Topical Bible: Fasting: Extraordinary Exemplified: Moses

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Fasting, a spiritual discipline involving abstention from food and sometimes drink, is exemplified in the life of Moses, one of the most significant figures in the Bible. Moses' fasting is extraordinary not only for its duration but also for its context and purpose, reflecting deep communion with God and preparation for receiving divine revelation.

Moses' Forty-Day Fast on Mount Sinai

The most notable instance of Moses' fasting occurs during his time on Mount Sinai. After leading the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses ascends the mountain to receive the Law from God. The Bible records that Moses fasted for forty days and forty nights during this pivotal encounter. In Exodus 34:28 , it is written: "So he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did not eat bread or drink water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments."

This fast is extraordinary not only because of its length but also because Moses abstained from both food and water, a feat that underscores the supernatural nature of his experience. The fast signifies Moses' total dependence on God and his complete dedication to the divine mission entrusted to him. It is during this time that Moses receives the Ten Commandments, foundational laws for the Israelite community.

The Renewal of the Covenant

Moses' fasting is also linked to the renewal of the covenant between God and Israel. After the incident of the golden calf, where the Israelites sinned by worshiping an idol, Moses intercedes on their behalf. In Deuteronomy 9:18 , Moses recounts: "Then I fell down before the LORD for forty days and forty nights, because the LORD had said He would destroy you. I ate no bread and drank no water."

This second period of fasting is marked by Moses' intercessory prayer and his plea for God's mercy upon the people. It highlights the role of fasting as a means of seeking divine forgiveness and restoration. Moses' willingness to fast again for forty days demonstrates his commitment to the spiritual well-being of the Israelites and his role as a mediator between them and God.

Significance of Moses' Fasting

Moses' fasting serves as a profound example of the power and purpose of fasting in the life of a believer. It is a time of preparation, revelation, and intercession. Through fasting, Moses is equipped to lead, receive divine instruction, and advocate for his people. His extraordinary fasts underscore the importance of humility, obedience, and reliance on God.

In the broader biblical narrative, Moses' fasting prefigures other significant fasts, such as those of Elijah and Jesus, each marking critical moments of spiritual significance and divine encounter. Moses' example continues to inspire believers to seek deeper communion with God through the discipline of fasting.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 34:28
And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote on the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 9:9,18
When I was gone up into the mount to receive the tables of stone, even the tables of the covenant which the LORD made with you, then I stayed in the mount forty days and forty nights, I neither did eat bread nor drink water:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

God's Sovereignty and Prayer
... a man prays or not is exemplified daily in ... seek by prayer and supplications, with
fasting, and sackcloth ... of becoming "puffed up" by his extraordinary experience ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter nine gods sovereignty and.htm

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... us, [134]288; how a "sweet savor," [135]302; greater than Moses, [136]312 ... Fasting,
commonly within men's power, [618]50; needed for contention with bad spirits ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

Footnotes
... Faithful Witness Bearing Exemplified, preface, p. iv. 32 Faithful Contendings,
p.66. ... See likewise Faithful Witness-bearing Exemplified, preface, p. iv."Ed.]. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/footnotes.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning ...
... through a most painful process of fasting and other ... Their request was granted, and
Moses Hinkle, senior, was ... "Another instance of extraordinary blessing among ...
/.../chapter 6 from the close.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... in his doctrine of the Law and Grace, and in his extraordinary development of ... He
pointedly exemplified the character set forth by James, 'the tongue is a fire ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

part ii
... by prolonged and manifold sorrows, sicknesses, and labours, by fasting, vigilance,
prayer ... rebellious and murmuring Hebrew people in the desert at Moses' prayer. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... The extraordinary depths of hypocrisy, used in gaining the affections of a pious
wealthy ... even rail at me for condemning him, as they did at Moses for doing ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm