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Examples of Biblical Fasting

Absolute or Full Fast

In the Old Testament, it was during a forty day fast when Moses was given the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34: 27-28).  When Esther heard about Haman’s plans to destroy the Jews, she asked all the Jews in her city to join her on a three day fast without food and water (Esther 4-7).  These types of fast without food and water were recognized as absolute fasts.

Normal or Regular Fast
In the New Testament, Jesus fasted for forty days. In Matthew 4: 2, the scripture says, “After fasting forty days and forty nights, he [Jesus]was hungry.” There is no reference to Jesus being thirsty, so this was a fast believed to be consisting of water only. This fast is known also as the water or liquid fast.

Partial Fast
Many believers recognize Daniel and his three companions’ refusal to eat the king’s meat, sweets and wine for ten days as a form of partial fasting (Daniel 1:12). Daniel and his three friends requested only vegetables and water.1

There is no set period for fasting. However, today, among Catholics, there are just two days of fasting before Easter: Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.  Catholics who are healthy are supposed to fast. Jews still fast traditionally on the holiday of Yom Kippur, also called the Day of Atonement.

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About Author:

Etta Hornsteiner

Etta Hornsteiner

Etta Hornsteiner has spent 12 years as an Educator teaching both English and Acting. Her love for fitness led her into bodybuilding competitions and later into a career as a personal trainer. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors from Acadia University in Nova Scotia, Canada in English and minors in Sociology and Spanish, a Master’s degree in Education with emphasis in Theatre from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia, a Master's degree in Integrative Health and Wellness Coaching from Maryland University of Integrative Health, and a coaching certificate from Duke Integrative Health. She is certified by the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaching and the International Coaching Federation. She is the author of the Ten Guiding Lights to Health and Wholeness.

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