Topical Encyclopedia Fasting, as a spiritual discipline, is deeply rooted in the biblical tradition and serves various purposes, one of which is the humbling of the soul. This practice is often associated with repentance, seeking God's guidance, and expressing deep sorrow or earnest prayer. The act of fasting is a voluntary abstention from food, and sometimes drink, for a specified period, undertaken as a means of spiritual devotion and self-denial.Biblical Foundation The concept of fasting for the humbling of the soul is prominently featured in the Old Testament. In Leviticus 16:29-31, the Israelites are commanded to "afflict their souls" on the Day of Atonement, a phrase understood to mean fasting. This day was a solemn occasion for repentance and seeking atonement for sins. The Berean Standard Bible translates this as a time when the people were to "humble themselves." In Psalm 35:13, David speaks of fasting as a means of humbling his soul: "Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting, but my prayers returned unanswered." Here, fasting is linked with humility and intercession, reflecting a heart posture of dependence on God. Purpose and Practice Fasting for the humbling of the soul is not merely an external act but an inward spiritual discipline. It is a way to express contrition and acknowledge one's need for God's mercy and guidance. In Isaiah 58:3-5, the prophet critiques superficial fasting that lacks genuine humility and righteousness. The passage emphasizes that true fasting should lead to justice, compassion, and a transformed heart. The practice of fasting is also seen in the life of Daniel, who sought understanding and guidance from God through fasting and prayer. Daniel 9:3 states, "So I turned my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and petitions, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes." Daniel's fasting was an expression of his earnest desire to align himself with God's will and to seek divine intervention. New Testament Insights In the New Testament, fasting continues to be a significant spiritual practice. Jesus Himself fasted for forty days and nights in the wilderness, as recorded in Matthew 4:2. This period of fasting was a time of preparation and spiritual strengthening before His public ministry. Jesus taught about fasting in the Sermon on the Mount, instructing His followers to fast with sincerity and not for outward show (Matthew 6:16-18): "When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their reward." The early church also practiced fasting as a means of seeking God's direction and empowerment. In Acts 13:2-3, the church in Antioch fasted and prayed before commissioning Paul and Barnabas for missionary work. This demonstrates the role of fasting in discerning God's will and preparing for significant spiritual endeavors. Spiritual Significance Fasting for the humbling of the soul is a profound expression of one's dependence on God. It is a way to set aside physical needs to focus on spiritual growth and communion with the Lord. By denying oneself, the believer acknowledges that true sustenance and strength come from God alone. This discipline fosters a deeper awareness of one's spiritual condition and a greater sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's leading. In summary, fasting for the humbling of the soul is a biblically endorsed practice that serves to draw believers closer to God, cultivate humility, and align their hearts with His purposes. Through fasting, individuals express repentance, seek divine guidance, and prepare for spiritual challenges, embodying a posture of submission and devotion to the Almighty. 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 Library Letter v. Prayer and Fasting. Confession and Penance. The Comforts Belonging to Mourners The General Service to a Nun. A Memorial Psalm LXIX. The Monk Nilus. Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount The Trinity. The Withering Work of the Spirit 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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