801. Meals were eaten on a mat spread on the ground (like a picnic blanket), or at a low table when the diners were commoners. The Hebrew word pronounced "Shool-khawn," usually translated "table," has as its root meaning "a skin or leather mat spread on the ground." While eating, people would sit on the floor with their legs folded under them or in the position of kneeling.
802. A blessing was said by each person after the master of the house said it, such as "In the name of God," or "God be praised." Only after all had said the blessing did they begin to eat by dipping or scooping with their bread in a common serving bowl. The only dishes used were those in which the food was placed on the table; there were no individual dishes for those dining. Gideon put the meat in a basket, and the broth in a pot (Judg. 6:19). Meat was generally eaten with the fingers.
803. A prayer of thanks was said at the end of the meal. Deuteronomy 8:10 states: "When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land He has given you." It was customary for one of the guests to give the thanks in a loud voice, and for the rest to say, "Amen."
804. The Hebrew families looked to the promise God originally gave to them about health for their bodies throughout their wilderness experiences and after they were in the Promised Land. "If you listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His eyes, if you pay attention to His commands and keep all His decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you" (Exod. 15:26). Health was promised if they were obedient to the Law of God.
