Topical Encyclopedia FastsFasting in the Bible is a spiritual discipline that involves abstaining from food, and sometimes drink, for a period of time to seek God's face, express repentance, or prepare for a significant spiritual event. The practice is deeply rooted in the Old and New Testaments and is often associated with prayer, humility, and seeking divine intervention. Old Testament Fasts In the Old Testament, fasting is frequently observed during times of distress, repentance, or when seeking God's guidance. One of the earliest mentions of fasting is found in the account of Moses, who fasted for forty days and forty nights on Mount Sinai as he received the Law from God (Exodus 34:28). The Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, is the only fast explicitly commanded in the Mosaic Law, where the Israelites were to "afflict their souls" (Leviticus 16:29-31). Other notable fasts include those of King David, who fasted and prayed for the life of his child (2 Samuel 12:16), and the people of Nineveh, who fasted in response to Jonah's warning of impending judgment (Jonah 3:5-10). Esther called for a fast among the Jews before she approached King Xerxes to plead for her people (Esther 4:16). New Testament Fasts In the New Testament, fasting continues to be a significant practice. Jesus Himself fasted for forty days and nights in the wilderness before beginning His public ministry (Matthew 4:2). He taught about fasting in the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing sincerity and humility: "When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their reward" (Matthew 6:16). The early church also practiced fasting. The church at Antioch fasted and prayed before sending out Paul and Barnabas on their missionary journey (Acts 13:2-3). Paul mentions fasting in his epistles, indicating its role in his spiritual life and ministry (2 Corinthians 6:5; 11:27). Feasts Feasts in the Bible are times of celebration, remembrance, and worship, often commemorating significant events in Israel's history and God's acts of deliverance. These feasts were instituted by God and served as a means for the Israelites to remember their identity as His chosen people and to express gratitude for His provision and protection. Old Testament Feasts The Old Testament outlines several major feasts, primarily found in Leviticus 23. These include: 1. Passover (Pesach): Commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt. It involves the sacrifice of a lamb and the eating of unleavened bread (Exodus 12:1-14). 2. Feast of Unleavened Bread: Immediately follows Passover and lasts seven days, during which no leavened bread is eaten, symbolizing the haste of the Israelites' departure from Egypt (Exodus 12:15-20). 3. Feast of Firstfruits: Celebrated the first harvest of the season, acknowledging God's provision (Leviticus 23:9-14). 4. Feast of Weeks (Shavuot or Pentecost): Occurs fifty days after Firstfruits, celebrating the wheat harvest and the giving of the Law at Sinai (Leviticus 23:15-21). 5. Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah): Marks the beginning of the civil year with a day of rest and trumpet blasts (Leviticus 23:23-25). 6. Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur): A solemn day of fasting and repentance, seeking atonement for the sins of the nation (Leviticus 23:26-32). 7. Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot): Celebrates the Israelites' wilderness wanderings and God's provision, involving living in temporary shelters (Leviticus 23:33-43). New Testament Feasts In the New Testament, Jesus and His disciples observed these feasts, and they often served as the backdrop for significant events in His ministry. For instance, Jesus' crucifixion coincided with Passover, symbolizing Him as the ultimate Passover Lamb (John 19:14). The Holy Spirit's outpouring at Pentecost occurred during the Feast of Weeks (Acts 2:1-4). The early church continued to recognize these feasts, though with a new understanding in light of Christ's fulfillment of the Law. The Apostle Paul addressed the observance of feasts, emphasizing the freedom believers have in Christ: "Therefore let no one judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a feast, a New Moon, or a Sabbath" (Colossians 2:16). Fasts and feasts in the Bible serve as vital expressions of faith, devotion, and community, reflecting the rhythm of worship and remembrance that God established for His people. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Fasts and FeastsFASTS AND FEASTS See FEASTS AND FASTS. Library Sad Fasts Changed to Glad Feasts Appendix xiv. The Law in Messianic Times. Thou Shalt not Commit Adultery. Certificate Laws and Western Land Bills The Fig-Tree. B. The Second Period. Chs. 5:1 to 6:11 "To what Purpose is the Multitude of Your Sacrifices unto Me? ... Political Parties in Connecticut at the Beginning of the ... Letter v. --For 333. Easter-Day , Coss. Dalmatius and Zenophilus ... The Montanists; Priscilla and Maximilla their Prophetesses; Some ... Resources Who was Saint Francis of Assisi? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Ramadan? | GotQuestions.org What are the different types of fasting? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |