Tag: Biblical history

According to the biblical book of Daniel, chapter 1, the young prophet and his three companions initially consumed a diet of pulse and water for a period of ten days. This intentional dietary choice was part of a divinely inspired test that would determine their fate in the Babylonian court.

Evidence from archaeological digs reveals that the ancient Israelites cultivated several varieties of wheat, with emmer and durum being the most prominent. These ancient grains were central to daily life and religious practices, providing the staple for bread and other foodstuffs throughout the biblical period.

According to the early Church historian Hegesippus, James the Just 'drank no wine nor strong drink, nor did he eat flesh'. This primary source evidence directly addresses the question of whether James the Just ate meat and paints a clear picture of his dietary practices, a detail often overlooked in modern discourse.

According to the Book of Daniel, the prophet and his companions opted for a diet of 'pulse' and water instead of the king's rich food. While often translated simply as 'vegetables,' the original Hebrew term, 'zero'im,' suggests a broader meaning, encompassing seeds, grains, and legumes. This simple, plant-based diet was a spiritual and physical statement in the Babylonian court.