Today we will talk about bible verses about fasting in the Old Testament. Many Christians may find fasting to be a mysterious and hard-to-understand practice. Yet, when we dive into the Scriptures, we’ll see that the act of fasting is actually a beautiful way of seeking God’s presence more deeply. It allows us to express our humility, our need for God, and our desire to turn away from distractions to focus solely on Him. As we read through God’s Word, let’s open our hearts and minds to understand the significance of fasting and how it can positively influence our relationship with God.
Bible Verses About Fasting in the Old Testament
The Purpose of Fasting
When we look at the Bible verses about fasting in the Old Testament, we often see that fasting is not just about going without food. Instead, it is a heartfelt act meant to draw us closer to God. The purpose of fasting is often associated with repentance, seeking God’s guidance, or expressing sorrow. Fasting encourages us to refocus our lives and align ourselves with God’s will, helping us to grow spiritually. By observing the biblical practices of fasting, we can learn to trust God more profoundly.
Joel 2:12
“Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” – Joel 2:12
Ezra 8:23
“So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.” – Ezra 8:23
Esther 4:16
“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do.” – Esther 4:16
Isaiah 58:6
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?” – Isaiah 58:6
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.” – Nehemiah 1:4
Fasting as a Response to Crisis
In times of distress or when facing challenging situations, the act of fasting has served as a powerful response throughout the Old Testament. Whether it was to seek God’s intervention during warfare or to find clarity in tough decisions, fasting became a means to humble themselves before God. By denying our physical needs, we can draw nearer to God and express our dependence on Him during times of crisis. This sacred act unites our community, leading us to pray harder and seek divine guidance together.
Judges 20:26
“Then all the Israelites, the whole army, went up to Bethel and there they sat weeping before the LORD. They fasted that day until evening and presented burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to the LORD.” – Judges 20:26
1 Samuel 7:6
“When they had assembled at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the LORD. On that day they fasted and there they confessed, ‘We have sinned against the LORD.'” – 1 Samuel 7:6
2 Chronicles 20:3
“Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.” – 2 Chronicles 20:3
1 Kings 21:27
“When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and fasted. He lay in sackcloth and went around meekly.” – 1 Kings 21:27
2 Samuel 1:12
“They mourned and wept and fasted till evening for Saul and his son Jonathan and for the army of the LORD and the house of Israel because they had fallen by the sword.” – 2 Samuel 1:12
Fasting During Times of National Distress
The Old Testament also reflects how fasting was used as a communal act during national crises. Citizens would come together, acknowledge their corporate sins, and fast to seek forgiveness and mercy from God. In these moments, fasting became a unifying act of humility, expressing the shared need for divine intervention. When a whole nation turns to fasting, it opens the door for God to move in powerful ways. United prayer and fasting can draw us closer to one another and to God, as we confess our shortcomings together.
Joel 1:14
“Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD.” – Joel 1:14
2 Chronicles 7:14
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14
Nehemiah 9:1
“On the twenty-fourth day of the same month, the Israelites gathered together, fasting and wearing sackcloth and putting dust on their heads.” – Nehemiah 9:1
Jeremiah 36:9
“In the fifth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, in the ninth month, all the people in Jerusalem and those who came in from the towns of Judah proclaimed a fast before the LORD.” – Jeremiah 36:9
Zechariah 7:5
“Ask all the people of the land and the priests, ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months for the past seventy years, was it really for me that you fasted?'” – Zechariah 7:5
Fasting as an Act of Humility
Throughout the Scriptures, fasting is often depicted as a sign of humility. It’s a way for us to bow before God and acknowledge that we are powerless without Him. When we fast, we not only recognize our physical need for food but also reflect on our spiritual needs. This act lifts us away from self-sufficiency, positioning us to receive God’s wisdom and strength. In moments of fasting, we can discover a deeper dependence on God, learning to trust in Him fully.
Psalm 35:13
“Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered.” – Psalm 35:13
Psalm 69:10
“When I weep and fast, I must endure scorn.” – Psalm 69:10
1 Kings 21:29
“See how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself, I will not bring this disaster in his day.” – 1 Kings 21:29
Psalm 102: fasting
“I had a zeal for your house; the insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” – Psalm 102: fasting
Ezra 9:5
“At the evening sacrifice, I rose from my self-abasement, with my tunic and cloak torn, and fell on my knees with my hands spread out to the LORD my God.” – Ezra 9:5
Fasting and Prayer
In the Old Testament, we see fasting intertwined with prayer, which amplifies its purpose. When we combine fasting with prayer, we are actively seeking God’s guidance, strength, and intervention. It’s not just about abstaining from food but also about seeking God’s heart in prayer. When we humble ourselves and fast, we are saying that we desire a closer relationship with Him. The synergy of fasting and prayer can transform our spiritual journey, allowing us to hear from God and receive clarity from Him.
