Topical Encyclopedia Fasting, as a spiritual discipline, is prominently featured in the life of the prophet Elijah, whose experiences are recorded in the Old Testament. Elijah's prolonged fast is a significant event that underscores his deep reliance on God during a time of intense spiritual and physical challenge.Biblical Account The account of Elijah's prolonged fast is found in 1 Kings 19. After a dramatic confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, where God answered Elijah's prayer with fire from heaven, Elijah faced the wrath of Queen Jezebel. Fearing for his life, Elijah fled into the wilderness. It is here that his journey of fasting begins. In 1 Kings 19:4-8 , we read: "But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He sat down under a broom tree and prayed that he might die. 'I have had enough, LORD,' he said. 'Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.' Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said, 'Get up and eat.' And he looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again. The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him, saying, 'Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.' So he got up and ate and drank. And in the strength of that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mountain of God." Significance of the Fast Elijah's fast lasted for forty days and forty nights, a period that mirrors other significant biblical fasts, such as those of Moses and Jesus. This time of fasting was not initiated by Elijah himself but was a response to divine provision and direction. The angel of the LORD provided sustenance that enabled Elijah to endure the journey to Mount Horeb, also known as Mount Sinai, the mountain of God. The fast signifies a period of spiritual preparation and renewal. Elijah, in his moment of despair and exhaustion, was sustained by God's miraculous provision. This fast was not merely an abstention from food but a profound encounter with God's sustaining power and presence. It highlights the theme of divine strength in human weakness, as Elijah was empowered to continue his prophetic mission despite his initial desire to give up. Theological Implications Elijah's prolonged fast serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of reliance on God during times of trial. It illustrates the concept of fasting as a means of spiritual fortification, where physical needs are secondary to spiritual nourishment. The fast also emphasizes the role of divine intervention in the life of a believer, showcasing how God meets the needs of His servants in extraordinary ways. Furthermore, Elijah's journey to Mount Horeb, sustained by the fast, culminates in a profound encounter with God. It is at Horeb that Elijah hears the "still small voice" of God, receiving further instruction and encouragement for his prophetic ministry (1 Kings 19:11-13). This encounter underscores the transformative power of fasting as a conduit for divine revelation and guidance. Conclusion Elijah's prolonged fast is a testament to the sustaining power of God in the life of a believer. It serves as an enduring example of how fasting can lead to spiritual renewal and divine encounter, equipping God's servants for the challenges of their calling. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 19:8And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights to Horeb the mount of God. Nave's Topical Index Library Letter xxxvi. (AD 396. ) Festal Letters. The Story of the Baptist, from his Last Testimony to Jesus to his ... Epistle Lxiii. Limenius, Bishop of Vercell??, Having Died, the See ... Letter cxlvii. To Sabinianus. Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud Letter xxii. To Eustochium. My California Trip Treatise on the Priesthood. Book iii. Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... 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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