DANIEL
In Daniel 10:3, Daniel describes his period of mourning. He states that he ate no "pleasant bread," no meat or wine, and did not anoint himself for three weeks. This suggests a period of fasting and abstaining from typical comforts and pleasures as a sign of grief and humility before God.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
"I ate no pleasant bread":
This refers to food that is considered delicious or desirable. Daniel was not partaking in any "fancy" or "choice" food.
"neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth":
This indicates a complete abstinence from meat and wine, which were common parts of the diet and social customs of the time.
"neither did I anoint myself at all":
Anointing with oil was a common practice for hygiene and grooming, and not doing so further emphasizes Daniel's state of mourning and self-denial.
"till three whole weeks were fulfilled":
This signifies the duration of his period of mourning, which was a full three weeks.
Daniel 10:3 - This verse is part of a larger passage (Daniel 10:1-3) where Daniel is experiencing a vision and a subsequent period of mourning and prayer. The specific details of his dietary restrictions highlight the depth of his devotion and humility before God.
EZRA
Ezra 8:23 states, "So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer." This verse describes the people of Israel fasting and praying to God for protection during their journey back to Jerusalem, and God answering their prayers.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Context: Ezra, leading a group of returning exiles, decided to fast and pray instead of requesting an army escort from the king. This was because he had previously told the king that God's gracious hand was on those who sought Him.
Fasting and Prayer:
The people fasted, which is a practice of abstaining from food for a spiritual purpose, and prayed, seeking God's guidance and protection.
Divine Response:
God answered their prayers, granting them a safe journey.
Lesson: Ezra 8:23 highlights the power of prayer and fasting, especially in times of uncertainty and when relying on God's protection. It emphasizes that faith in God can be a more reliable source of strength than relying on physical resources or human power.
MOSES
Exodus 34:28 states that Moses was on Mount Sinai with the Lord for forty days and forty nights, during which time he neither ate bread nor drank water. While there, he also wrote the Ten Commandments on two stone tablets. The verse highlights Moses's intense spiritual experience and physical endurance while receiving the covenant from God. Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Forty Days and Nights:
This extended period emphasizes the depth of Moses's communion with God and the significance of the covenant being revealed.
No Food or Water:
This detail underscores the supernatural nature of Moses's experience, as it was God's power that sustained him during this time.
Writing the Ten Commandments: This act signifies the establishment of the covenant between God and the Israelites, outlining the fundamental moral and ethical laws they were to follow.
The Two Tablets of Testimony:
These tablets, given to Moses at the end of his time on the mountain, served as a tangible reminder of God's covenant and the terms of their relationship.
OTHER EXAMPLES OF PEOPLE WHO FASTED
Jesus
Esther
People of Nineveh
King David
Elijah
People of Israel.
Fasting and Praying its key to any believer........
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