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 personal repentance, seeking divine guidance, or expressing earnest prayer. However, fasting is also observed on occasions of afflictions of others, serving as an intercessory act of solidarity, empathy, and supplication before God.Biblical Instances of Fasting for Others' Afflictions 1. David's Fast for Saul and Jonathan: In 2 Samuel 1:12, David and his men mourned and fasted upon hearing the news of Saul and Jonathan's deaths. "They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword." This fast was an expression of grief and respect for the fallen king and his son, as well as for the nation of Israel. 2. Nehemiah's Fast for Jerusalem: Nehemiah fasted upon learning of the desolation of Jerusalem. Nehemiah 1:4 states, "When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven." His fast was a response to the affliction of his people and the disgrace of the city, seeking God's favor and intervention. 3. Daniel's Fast for Israel's Captivity: Daniel engaged in fasting as an act of intercession for the people of Israel during their captivity. In Daniel 9:3, he says, "So I turned my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and petition, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes." Daniel's fast was a plea for mercy and restoration for his afflicted nation. 4. Esther's Fast for the Jewish People: Esther called for a fast among the Jews in Susa when they faced extermination. Esther 4:16 records her words, "Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maidens will fast as you do." This communal fast was a desperate appeal for divine intervention in the face of impending disaster. Theological Significance Fasting on behalf of others' afflictions underscores a profound theological truth: the interconnectedness of God's people. It reflects a heart aligned with God's compassion and justice, willing to bear the burdens of others through prayer and self-denial. Such fasting is not merely a ritualistic act but a powerful expression of love and faith, seeking God's mercy and deliverance for those in distress. Practical Application In contemporary Christian practice, fasting for others' afflictions can be a meaningful way to engage in intercessory prayer. Whether for individuals facing personal crises, communities enduring hardship, or nations in turmoil, believers are called to stand in the gap, fasting and praying for God's intervention. This practice not only aligns the heart with God's purposes but also fosters a deeper sense of unity and empathy within the body of Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 35:13But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into my own bosom. Torrey's Topical Textbook Daniel 6:18 Library The Life of Mr. Thomas Hog. Letter xx. Self-Examination. The Cause and Cure of Earthquakes This HomilyWas Delivered in the Old Church of Antioch From the Close of the General Conference of 1812 to the Death of ... Confessio Augustana. Answers to Prayer From the Close of the General Conference of 1832 to the Beginning ... Footnotes From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning ... 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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