Fasting is a spiritual practice that is mentioned numerous times throughout the Bible. Here is an in-depth look at what the Bible says about fasting:
Definition of Fasting
The basic definition of fasting is voluntarily abstaining from food for a period of time. It usually also involves abstaining from drink as well. Fasting is more than just skipping meals though – it is intentionally setting aside time to focus on prayer and growing closer to God.
Types of Fasts
There are several types of fasts mentioned in the Bible:
- Absolute fast – Abstaining from both food and water (Esther 4:16, Acts 9:9)
- Partial fast – Restricting diet but not totally abstaining from food and drink
- Normal fast – Abstaining from all food, but not from water
- Sunset-to-sunset fast – Going without food between sunset one day and sunset the next
- Corporate fast – Calling all believers to fast together for a certain period of time
Purposes of Fasting
There are many purposes and benefits to fasting outlined in Scripture. Here are some of the main reasons the Bible mentions for fasting:
- To seek God’s guidance – Fasting was often done when people were seeking God’s direction, wisdom, or intervention. Examples include when King Jehoshaphat proclaimed a nation-wide fast when Judah was attacked (2 Chronicles 20:3), and when Cornelius was fasting and seeking God before his vision to send for Peter (Acts 10:30).
- To express grief or repentance – Weeping and fasting were often done together as outward expressions of inner sorrow for sin. David fasted as an act of repentance after his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:16-23). The people of Nineveh fasted in repentance after Jonah’s warning (Jonah 3:5).
- To seek deliverance or protection – Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast when Judah was attacked by enemy forces (2 Chronicles 20:3). Ezra called a fast before seeking God’s protection for the Jewish people traveling back from exile (Ezra 8:21-23).
- To express humility and worship – Fasting was a way for people to humble themselves before God and focus their thoughts on Him. The early Christians fasted while appointing leaders and worshipping God (Acts 13:2, Acts 14:23).
- To gain spiritual strength – Jesus fasted for 40 days before beginning His public ministry, in order to prepare spiritually (Matthew 4:2). Fasting can help strengthen and purify our hearts and minds.
Examples of Fasting in the Bible
Here are some important examples of people fasting in the Bible:
- Moses – Moses fasted for 40 days and nights while receiving the 10 Commandments from God (Exodus 34:28).
- David – David fasted as an expression of grief after God punished Israel for his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:16-23).
- Elijah – Elijah fasted for 40 days as he traveled to Mount Horeb to encounter God (1 Kings 19:8).
- Daniel – Daniel fasted by only eating vegetables and water to test his resolve and draw closer to God. He did this while captured in Babylon (Daniel 1:12, 10:3).
- Esther and Mordecai – Esther, Mordecai, and the Jewish people in Susa fasted earnestly before Esther went before the king unsummoned, risking her life to save her people (Esther 4:16).
- Nehemiah – Nehemiah mourned, wept, fasted and prayed to God on behalf of Jerusalem before asking the king for permission to return and rebuild the city (Nehemiah 1:4).
- Jesus – Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness to prepare spiritually before beginning His ministry (Matthew 4:2).
- Paul – Paul fasted often, including a 3 day fast immediately after his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:9).
Instructions for Fasting
Although fasting is not commanded in Scripture, Jesus does give some instructions for how to fast in a godly way:
- Don’t fast to impress others, but only to please God (Matthew 6:16-18)
- Continue other spiritual disciplines along with fasting, like prayer and charity (Matthew 6:1-18)
- Anoint your head and wash your face while fasting, as an act of self-care (Matthew 6:17)
- Return to normal eating habits after the fast is over (Matthew 9:14-15)
Overall the focus should be on examining your heart before God and seeking Him earnestly. Your personal attitude and motivation is more important than the external expression.
Promises About Fasting
The Bible describes both personal and corporate fasts, along with the great spiritual benefits that can come from them:
- Fasting brings us closer to God (Jeremiah 29:13-14)
- Fasting will loose the chains of injustice and break the yoke of oppression (Isaiah 58:6)
- When we fast and pray earnestly, God promises to hear from heaven (2 Chronicles 7:14)
- Fasting enables prevailing prayer (Mark 9:29)
- Fasting can help drive out the hardened heart (Psalm 69:10)
- God remembers and answers faithful fasting (Isaiah 58:8-12, Jeremiah 14:12)
- Fasting is a weapon of spiritual warfare against strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)
Cautions About Fasting
The prophets and Jesus warned against fasting for the wrong reasons. Here are some important cautions about fasting:
- Don’t fast to try to manipulate or impress God (Isaiah 58:3-7)
- Don’t boast about fasting to others (Matthew 6:16-18)
- Don’t neglect caring for others while fasting (Isaiah 58:7)
- Don’t fast while continuing in willful sin and disobedience (Isaiah 58:3-9)
- Don’t overdo it or make yourself sick by unnecessary fasting (verse 8)
The outward expression of fasting and sackcloth meant nothing without genuine repentance and change in the Isaiah 58 passage. Fasting should come from a place of humility and openness to God.
Final Thoughts
In summary, fasting is a powerful tool God has given for drawing closer to Him. Scripture encourages fasting with the right heart and motives. When done with humility and sincerity, fasting enables special focus on prayer and seeking the Lord.
God remembers and honors those who genuinely fast and seek Him. There are great spiritual benefits both for individuals and groups who fast together in unity and purpose. Seeking God through fasting can be a transforming experience. The Bible provides wisdom and guidance for fasting in a godly manner that pleases God.
