Topical Bible: Fasting: At the Time of his Vision

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Fasting, a spiritual discipline involving abstention from food and sometimes drink, is a practice deeply rooted in biblical tradition. It is often associated with prayer, repentance, and seeking divine guidance. One significant instance of fasting in the context of receiving a vision is found in the life of the prophet Daniel.

Daniel's Vision and Fasting

In the Book of Daniel, fasting is notably linked to the reception of divine visions. Daniel 10:2-3 states, "In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three full weeks. I ate no rich food, no meat or wine entered my mouth, and I did not anoint myself at all, until the three weeks were completed." This period of fasting and mourning precedes a profound vision that Daniel receives, which is detailed in the subsequent verses.

Daniel's fast is characterized by a partial abstention from certain foods, indicating a focused and intentional period of seeking God. The context suggests that Daniel's fasting was an expression of deep spiritual concern and a desire for understanding regarding the future of his people. The vision he receives is a response to his earnest seeking and is filled with revelations about future events, including the coming of the Messiah and the end times.

Purpose and Significance

Fasting, as demonstrated by Daniel, serves multiple purposes. It is an act of humility and submission before God, acknowledging human dependence on divine wisdom and intervention. In Daniel's case, fasting is closely tied to mourning and repentance, reflecting a heart aligned with God's purposes and a longing for His will to be revealed.

The practice of fasting at the time of receiving a vision underscores the seriousness with which Daniel approached his relationship with God. It highlights the importance of preparing oneself spiritually to receive and comprehend divine messages. Fasting, therefore, is not merely a physical act but a spiritual discipline that aligns the believer's heart and mind with God's will.

Biblical Context and Broader Implications

Throughout Scripture, fasting is often associated with pivotal moments of revelation and decision-making. In the New Testament, Jesus Himself fasted for forty days and nights in the wilderness before beginning His public ministry (Matthew 4:1-2). This period of fasting was a time of preparation and spiritual fortification against temptation.

The practice of fasting, as seen in Daniel's experience, serves as a model for believers seeking divine guidance and insight. It is a means of drawing closer to God, setting aside earthly distractions, and focusing on spiritual realities. Fasting, when coupled with prayer and a sincere heart, opens the way for deeper communion with God and a clearer understanding of His plans and purposes.

In summary, fasting at the time of receiving a vision, as exemplified by Daniel, is a profound expression of faith and devotion. It is a spiritual discipline that prepares the believer to receive and respond to God's revelations, emphasizing the importance of humility, repentance, and a wholehearted pursuit of divine truth.

Nave's Topical Index

Daniel 10:1-3
In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed to 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.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Of the vision that Appeared to a Certain Man of God Before the ...
... and Sundays, as has been said; and continued fasting all the ... the Lord, how terrible
He is in His doing toward ... men, lest haply we should at some time or other ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xxv of the vision.htm

Separated unto the Holy Ghost
... He was ignorant of what his work might be. ... You know that word fasting occurs a second
time (in the third verse): "They fasted and prayed." When you pray, you ...
/.../murray/absolute surrender/separated unto the holy ghost.htm

How a Pestilence Ceased through the Intercession of King Oswald. ...
... moreover bore witness to the truth of his words, that ... to the same monastery, was
taken away at that time. ... and to submit to the wholesome remedy of fasting. ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xiv how a pestilence.htm

Private Prayer, and Public Worship.
... part of the same chapter tells us of His fasting and temptation ... and yet, being all
this, at the same time, and as a means for working out His mission more ...
/.../percival/sermons at rugby/vii private prayer and public.htm

The Book of Life
... Granting all allowances for mental states induced by eating an opiate, or by whirling
like the dervish, or by fasting like the ... The time of his departure, or ...
/.../mcconnell/understanding the scriptures/chapter ii the book of.htm

Daniel, the Praying Captive
... and he discovered that it was about time for the seventy years of captivity of his
people to ... seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting and sackcloth ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/x daniel the praying captive.htm

The Duty of Self-Denial.
... First of his living upon pulse and water, afterwards of his fasting in sackcloth
and ashes, at another time of his mourning three full weeks ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon vii the duty of.htm

A Double Wrestling Match.
... Not utter fasting, but scant eating of plain food ... These old-time intercessors were
strong in expectancy ... By and by when they can talk, his visitor and he, this is ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on prayer/a double wrestling match.htm

Acts IX
... private house, like Ananias, to see man fasting and weeping ... obeyed; and then, for
the first time since he ... His composure and peace of mind, after being immersed ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts ix.htm

The Fifth vision "In Heaven"
... forty-four thousand, having his name and His Father's name ... of Anti-Christ in the
coming time of trouble ... deeper than Popish celibacy of the clergy, and Fasting. ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the fifth vision in heaven.htm