What Does the Bible Say About Fasting?
Fasting is a spiritual practice that has been used for thousands of years in many religions, including Christianity. In the Bible, fasting is mentioned numerous times and is seen as a way to connect with God, seek His guidance and repentance, and receive His blessings. This article will explore the various instances of fasting in the Bible, its significance, and how it applies to modern-day Christians.
Fasting in the Old Testament
In the Old Testament, fasting was often associated with mourning, repentance, and seeking God's favor. One of the earliest examples of fasting in the Bible is found in the book of Genesis. When Jacob's son Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, Jacob mourned for him and fasted for several days (Genesis 37:34-35).
Another instance of fasting is found in the book of Exodus when Moses fasted for forty days and forty nights while he was on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments from God (Exodus 34:28). This shows that fasting was not only used for mourning but also as a way to seek God's guidance and direction.
The book of Judges also mentions fasting as a way to seek God's help in times of trouble. In Judges 20:26, the Israelites fasted and sought God's guidance before going to battle against the tribe of Benjamin.
In the book of 1 Samuel, we see fasting being used as a way to seek God's favor and forgiveness. When the Israelites were defeated in battle by the Philistines and the Ark of the Covenant was taken, they fasted and prayed for God's help (1 Samuel 7:6). Later on when King Saul disobeyed God's command and spared the life of Amalekite king and animals, Samuel fasted and prayed for God's forgiveness (1 Samuel 15:11-35).
In the book of Esther, we see fasting being used as a way to seek God's intervention and deliverance. When Esther found out about Haman's plot to kill all the Jews, she asked the Jews to fast and pray for three days before she went to the king to plead for their lives (Esther 4:16).
Fasting in the New Testament
In the New Testament, fasting takes on a new meaning and is associated with spiritual growth and discipleship. Jesus fasted for forty days and forty nights in the wilderness before He began His public ministry (Matthew 4:1-2). This shows that fasting can be used as a way to prepare oneself for ministry and spiritual growth.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught His disciples about fasting, saying, "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (Matthew 6:16-18).
Jesus also used fasting as an example of the difference between the old and new covenants. When the Pharisees asked Him why His disciples did not fast like John the Baptist's disciples, Jesus replied, "How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast" (Matthew 9:15). Jesus was saying that while He was with His disciples, they did not need to fast because they were in a time of celebration. But when He would be taken away from them,
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