Ezra 8:23
“So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.” – Ezra 8:23
Isaiah 58:9
“Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.” – Isaiah 58:9
Jeremiah 29:12
“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” – Jeremiah 29:12
Psalm 109:24
“My knees give way from fasting; my body is thin and gaunt.” – Psalm 109:24
1 Chronicles 10:13
“Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD; he failed to keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance.” – 1 Chronicles 10:13
Fasting as a Call to Repentance
Fasting touches on a sensitive yet important theme: repentance. Throughout the Old Testament, we see that fasting was often coupled with a return to God, a cry for forgiveness and a desire to change our ways. It’s more than simply recognizing our mistakes; it’s about taking tangible steps towards reconciliation with God. Asking for forgiveness while fasting demonstrates true sincerity in our hearts. This Christian practice reminds us that God remains faithful and loving, ready to welcome us back with open arms.
Joel 2:13
“Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love.” – Joel 2:13
2 Chronicles 30:27
“The priests and the Levites stood to bless the people, and God heard them, for their prayer reached heaven, his holy dwelling place.” – 2 Chronicles 30:27
Daniel 9:3
“So I turned to the LORD God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.” – Daniel 9:3
1 Kings 8:47
“And if they have a change of heart in the land where they are held captive and repent and plead with you in the land of their captors and say: We have sinned; we have done wrong and acted wickedly.” – 1 Kings 8:47
Isaiah 58:9-10
“Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.” – Isaiah 58:9-10
Fasting and Spiritual Warfare
Fasting often serves as a powerful weapon in spiritual warfare. In the Old Testament, we see people fasting to prepare their hearts for battle—both physically and spiritually. The Bible encourages us that we have a spiritual enemy out there, and fasting allows us to sharpen our focus on God while preparing us to face attacks from that enemy. Our spiritual battles require us to be armed with prayer and fasting to resist temptation and to be ready to stand firm in our faith.
2 Chronicles 20:3-4
“Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. The people of Judah came together to seek help from the LORD; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him.” – 2 Chronicles 20:3-4
Esther 4:16
“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do.” – Esther 4:16
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.” – Nehemiah 1:4
Daniel 10:3
“At that time, I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.” – Daniel 10:3
Jeremiah 17:14
“Heal me, LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.” – Jeremiah 17:14
Fasting and Worship
In the Old Testament, fasting isn’t solely a discipline designed to bring us closer to God; it is also an act of worship. True worship comes from the heart, and fasting can be a tool used to express our love and reverence to God. It’s a way for us to demonstrate our commitment to Him, putting aside our earthly desires and focusing on His eternal promises. Fasting opens the door for a more profound worship experience, helping us feel His presence on a more personal level.
Exodus 34:28
“Moses was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments.” – Exodus 34:28
Isaiah 58:5
“Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the LORD?” – Isaiah 58:5
1 Samuel 15:24
“Then Saul said to Samuel, ‘I have sinned. I violated the LORD’s command and your instructions. I was afraid of the men, and so I gave in to them.'” – 1 Samuel 15:24
Psalms 66:13-15
“I will come to your temple with burnt offerings and fulfill my vows to you—vows my lips promised and my mouth spoke when I was in trouble.” – Psalms 66:13-15
Psalm 107:22
“Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy.” – Psalm 107:22
Fasting for Personal Renewal
Finally, fasting provides an opportunity for personal renewal. When we intentionally set aside time to fast, we create space for God to speak to us and refresh our spirits. This is a time to examine our hearts, seek forgiveness, and ask God for a fresh start. Fasting is less about the act itself and more about what God can do in us when we prioritize Him. Through fasting, we can renew our commitment to our spiritual journey and allow God to empower us for the road ahead.
Psalms 51:10
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” – Psalms 51:10
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
Nehemiah 2:4
“The king asked me, ‘What is it you want?’ Then I prayed to the God of heaven.” – Nehemiah 2:4
Daniel 9:19
“O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name.” – Daniel 9:19
Joel 2:25
“I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten—the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm—my great army that I sent among you.” – Joel 2:25
Final Thoughts
As we have explored the Bible verses about fasting in the Old Testament, it’s clear that fasting is meant to be a transformative and spiritual practice. Through fasting, we express our dependence on God and seek His guidance, forgiveness, and strength. Whether we are in times of crisis, seeking renewal, or simply aiming to grow closer to God, fasting serves as a powerful tool for our spiritual journey. Ultimately, let us remember that fasting is about our relationship with God, our humility, and our desire to live in alignment with His will.
As we reflect on these Scriptures, let us take time to consider how we can incorporate fasting into our spiritual lives. After all, it is through our hearts being authentically open to God that we experience the true power of His love and presence in our lives. Whether it’s a communal act or a personal journey, may we embrace fasting as we seek to connect with the heart of God.
May our fasting lead us not only to deeper relationship with God but also to personal renewal, community unity, and recognition of our dependence on Him. This is the beautiful invitation God extends to us through the ages—an opportunity to draw near and experience the fullness of His presence.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
