Expert: Paul Walker - 4/25/2004

Question
In biblical times, what was the purpose of fasting?  

Answer
Dear Amanda,

Good question, and I will not cheat you of a good answer by saying that in biblical times the reason for fasting is the same as it is today!!!

In my opinion, it has two main virtues. First, it is an act of humbling one's self before God.

    Psalms 35:13  But as for me, when they were sick, my
    clothing [was] sackcloth: I HUMBLED MY SOUL WITH FASTING;
    and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.

Second, it shows the earnestness of your request of God. That is, it is a sacrifice, the denial of the flesh showing the importance you put on what you are fasting about.

This is an important understanding as many fast incorrectly not understanding this and what biblical fasting truly is. Fasting is not just going without food or drink completely. This would be done only for short periods of time. For any length of time fasting the body must be taken care of, God is not requiring nor does he accept fasting to the detriment of the health of one's self. This would be no different that the heathen cuttings upon self or any of their various ways of self inflicted wounds which the Bible condemns, flagellation, etc. Such things simply deteriorate into will worship.

    Colossians 2:23  Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom
    in WILL WORSHIP, AND HUMILITY, AND NEGLECTING OF THE BODY;
    NOT IN ANY HONOUR TO THE SATISFYING OF THE FLESH.

But, as Daniel, simply denying one's self the pleasures of life is fasting.

    Daniel 10:3  I ATE NO PLEASANT BREAD, NEITHER CAME FLESH NOR
    WINE IN MY MOUTH, NEITHER DID I ANOINT MYSELF AT ALL, till
    three whole weeks were fulfilled.

I hope this helps.

Your Servant In Christ Jesus,

Paul Walker
www.aficj.org