The Book of Jubilees, a text not included in the Hebrew Bible but considered sacred by some, gives us a peek into that world. Specifically, we're looking at chapter 21.
Here, we find instructions regarding the consumption of sacrificial meat. It's pretty direct: “And eat its meat on that day and on the second day, and let not the sun on the second day go down upon it till it is eaten." No leftovers! It had to be consumed within that time frame.
Why the rush? The text continues, "and let nothing be left over for the third day; for it is not acceptable [for it is not approved] and let it no longer be eaten, and all who eat thereof will bring sin upon themselves." So, leaving it until the third day wasn't just unappetizing, it was a transgression. A sin.
The writer of Jubilees grounds this rule in ancient authority: "for thus I have found it written in the books of my forefathers, and in the words of Enoch, and in the words of Noah." These are figures of immense stature, legendary figures who received divine wisdom. To claim their backing is to emphasize the profound importance of this directive. It’s not just some random idea; it’s a tradition stretching back to the very dawn of time.
And there's one more key ingredient mentioned: "And on all thy oblations thou shalt strew salt, and let not the salt of the covenant be lacking in all thy oblations before the Lord." Salt. Simple, essential salt. It wasn't just a seasoning; it was "the salt of the covenant." It symbolized the enduring bond between humanity and God, a constant reminder of the promises made. This idea of a "covenant of salt" (b’rit melach) is mentioned elsewhere in the Hebrew Bible as well, for example in Numbers 18:19.
What can we take away from this ancient snippet? It's more than just a culinary guideline. It tells us about a worldview that valued immediacy, honoring commitments, and connecting to the divine through ritual. It's a reminder that even the simplest acts, like sharing a meal, can be infused with profound meaning and connection to something far greater than ourselves. Food, time, covenant: all intertwined in the ancient mind.