Topical Bible: Fasting: Upon the Death of Saul

◄ Fasting: Upon the Death of Saul ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The practice of fasting in the context of mourning is a significant theme in the Bible, particularly evident in the response to the death of King Saul. This event is recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in 1 Samuel 31 and 2 Samuel 1. Fasting, in this context, serves as an expression of deep sorrow, respect, and a means of seeking divine guidance during a time of national crisis.

Biblical Account

The death of Saul, the first king of Israel, is a pivotal moment in Israelite history. Saul's demise occurs during a battle against the Philistines on Mount Gilboa. The narrative in 1 Samuel 31:1-6 describes how Saul, after being critically wounded, takes his own life to avoid capture. His sons, including Jonathan, also perish in the battle. The Philistines subsequently desecrate the bodies of Saul and his sons, displaying them on the walls of Beth-shan.

Upon hearing the news of Saul's death, the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead, who had previously been rescued by Saul (1 Samuel 11), undertake a daring mission to retrieve the bodies. They travel overnight, recover the bodies, and bring them back to Jabesh, where they burn them and then bury the bones under a tamarisk tree. In honor of Saul and his sons, the men of Jabesh-gilead fast for seven days. This act of fasting is recorded in 1 Samuel 31:13: "Then they took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree in Jabesh, and they fasted seven days."

Significance of Fasting

Fasting in this context is a profound expression of grief and respect. It reflects the cultural and religious practices of the time, where fasting was often associated with mourning and penitence. The seven-day fast by the men of Jabesh-gilead signifies a complete cycle of mourning, indicating the depth of their sorrow and their respect for Saul, despite his troubled reign.

The act of fasting also serves as a communal expression of loss and solidarity. It unites the people in their grief and provides a structured way to process the tragedy. In the ancient Near Eastern context, fasting was a way to humble oneself before God, seeking His mercy and guidance in times of distress.

David's Response

In 2 Samuel 1, David's reaction to the news of Saul and Jonathan's deaths further underscores the role of fasting in mourning. Although Saul had been his adversary, David mourns deeply for both Saul and Jonathan. He and his men tear their clothes, weep, and fast until evening. 2 Samuel 1:12 states: "They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, for the army of the LORD, and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword."

David's fasting is an act of respect and lamentation, acknowledging the loss of the Lord's anointed and the tragedy that has befallen Israel. It highlights the importance of fasting as a means of expressing genuine sorrow and seeking God's presence in times of national and personal crisis.

Theological Implications

The fasting upon the death of Saul illustrates the biblical principle of honoring God's anointed, even in death. It reflects a recognition of God's sovereignty and the sacredness of His chosen leaders, despite their human failings. The practice of fasting in this context serves as a reminder of the need for humility, repentance, and reliance on God during times of mourning and transition.

Fasting, as demonstrated in the response to Saul's death, is a multifaceted spiritual discipline that encompasses mourning, respect, and a plea for divine intervention. It is a testament to the enduring faith and resilience of God's people, who seek His guidance and comfort in the face of loss and uncertainty.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 1:12
And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Samuel
... The little fragment on the death of Abner, 2 Samuel 3 ... 41, lxx.), of the place of
fasting and the ... by jealousy and failure combined working upon a predisposition ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/samuel.htm

The Conversion of Paul.
... light, he was led to Damascus, and after three days of blindness and fasting he
was cured ... And the resurrection again shed a new light upon His death on the ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 31 the conversion of.htm

The Life of Mr. Walter Smith.
... of the gospel; and to appoint general fasting days through ... the Lord, with his face
bending upon Mr. Cargil's ... life; and between them in their death, there was ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr walter 2.htm

To those who had not Attended the Assembly.
... his own security by laying violent hands upon his foe ... the hatred is still going on,
death interrupting steps ... their own sins by means of fasting and lamentations ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/to those who had not.htm

Acts xii. 18, 19
... benefits accruing from the vengeance inflicted upon him ... life by a shameful and miserable
death, and thenceforth ... And they were fasting and ministering: that thou ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxvii acts xii 18.htm

Matt. xvi. 24
... they who correct themselves both with fasting, and with ... aforesaid, who choke themselves
[2156] to death; they by ... the greater things, and dwell not upon the mat ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lv matt xvi 24.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... a bloody man, that is, against the house of Saul, when that ... curses were in a little
time fulfilled upon his father ... carried him out of this world by death; I say ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican
... is, in unconversion, in a state of sin, wrath, and death. And this must be his meaning;
for the religion of the Pharisee was not grounded upon any particular ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse upon the pharisee.htm

Book 5 Footnotes
... 46:20, "Samuel prophesied after his death, and showed ... and which he thought fit to
insert upon this occasion ... way of speaking in Josephus, of fasting "seven days ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 5 footnotes.htm

Letter cxlvii. To Sabinianus.
... [3982] I and others used to attribute your paleness to fasting, and to ... were sitting
in darkness and in the shadow of death when the light shone upon them. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxlvii to sabinianus.htm