Background Information
Fasting has been practiced by different religious and cultures throughout history and is still carried out today. According to the Bible, fasting is a type of self-denial that helps to draw people closer to God. The Bible explains why people should fast and how they should go about it. It is seen as a voluntary display of obedience and humility to God, and a means for believers to draw closer to Him.
In the Old Testament of the Bible, fasting is mentioned in many of the books. In the book of Isaiah 58:3-4, it states, “Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours”. This verse states that fasting may not necessarily result in God rewarding you with material wealth or earthly pleasures, but the action of fasting still serves a purpose or holds a meaning.
The New Testament also mentions fasting in Matthew Chapter 6, which states “When ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast”. Here, Jesus is encouraging people to fast for the right reasons.
Relevant Data
Nowadays, there are many forms of fasting and all have different levels of strength and lengths of time associated with them. In the Bible, fasting often meant going without food and water, unless medically advised against. Fasting from different activities such as social media, movies and shopping is also common. The purpose of fasting in the Bible varies according to what it is paired with and the situation for which it is recommended. Generally speaking, the following reasons are commonly given for fasting in the Bible: to mourn and/or grieve; to show repentance; to prepare for a role or event; to gain God’s blessing; and to seek spiritual guidance or answers from God.
A study done by the Oxford University Press in 2018 found that the rate of fasting has changed in the past decade. Of 1000 Christians surveyed, 49% said they never fasted over the course of the past year, and another 18% suggested they only fast on special occasions. Of those surveyed, 48% responded that they fasted to seek guidance, while 44% said they fasted to show respect to God.
Perspectives From Experts
The opinions on the purpose of fasting in the Bible from religious experts may vary depending on their interpretation of the Bible. The book of Daniel 10:1-2 explains this understanding of fasting well; “In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision”.
Rabbi Stanway of the Jewish community believes that the reason for fasting in the Bible is to display your faith in God, while fasting at the same time as praying or performing other spiritual ceremonies. This is to demonstrate how powerful and humble you are in going without food or drink as an act of obedience and faith.
Pastor Mark, a Christian minister and author, believes the purpose of fasting in the Bible is twofold. The first is to draw closer to God and to realize the need He has in our lives. The second is to gain a better understanding of the will of God and be humbled in obedience to Him.
Insights and Analysis
From my personal insights and analysis, fasting as a religious practice in the Bible is to demonstrate a voluntary act of self-denial as a way to draw closer to God and to humble yourself in obedience to Him. Fasting can take many forms, from going without food and drink to withdrawing from different activities such as social media. The purpose and amount of fasting is highly dependent on the situation and the individual’s beliefs and convictions on the matter. Whilst studies have suggested there has been a decline in the rate of people fasting over the past decade, for those who still do it, the purpose and meaning of fasting remains the same.
Effects and Practices
The effects of fasting on both the physical and mental well-being vary from individual to individual, depending on how they engage in the practice. Generally, fasting can have a positive effect on reducing body fat percentage, improving sleep and reducing mental strain. It also increases alertness and energy levels whilst reducing sugar cravings and improving immune system function.
Practically speaking, fasting is a matter of individual prerogative and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Depending on the individual and the situation for which it is recommended, the amount of fasting could range from going without food and drink for an entire day to withdrawing from a particular activity for an hour.
Biblical Narratives
The Bible speaks plenty of prophetic examples of fasting. For instance, in the book of Esther 4:3, when Mordecai, Esther’s uncle, wanted help from Esther to save the Jews, he asked her, “and that she should fast all the days of her life.” Another famous example is when Jesus fasted in the desert for 40 days and 40 nights. This was a very difficult test and an act of ultimate determination to God. Similarly, Daniel fasted for three weeks in the book of Daniel 10:2-3; this was to prepare for a special role and to show respect and humility to God.
The purpose of fasting in the Bible is often stated in many of the narratives, such as in Joel 2:15, which states “ blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly”. This verse tells us that fasting was carried out as part of an assembly that was a sign of repentance. Similar to this, in Jonah 3:5, it says “So the people of Nineveh believed God on the words of Jonah. So they proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them”. This verse states that fasting was a way for the people of Nineveh to humble themselves and repent.
Religious Representations
The purpose of fasting in the Bible often gives religious representations, such as in the Book of Zechariah 7:5, which states “speak unto all the people of the land, and to the priests, saying, when ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh month, even those seventy years, did ye at all fast unto Me?”. This verse shows us that fasting was done to gain God’s mercy and His favour.
Another example is in Isaiah 58:4-5, which states “Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the Lord thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee”. This verse highlights the fact that fasting was a way to learn about and be closer to God, and that it had a significant effect on the journey towards enlightenment.
Similarly, in Matthew 6:16-18, it states “Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly”. Again, this shows us that fasting was done to be closer to God and to be rewarded for their obedience.
Spiritual Reasoning
The spiritual reasoning behind fasting in the Bible shows us that it was voluntarily done to humble ourselves to God. In Luke 18:9-14, it says “But he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. This verse tells us how fasting was also done to humble ourselves before God, as demonstrated by the publican.
Fasting in the Bible is also mentioned in the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 7:5, “Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency”. Here, Paul is encouraging people to fast in order to strengthen their beliefs, and to give them the strength they need to fight against temptation and evil.
Meaning and Significance
The significance of fasting in the Bible is to help believers to become closer to God through self-denial and humility. This can be seen in Isaiah 58:6-7, which states “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him”. This passage points towards the idea of fasting being done to help those in need, to show mercy and kindness, and to do good in the eyes of God.
In addition, in Isaiah 58:8, it says “Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rearward”. This is a promise from God to those who fast with a humble heart, and a reminder of the rewards of living a life that is obedient to Him.
Overall, the purpose of fasting in the Bible is to voluntarily deny ourselves as a way to draw closer to God. It is a means of self-reflection and repentance, and an act of obedience towards God’s will and commands.
