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Today one hears much about focus, concentration, and working the program in areas such as sports, the workplace, and psychology. Fasting is a means toward spiritual focus by concentrating on God rather than on food and other personal needs. The accompanying table shows some of the people in the Bible who fasted, and the outcomes of their discipline.
Other purposes for fasting among the Israelites included:
- Commemorating special occasions of Gods deliverance (Zec. 8:19)
- Repenting of and grieving for disobedience and sin against the Lord (Jud. 20:26,
I Sam. 7:6)
- Expressing humility before God (Lev. 16:29, Psalm 69:10)
- Seeking guidance from the Lord by clearing out the senses and focusing on him
(Ex. 34:28, II Chr. 20:3-4)
| Moses |
Fasted 40 days and nights as he met with God on Mount Sinai (Ex. 34:27-28). He received a second set of tablets containing the Law after the incident with the golden calf. |
| The Israelites |
Fasted to show their repentance after retrieving the sacred chest from the Philistines (I Sam. 7:5-6). Victory over the Philistines soon followed (7:10,11). |
| David |
Fasted to show his repentance after learning that he would lose the child conceived by adultery with Bathsheba (II Sam. 12:15-16). The child died anyway according to the judgment of the Lord. |
| Ahab |
Fasted to show his repentance after Elijah warned him of judgment because of the murder of Naboth (I Kings 21:27). The Lord decided to delay punishment until Ahabs son assumed the throne (21:29). |
| Ezra |
Fasted before journeying from Babylon to Jerusalem in order to ask Gods blessing, guidance, and safety (Ezra 8:21-23). The trip was without incident (8:31-32). |
| Nehemiah |
Fasted and repented on behalf of the Israelites after learning of dire conditions at Jerusalem (see Neh. 1:4-11). God gave him favor with the king and a chance to return and rebuild Jerusalems walls. |
| Daniel |
Fasted and repented on behalf of the Jews in order to entreat God to restore them from exile in Babylon (Dan 9:3-4). God allowed his people to return to their land. |
| The city of Ninevah |
Fasted to show faith in God and repentance after hearing Honas message of impending judgment (Jon. 3:4-9). The Lord forgave the Ninevites sin and spared them from calamity. |
| Zechariah |
Reminded Israel of four commemorative fasts to be held each year after their return from exile. The events were intended to call them to love, truth, and peace (Zec. 8:19). |
| Jesus |
Fasted for 40 in the desert after being baptized by John at the start of his ministry (Matt. 4:2). Satan came to tempt him into sin, but he withstood the test. |
| Cornelius |
Was fasting and praying when God directed him to send for Peter (Act. 10:30-32). Peter proclaimed the gospel to Cornelius and his family, and they received it with gladness (10:34-48). |
| Paul and Barnabas |
Were fasting and praying when God called them for a journey to take the gospel to Asia Minor (Act. 13:1-5). Several new churches were planted as many came to faith. |
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:: The Value of Fasting
:: Give God Your Best
:: Let's Celebrate
:: Sacred Space
:: Why You Should Attend Church
:: Regular Worship
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