Topical Encyclopedia Fasting, a spiritual discipline observed throughout the Bible, is often associated with seeking divine intervention, repentance, and spiritual renewal. However, the practice of fasting can also be a response to impending danger, serving as a means to seek God's protection and guidance in times of crisis.Biblical Instances of Fasting in the Face of Danger 1. Jehoshaphat's Fast (2 Chronicles 20:1-4): When Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, faced a formidable alliance of enemies, he proclaimed a fast throughout Judah. The people gathered to seek help from the LORD, demonstrating their dependence on divine intervention. The Berean Standard Bible records, "Jehoshaphat was alarmed and set his face to seek the LORD. And he proclaimed a fast throughout Judah" (2 Chronicles 20:3). 2. Esther's Fast (Esther 4:15-16): Facing the threat of annihilation of the Jewish people, Queen Esther called for a fast before approaching King Xerxes. She instructed Mordecai, "Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maidens will fast as you do" (Esther 4:16). This fast was a plea for divine favor and courage in the face of potential death. 3. Ezra's Fast (Ezra 8:21-23): As Ezra led a group of exiles back to Jerusalem, he proclaimed a fast at the Ahava Canal to seek a safe journey. Ezra records, "I proclaimed a fast there by the Ahava Canal, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask Him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions" (Ezra 8:21). The fast was an expression of trust in God's protection against potential dangers on their journey. 4. Nineveh's Fast (Jonah 3:5-10): When Jonah warned the city of Nineveh of impending destruction, the people believed God and declared a fast. The king of Nineveh decreed, "Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything at all. They must not eat or drink" (Jonah 3:7). This fast was an act of repentance and a plea for mercy, averting the danger of divine judgment. Theological Implications Fasting in the face of danger underscores a recognition of human vulnerability and the need for divine intervention. It is an act of humility, acknowledging that human strength and wisdom are insufficient in the face of overwhelming threats. By fasting, believers express their reliance on God's power and sovereignty, seeking His guidance and protection. Warnings and Considerations While fasting is a powerful spiritual tool, it must be approached with the right heart and motives. Isaiah 58:3-7 warns against fasting as a mere ritual devoid of genuine repentance and compassion. The Berean Standard Bible states, "Is this the fast I have chosen, a day for a man to deny himself? Is it only for bowing one's head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes?" (Isaiah 58:5). True fasting should lead to a transformation of heart and actions, aligning with God's will and purposes. In times of danger, fasting serves as a reminder of the believer's dependence on God. It is a call to seek His face earnestly, trusting in His deliverance and provision. Through fasting, believers can draw near to God, finding strength and courage to face the challenges ahead. Nave's Topical Index Esther 4:16Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast you for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in to the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish. Nave's Topical Index Library Esther Before the King. Of the vision that Appeared to a Certain Man of God Before the ... Otho, Bishop of Bamberg. On Lent, I. Acts XIII The Life of Mr. Donald Cargil. Homilies on the Gospel of John. Of the Discipline of the Church, and Its Principal Use in Censures ... A Total Wreck, all Hands Saved The Life of Malchus, the Captive Monk. Resources What is the meaning of the parables of fasting at the wedding feast, the old cloth, and the wineskins? | GotQuestions.orgWhy don't Christians fast the same as Muslims? | GotQuestions.org How to fast'what does the Bible say? | GotQuestions.org Fasting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Fasting by Paul, at the Time of his Conversion Fasting for the Chastening of the Soul Fasting for the Humbling of the Soul Fasting in Babylon, With Prayer for Divine Deliverance and Guidance Fasting in Prayer for Himself and his Adversaries Fasting in Times of Bereavement of Abner's Death Fasting in Times of Bereavement of David, at the Time of Saul's Death Fasting in Times of Bereavement of the People of Jabesh-Gilead, for Saul and his Sons Fasting of Ahab, when Elijah Prophesied the Destruction of Himself and his House Fasting of Darius, when he Put Daniel in the Lions' Den Fasting of Ezra, on Account of the Idolatrous Marriages of the Jews Fasting of Hypocrites: Boasted of, Before God Fasting of Hypocrites: Described Fasting of Hypocrites: Ostentatious Fasting of Hypocrites: Rejected Fasting of Nehemiah, on Account of the Desolation of Jerusalem and the Temple Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Anna Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Apostles Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Christians Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Cornelius Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Daniel Fasting of Saints Exemplified: David Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Disciples of John Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Esther Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Nehemiah Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Paul Fasting of the Consecration of the Elders Fasting of the Disciples, at the Time of the Consecration of Barnabas and Saul Fasting of the Jews, when Jeremiah Prophesied Against Judea and Jerusalem Fasting of the Wicked: Elders of Jezreel Fasting of the Wicked: Pharisees Fasting: Accompanied by Confession of Sin Fasting: Accompanied by Humiliation Fasting: Accompanied by Mourning Fasting: Accompanied by Prayer Fasting: At the Time of his Vision Fasting: During Forty Days: Jesus Fasting: During Forty Days: Moses Fasting: During the Sickness of the Child Born to Him by Bath-Sheba Fasting: Extraordinary Exemplified: Elijah Fasting: Extraordinary Exemplified: Moses Fasting: Extraordinary Exemplified: Our Lord Fasting: Fasting in the Conflict Between the Other Tribes With the Tribe of Benjamin Fasting: Habitual by Cornelius Fasting: Habitual by John's Disciples Fasting: Habitual by Pharisees Fasting: National Exemplified: Israel Fasting: National Exemplified: Men of Jabesh-Gilead Fasting: National Exemplified: Ninevites Fasting: Ninevites, when Jonah Preached to Them Fasting: Not to be Made a Subject of Display Fasting: Observed on Occasions of Afflictions of Others Fasting: Observed on Occasions of Afflictions of the Church Fasting: Observed on Occasions of Approaching Danger Fasting: Observed on Occasions of Judgments of God Fasting: Observed on Occasions of Ordination of Ministers Fasting: Observed on Occasions of Private Afflictions Fasting: Observed on Occasions of Public Calamities Fasting: On Account of the Captivity of the People, With Prayer for Their Deliverance Fasting: Ordination of Ministers Fasting: Prolonged for Forty Days, by Moses Fasting: Prolonged for Three Weeks, by Daniel Fasting: Promises Connected With Fasting: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Fasting: Upon the Death of Saul Fasting: when They Went to Mizpeh for the Ark of the Covenant Fasting: While Interceding in Prayer for his Friends Related Terms |
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