Topical Encyclopedia Fasting, a spiritual discipline involving abstention from food and sometimes drink, is a practice deeply rooted in biblical tradition. It is often observed during times of approaching danger, serving as a means of seeking divine intervention, guidance, and protection. Throughout Scripture, fasting is depicted as a powerful expression of humility and dependence on God, particularly in moments of crisis or impending peril.Biblical Instances of Fasting in Times of Danger 1. Jehoshaphat and the Threat of Invasion: In 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat of Judah faced a formidable alliance of enemy forces. Recognizing the imminent threat, he proclaimed a fast throughout Judah. The people gathered to seek the LORD's help, demonstrating their reliance on divine deliverance. The narrative highlights the communal aspect of fasting as the nation united in prayer and supplication. The LORD responded to their plea, assuring them of victory without the need for battle. As recorded in 2 Chronicles 20:3-4 , "Jehoshaphat was alarmed and set his face to seek the LORD. And he proclaimed a fast throughout Judah. So the people of Judah gathered to seek the LORD, and indeed, they came from every city in Judah to seek Him." 2. Esther and the Jewish People: In the Book of Esther, the Jewish people faced extermination due to a decree orchestrated by Haman. Queen Esther, aware of the impending danger, instructed Mordecai to gather all the Jews in Susa to fast for three days and nights. Esther herself, along with her attendants, also fasted. This act of collective fasting was a plea for divine favor and intervention as Esther prepared to approach King Xerxes uninvited, risking her life. 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. After that, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish." 3. Ezra and the Return to Jerusalem: When Ezra led a group of exiles back to Jerusalem, he was acutely aware of the dangers posed by bandits along the way. Instead of seeking military protection, Ezra proclaimed a fast at the Ahava Canal to humble themselves before God and seek His protection for their journey. This act of fasting underscored their trust in God's providence. Ezra 8:21-23 states, "And there by the Ahava Canal I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask Him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and He granted our request." Theological Significance Fasting in times of danger is a profound demonstration of faith and reliance on God. It is an acknowledgment of human limitations and the need for divine intervention. By abstaining from physical sustenance, believers express their earnest desire for spiritual sustenance and guidance. Fasting is not merely a ritualistic practice but a heartfelt appeal to God, reflecting a deep-seated trust in His sovereignty and power to deliver. Practical Application For contemporary believers, fasting during times of danger or uncertainty can serve as a powerful spiritual discipline. It is an opportunity to draw closer to God, seek His will, and intercede for His protection and guidance. While the specific circumstances and methods of fasting may vary, the underlying principle remains the same: a humble submission to God and a fervent plea for His intervention in times of need. Torrey's Topical Textbook Esther 4:16Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast you for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in to the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Cause and Cure of Earthquakes Luther's Separation from Rome. Luther's Separation from Rome From the Close of the General Conference of 1812 to the Death of ... The Immaculate Conception On Reconciling Religious Dissensions among Christians Penitence, as Explained in the Sophistical Jargon of the Schoolmen ... Confessio Augustana. Footnotes Fourth Tractate. Problems of the Soul (2). Resources What is the connection between prayer and fasting? | GotQuestions.orgChristian fasting - what does the Bible say? | GotQuestions.org What are the different types of fasting? | 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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