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Definition and Purpose:
Fasting, in the biblical context, refers to the voluntary abstention from food, and sometimes drink, for a specific period. It is a spiritual discipline intended to humble oneself before God, seek His guidance, express repentance, or prepare for a significant spiritual endeavor. Fasting is often accompanied by prayer and is seen as a means to draw closer to God, demonstrating dependence on Him rather than on physical sustenance.

Old Testament Context:
Fasting is a well-documented practice in the Old Testament, often associated with mourning, repentance, and seeking divine intervention. One of the earliest references is found in the Book of Judges, where the Israelites fasted and sought the Lord's guidance in battle (Judges 20:26). The Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, is the only fast explicitly commanded in the Mosaic Law, where the Israelites were to "afflict their souls" (Leviticus 16:29-31), traditionally understood as fasting.

The prophet Joel called for a fast as a response to a locust plague, urging the people to "return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning" (Joel 2:12). Similarly, the people of Nineveh proclaimed a fast in response to Jonah's warning of impending judgment, which led to God's mercy (Jonah 3:5-10).

New Testament Context:
In the New Testament, fasting continues to be a significant spiritual practice. Jesus Himself fasted for forty days and nights in the wilderness before beginning His public ministry (Matthew 4:2). He taught about fasting in the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing sincerity and humility: "When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites... But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that your fasting will not be obvious to men, but only to your Father, who is unseen" (Matthew 6:16-18).

The early church practiced fasting as part of their worship and decision-making processes. InActs 13:2-3, the church in Antioch fasted and prayed before sending out Barnabas and Saul (Paul) on their missionary journey. Similarly, Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in the churches with prayer and fasting (Acts 14:23).

Theological Significance:
Fasting is seen as an act of worship and devotion, a way to humble oneself before God and seek His will. It is not merely a physical act but a spiritual discipline that reflects a heart posture of dependence on God. Fasting is often associated with repentance and intercession, as seen in the examples of Daniel (Daniel 9:3) and Esther (Esther 4:16).

Practical Application:
While fasting is not mandated for Christians, it remains a valuable practice for spiritual growth and discernment. Believers are encouraged to fast with the right motives, focusing on God rather than the act itself. Fasting can be a powerful tool for breaking spiritual strongholds, seeking guidance, and deepening one's relationship with God.

Cautions:
Fasting should be approached with wisdom and discernment, considering one's health and circumstances. It is not a means to manipulate God or earn His favor but a way to align oneself with His purposes. Jesus warned against fasting for outward show, emphasizing the importance of sincerity and humility in this spiritual discipline.2388. chazaq -- to be or grow firm or strong, strengthen
... 4), encourage* (1), encouraged (2), encouraged* (3), encouragement (1), encourages
(1), established himself securely (1), fasten (1),fastens (1), fierce (1...

Of Positiveness.
... This is one of the most oppressive Monopolies imaginable: all others can concern
only something without us, but thisfastens upon our natures, yea, and the...

Charity and Loneliness.
... But then, there is something to be done first God lets down the sheet with
all its unclean contents, and Peterfastens his eyes upon it....

Purity.
... and get rid of the tendencies of disease which are from within, Christianity, leaving
all outward circumstances to ameliorate themselves,fastens its attention...

How to Promote a Revival.
... So if a man thinks of God, andfastens his mind on any parts of God's character,
he will feel"emotions will come up, by the very laws of mind....

Acts VII
... party, while his Master and himself are side by side with Moses and others whom
they had persecuted: Thus he hurls back upon them, andfastens on them...

What is Justifying Faith?
... Wherefore he puts them together as things that belong to one another, and connects
promise and faith. [There Paulfastens and binds together these two, thus...

Thoughts on Talking
... Mathews. * * * *. The fault of literary conversation in general is its too great
tenaciousness. Itfastens upon a subject, and will not let it go....

Tire-Trouble
... way. And finally tires may get rim-cut, which means that the steel rim
whichfastens them on wears them through by rubbing. The...

Saved by Grace;
... Hefastens conviction upon conviction"gives blow upon blow to human pride; proving
that there can be found nothing in our fallen nature to recommend the...

Teaching Three Things in one Action.
... Now He acts.[106] Quietly He rises from the table, picks up a towel andfastens
its end in His waistband for convenience in use, after the servant's usual...

Fastens (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version ConcordanceFastens (2 Occurrences). Job 16:9 He has torn me in his
wrath, and persecuted me. He has gnashed on me with his teeth....

Nails (16 Occurrences)
... He who smoothes with the hammer encourages him who strikes the anvil, saying of
the soldering, "It is good;" and hefastens it with nails, that it might not...

Latch (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) To smear; to anoint. 2. (n.) That which
fastens or holds; a lace; a snare. 3. (n.) A movable piece...

Latchet (4 Occurrences)
... 3:16). Noah Webster's Dictionary. (n.) The string thatfastens a shoe; a
shoestring. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. LATCHET. lach...

Lock (6 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) Anything thatfastens; specifically, a fastening, as for a door, a lid,
a trunk, a drawer, and the like, in which a bolt is moved by a key so as to...

Goldsmith (6 Occurrences)
... He who smoothes with the hammer encourages him who strikes the anvil, saying of
the soldering, "It is good;" and hefastens it with nails, that it might not...

Fast (157 Occurrences)
... 15. (a.) In a fast or rapid manner; quickly; swiftly; extravagantly; wildly; as,
to run fast; to live fast. 16. (n.) That whichfastens or holds; especially...

Faster (2 Occurrences)

Fastening (5 Occurrences)

Encourages (4 Occurrences)
... He who smoothes with the hammer encourages him who strikes the anvil, saying of
the soldering, "It is good;" and hefastens it with nails, that it might not...

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