Bible Studies: Fasting Part II

Mordecai reminded Esther that if the edict were carried out, she and her family would perish as well.

The Scripture: Esther 4:15-16

“Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: ‘Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me…for three days, night or day. I and my maid will fast as you do. When this is done I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”

3. What was Esther’s response?

The Scripture: Esther 4:11-12

“[Esther said] ‘Any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned will be put to death. The only exception to this is for the king to extend the gold scepter to him and spare his life.’”

1. What was the problem?

2. What was the exception?

Esther was allowed to appear before the king. She invited him and Haman to two banquets. At the second banquet the king told Esther to make her request.

The Scripture: Esther 7:3-4

“Grant me my life – this is my petition. And spare my people – this is my request. For I and my people have been sold for destruction and slaughter and annihilation.”

4. What was Esther’s request?

Fortunately for the Jews, the story ends happily. Haman was hanged for his crimes and the Jews were allowed to protect themselves.

The Scripture: Esther 10:3

“Mordecai the Jew was [made] second in rank to King Xerxes, and held in high esteem by his many fellow Jews, because he worked for the good of his people.”

5. How was Mordecai honored?

For Sorrow, Grief, and Mourning

The Scripture: Nehemiah 1:1-3

“The words of Nehemiah of Hacaliah:… ‘Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem. They said to me, ‘Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.’”

6. What was the condition of those who survived the exile?

The Scripture: Nehemiah 1:4

“When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven.”

7. What did Nehemiah do?

The result of Nehemiah’s actions resulted in his being sent back to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls.

The Bible relates many other occasions for fasting in times of personal sorrow and grief. Jacob fasted when he believed that Joseph was dead, and the Psalms report times of David’s fasting in his sorrow.

But fasting was not just for times of crisis. It was also a regular practice among the religious Jews.

The Scripture: Matthew 9:14-15

“John’s disciples came and asked Him, ‘How is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but our disciples do not fast?’ Jesus answered, ‘How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, then they will fast.’”

8. What was John’s disciple’s question?

9. What was Jesus’ response?

Jesus was referring to Himself as the bridegroom and talked of a time in the future when He would be taken away from them. Then in their sorrow they would fast.

Unacceptable Fasting

Not all fasting is acceptable as Jesus pointed out.

The Scripture: Luke 18:11-12

“The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself…’I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.”

10. How often did the Pharisee say he fasted?

Jesus assumed His followers would fast, but not for show as this Pharisee did. He even gave them guidelines for fasting.

The Scripture: Matthew 6:16-17

“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head (a regular practice) and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your father, who is unseen; and your Father who sees what is in secret, will reward you.”

11. How did Jesus say His followers should fast?

We can assume that as a religious Jew, Jesus fasted regularly, although there is only one recorded time – during His temptation.

Not everyone, including people with some physical conditions, should fast. It is a good idea to consult a doctor before fasting. In Isaiah 58, the Lord speaks of another kind of fast.

The Scripture: Isaiah 58:1-2 (Living Bible)

Through the prophet Isaiah, the Lord speaks His complaints against His people.

“Shout with the voice of the trumpet blast; tell my people of their sins. Yet they act so pious! They come to the temple every day and are so delighted to hear the teaching of my laws – just as though they would obey them – just as though they don’t despise the commandments of their God! How anxious they are to worship correctly; oh, how they love the Temple service!”

12. What was God’s complaint?

The Scripture: Isaiah 58:3 (Living Bible)

“’We have fasted before you,’ they say.’Why aren’t you impressed? Why don’t you see our sacrifices? Why don’t you hear our prayers? We have done much penance, and you don’t even notice it.’ I’ll tell you why! Because you are living in evil pleasure even while you are fasting, and you keep right on oppressing your workers.”

13. What was the people’s response?

14. How did God answer?

The Scripture: Isaiah 58:4-5 (Living Bible)

“What good is fasting when you keep on fighting and quarreling? This kind of fasting will never get you anywhere with me. Is this what I want – this doing of penance and bowing like reeds in the wind and putting on sackcloth and covering yourself with ashes? Is this what you call fasting?”

15. How did God describe their fasting?

The Scripture: Isaiah 58:6-7 (Living Bible)

“No, the kind of fast I want is that you stop oppressing those who work for you and treat them fairly and give them what they earn. I want you to share your food with the hungry and bring right into your own homes those who are helpless, poor, and destitute. Clothe those who are cold and don’t hide from relatives who need your help.”

16. How does God describe His chosen fast?

The Scripture: Isaiah 58:8 (Living Bible)

“If you do these things, God will shed His own glorious light upon you. He will heal you; your godliness will lead you forward and goodness will be a shield before you, and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind.”

17. What would be the people’s reward if they obeyed His chosen fast?

The Scripture: Isaiah 58:9-10 (Living Bible)

“Then when you call, the Lord will answer…All you need to do is to stop oppressing the weak, and to stop making false accusations and spreading vicious rumors! Feed the hungry! Help those in trouble! Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you shall be as bright as day.”

18. What else would be their reward?

The Scripture: Isaiah 58:11-12 (Living Bible)

“The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy you in all good things and keep you healthy too; and you will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. Your sons will rebuild the long-deserted ruins of your cities and you will be known as ‘The people who rebuild their walls and cities.’”

19. How does the Lord continue?

Through this chapter in Isaiah we see that true fasting is much more than going without food and humbling oneself. It is ending the urge to fight and oppress others and going through the mechanical motions of fasting. It is feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and taking care of the helpless, poor, and desperate.

When God’s people do these things, God will truly reward them – with good health, restoration, guidance and safety.