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This was held with the pieces of the victims laid aside from sacrifices of a joyful nature (epuloe sacroe, dapes), not only in all ancient heathen nations (Saubert, De Sacrific. c. 26; Feith, Antiq. Hom. 1, 10, 7; Stuck, Antiq. Conviv. 1, 33; Lakemacher, Antiq. Groecor. Sacre, p. 384 sq.; Dougtai Annal. 1, 235; on the Romans, see, among others, Josephus, War, 7, 1, 3; comp. also Plato, Leg. 5, p. 738; Herod. 6:67), but also among the Israelites (Deu_12:6 sq.; 1Sa_9:19; 1Sa_16:3; 1Sa_16:5; 2Sa_6:19). Only the thank offerings of individuals, however, among that people gave opportunity for these festivals, since of these alone certain rich portions were consumed on the altar (Lev_3:3 sq., Lev_3:9 sq.; Lev_14:15); the breast and the right shoulder belonged to the officiating priests (Lev_7:31 sq.), and all the rest of the flesh was restored to the offerer (Deu_27:7). This was to be eaten on the same or the following day (Lev_7:16), and in the company of all members of the household and of bidden guests (the Levites especially were often invited) (Deu_12:12). Other sacred meals were held at the times of festivals (Deu_16:11 sq.). Upon the tithe meal, SEE TITHE.
Heathen sacrificial meals, which were held sometimes in the temples (1Co_8:10), sometimes in private houses, are mentioned (Num_25:2). The participation of an Israelite in these was accounted idolatry (Num_25:3 sq.; Psa_106:28; Tob_1:12; 1Co_10:20 sq.; Rev_2:14); hence, too, the apostles forbade Christians to join them (Act_15:29; Act_21:25), or at least warned against them on account of those who were weak in faith (1Co_8:1 sq.; 1Co_10:28 sq.). Such “meat offered to idols,” however, was set forth on the table not only at the sacrificial meals (1Co_8:10; 1Co_10:27), but the poor or the avaricious used to preserve it for future use (Theophr. Char. 10) or sell it to traders (ibid. 23); hence it might easily happen that one who bought at the meat market received it (1Co_10:25). SEE FESTIVAL.