Fasting Self Denial

Lore & Background

Fasting is consistently linked with mourning and repentance. After the deaths of Saul and Jonathan, the valiant men of Jabesh fasted seven days (1 Samuel 31:13; 1 Chronicles 10:12). David fasted while his child was ill, but ceased after the child died, explaining that fasting could not bring the dead back (2 Samuel 12:22-23). The people of Israel fasted and confessed sin at Mizpeh under Samuel (1 Samuel 7:6). Ahab, upon hearing judgment, fasted and wore sackcloth (1 Kings 21:27). These examples show fasting as a response to loss, guilt, or impending judgment. Fasting is also a deliberate act of seeking God. Ezra proclaimed a fast at the river Ahava to afflict themselves and seek a right way from God (Ezra 8:21). Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast throughout Judah when facing invasion (2 Chronicles 20:3). In the New Testament, Jesus warns against fasting with a sad countenance like hypocrites who disfigure their faces to be seen by others (Matthew 6:16). Some passages use the word 'fast' in a different sense—meaning 'firmly' or 'quickly'—and do not describe religious fasting. For example, Jael fastened a nail into Sisera's temple (Judges 4:21), Samson was bound fast with ropes (Judges 15:13; 16:11), and the work in Jerusalem went fast on (Ezra 5:8). These are not about self-denial but are included because the search term matched the word 'fast'.

Reader's Guide

The passages portray fasting as a voluntary, often communal, act of self-denial that accompanies prayer, weeping, and confession. It is not a ritual for show but a genuine expression of humility before God. Leviticus 16:29 mandates an annual fast on the Day of Atonement, requiring affliction of soul and no work. David's fast for his child (2 Samuel 12:16-23) illustrates that fasting is a plea for grace, not a bargaining tool—he stopped when the child died. National fasts were proclaimed in times of crisis (2 Chronicles 20:3; Ezra 8:21), and mourning fasts lasted seven days (1 Samuel 31:13; 1 Chronicles 10:12). Jesus criticizes hypocritical fasting that seeks human praise (Matthew 6:16). Readers should note that several passages use 'fast' in unrelated senses (e.g., Judges 4:21; Ezra 5:8) and are not about religious fasting.

Did You Know?

• The only commanded annual fast in the passages is on the tenth day of the seventh month, requiring affliction of soul and no work (Leviticus 16:29).
• David fasted while his child was alive but stopped after the child died, saying he could not bring the child back (2 Samuel 12:22-23).
• Fasting was sometimes proclaimed by leaders for the whole nation, as Jehoshaphat did when afraid (2 Chronicles 20:3) and Ezra did before a journey (Ezra 8:21).
• The word 'fast' in Judges 4:21, 15:13, 16:11, and Ezra 5:8 refers to being firmly bound or working quickly, not to religious fasting.