Topical Bible: Fasting in his Zeal for Zion

Bible > Topical > Fasting in his Zeal for Zion

◄ Fasting in his Zeal for Zion ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

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 God's favor. In the context of "His Zeal for Zion," fasting takes on a particular significance, reflecting a profound commitment to God's purposes for Jerusalem and His people.

Biblical Context

The concept of fasting in relation to Zion is prominently featured in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament. Zion, often synonymous with Jerusalem, represents the spiritual and political heart of Israel. It is the city chosen by God, the site of the Temple, and the focal point of His covenantal promises. Fasting in this context is an expression of deep longing for the fulfillment of God's promises concerning Zion.

Zechariah 8:19 provides a direct reference to fasting in relation to Zion: "Thus says the LORD of Hosts: 'The fasts of the fourth, fifth, seventh, and tenth months will become joyful and glad occasions and happy festivals for the house of Judah. Therefore, love truth and peace.'" This passage indicates a transformation of traditional fasts into celebrations, reflecting God's restorative work in Zion.

Isaiah 58:6-7 further elucidates the purpose of fasting: "Is not this the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the cords of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the homeless poor into your home, when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh and blood?" Here, fasting is linked to social justice and righteousness, aligning with God's zeal for a just and holy Zion.

Historical and Theological Significance

Historically, fasting has been a response to national crises, a means of seeking divine intervention, and a demonstration of penitence. In the post-exilic period, as the Jewish community sought to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple, fasting became a way to express their zeal for Zion's restoration. This is evident in the communal fasts observed during times of distress, such as those mentioned in the Book of Esther (Esther 4:16) and the Book of Nehemiah (Nehemiah 1:4).

Theologically, fasting in zeal for Zion underscores a deep yearning for God's kingdom to be established on earth. It reflects a desire for the spiritual renewal of God's people and the physical restoration of Jerusalem. This zeal is not merely nationalistic but is rooted in the anticipation of God's eschatological promises, where Zion becomes a beacon of divine glory and peace.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, while the focus shifts to the spiritual Zion—the Church—fasting remains a vital practice. Jesus Himself fasted for forty days in the wilderness (Matthew 4:2), setting an example for His followers. The early Church continued the practice of fasting as a means of seeking God's guidance and empowerment (Acts 13:2-3).

The zeal for Zion, now understood as the community of believers, is reflected in the Church's mission to embody God's kingdom values. Fasting, therefore, becomes a tool for spiritual discipline, aligning believers with God's purposes and fostering a deeper connection with Him.

Conclusion

Fasting in His Zeal for Zion is a multifaceted practice that encompasses personal piety, communal identity, and eschatological hope. It is a testament to the enduring significance of Zion in God's redemptive plan and the believer's role in participating in that divine narrative.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 69:10
When I wept, and chastened my soul with fasting, that was to my reproach.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

From the Close of the General Conference of 1816 to the ...
... both useful and entertaining to the real friends of Zion.". ... was preceded by observing
days of fasting and prayer ... and dismounting his horse, yet his zeal for God ...
/.../chapter 4 from the close.htm

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
... and acceptable will of God; the same zeal for whatever ... the same revenge against Satan
and all his works, against ... 6. And with fasting let us always join fervent ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 27 upon our lords.htm

Carey's College
... which being appointed a day of fasting and prayer, I ... such raptures." It was Help
to Zion's Travellers; being ... At first, perhaps, his zeal exceeded the bounds of ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter i careys college.htm

The Danger of Deviating from Divine Institutions.
... Here is a great shew of wisdom, and zeal for God ... forth Peter and delivered him up
to his enemies. ... Occasional calls there may be to fasting and thanksgiving; and ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxviii the danger of.htm

A Reformer's Schooling
... As is often the case, a brighter flame of zeal burned in ... by brooding over the tidings
with tears, by fasting and by ... with the king, and had the ball at his foot ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a reformers schooling.htm

The Preface
... indefinite time."Likewise appointing diets of fasting and thanksgiving ... God of Elijah,
and where is his glory! Where is that Scottish zeal that once flamed in ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the preface.htm

The Book of Jubilees
... East (probably Lubar), [261] Sinai, and Zion; the inscription ... Other omissions are
the injunction of fasting on the ... In his zeal, however, for the use of this ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of jubilees.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of ...
... that I have not cleansed, for the Lord dwelleth in Zion. ... God, and the reality of
the truth of His gospel. ... for a spurt, but I have quenched their zeal (and with ...
/.../bunyan/grace abounding to the chief of sinners/grace abounding to the chief.htm

Of the Discipline of the Church, and Its Principal Use in Censures ...
... also makes mention of this difference in his latter epistle ... To the absurd zeal of
the vulgar were added ... delicacies they seek the praise of fasting: no dainties ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 12 of the discipline.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning ...
... go through a most painful process of fasting and other ... members in general, to unite
their zeal and exertions ... another, and thus pass on to his appointments among ...
/.../chapter 6 from the close.htm