholeness
As we reflect on the teachings and insights provided throughout this article, it is evident that embracing a Whole Food Plant-Based (WFPB) diet not only aligns with YHVH’s original design for nourishment but also supports our journey towards healing and vitality. The choice to honor our bodies with the foods intended for us is both an act of obedience and a path towards a more harmonious life. As you begin to consider the transformative power of a plant-based lifestyle, we warmly encourage you to take the next step. First, explore new recipes that nourish both body and spirit. Then, deepen your understanding of how food choices align with YHVH’s design for wellness. Additionally, share this life-giving journey with others, creating a ripple effect of health and hope.
Together, let us choose health, embrace life, and wholeheartedly commit to walking in YHVH’s way for a thriving and fulfilling existence. Starting today, begin by incorporating more plant-based meals into your diet—and soon, you will witness the positive changes unfold!
Next Steps
If you’re interested in delving deeper into how modern science supports the principles of the Biblical Healing Diet, be sure to check out “The China Study” by Dr. Colin Campbell, which reveals significant insights into the health benefits of plant-based eating. Additionally, “The Blue Zones” by Dan Buettner highlights the dietary habits of some of the longest-lived populations in the world, providing compelling evidence for the advantages of a plant-centric lifestyle.
For more health-inspired content, I invite you to explore my other articles and recipes. I wrote each article specifically to provide practical knowledge and delicious options that align with a holistic approach to wellness. Discover how to enhance your health journey with flavorful dishes and insightful information!
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