VERSES ABOUT FASTING

Fasting helps me grow closer to God and strengthens my relationship with my Heavenly Father. I try not to see it as something I do for my own benefit, but as a way to improve my walk with God. It's a voluntary choice, a time when I set aside the physical need for food to nourish my spirit. It's a special time to seek God's presence, which is why I find it helpful to fast in a quiet place where I can talk with Him alone.

The Bible talks about this too. Daniel 9:3¹ says, "So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes." It's really inspiring to see how people in the Bible sought God through fasting.

"Wheneveryou fast,do not puton a gloomy faceas the hypocrites[do], for they neglecttheir appearancesothat they will be noticedby menwhen they are fasting.TrulyI sayto you, they havetheir rewardin full."But you, when you fast,anointyour headand washyour facesothat your fastingwill not be noticedby men,but by your Fatherwhois in secret;and your Fatherwhosees[what is done] in secretwill rewardyou.

"Is thisnot the fastwhich I choose,To loosenthe bondsof wickedness,To undothe bandsof the yoke,And to letthe oppressedgofreeAnd breakeveryyoke?"Is it not to divideyour breadwith the hungryAnd bringthe homelesspoorinto the house;Whenyou seethe naked,to coverhim; And not to hideyourself from your own flesh?

"Yet evennow,"declaresthe LORD,"Returnto Me with allyour heart,And with fasting,weepingand mourning;And rendyour heartand not your garments."Now returnto the LORDyour God,For He is graciousand compassionate,Slowto anger,aboundingin lovingkindnessAnd relentingof evil.

And after He had fastedfortydaysand fortynights,He thenbecame hungry.

So I gavemy attentionto the LordGodto seek[Him by] prayerand supplications,with fasting,sackclothand ashes.

While they were ministeringto the Lordand fasting,the HolySpiritsaid,"Set apartfor Me Barnabasand Saulfor the workto whichI have calledthem."Then,when they had fastedand prayedand laidtheir handson them, they sent them away.

Then the peopleof Ninevehbelievedin God;and they calleda fastand puton sackclothfrom the greatestto the leastof them.When the wordreachedthe kingof Nineveh,he arosefrom his throne,laidasidehis robefrom him, covered[himself] with sackclothand saton the ashes.He issueda proclamationand it said,"In Ninevehby the decreeof the kingand his nobles:Do not let man,beast,herd,or flocktastea thing.Do not let them eator drinkwater."But both manand beastmust be coveredwith sackcloth;and let men callon Godearnestlythat eachmay turnfrom his wickedwayand from the violencewhichis in his hands."Whoknows,Godmay turnand relentand withdrawHis burningangerso that we will not perish."When Godsawtheir deeds,that they turnedfrom their wickedway,then Godrelentedconcerningthe calamitywhichHe had declaredHe would bringupon them. And He did not do[it].

Then I proclaimeda fastthereat the riverof Ahava,that we might humbleourselves beforeour Godto seekfrom Him a safejourneyfor us, our littleones,and allour possessions.For I was ashamedto requestfrom the kingtroopsand horsemento protectus from the enemyon the way,becausewe had saidto the king,"The handof our Godis favorablydisposedto allthose who seekHim, but His powerand His angerare againstallthose who forsakeHim."So we fastedand soughtour Godconcerningthis[matter], and He listenedto our entreaty.

Jehoshaphatwas afraidand turnedhis attentionto seekthe LORD,and proclaimeda fastthroughoutallJudah.So Judahgatheredtogether to seekhelp from the LORD;they evencamefrom allthe citiesof Judahto seekthe LORD.

When I heardthesewords,I satdownand weptand mournedfor days;and I was fastingand prayingbeforethe Godof heaven.

Jesus,fullof the HolySpirit,returnedfrom the Jordanand was ledaround by the Spiritin the wildernessfor fortydays,being temptedby the devil.And He atenothingduringthosedays,and when they had ended,He became hungry.

So he was therewith the LORDfortydaysand fortynights;he did not eatbreador drinkwater.And he wroteon the tabletsthe wordsof the covenant,the TenCommandments.

When they had appointedeldersfor them in everychurch,having prayedwith fasting,they commendedthem to the Lordin whomthey had believed.

But as for me, when they were sick,my clothingwas sackcloth;I humbledmy soulwith fasting,And my prayerkept returningto my bosom.I wentabout as though it were my friendor brother;I boweddownmourning,as onewhosorrowsfor a mother.

It cameabout when Ahabheardthesewords,that he torehis clothesand puton sackclothand fasted,and he layin sackclothand wentabout despondently.Then the wordof the LORDcameto Elijahthe Tishbite,saying,"Do you seehowAhabhas humbledhimself beforeMe? Becausehe has humbledhimself beforeMe, I will not bringthe evilin his days,[but] I will bringthe evilupon his housein his son'sdays."

Thenthe disciplesof Johncameto Him, asking,"Whydo we and the Phariseesfast,but Your disciplesdo not fast?"And Jesussaidto them, "The attendantsof the bridegroomcannotmournas longas the bridegroomis with them, can they? But the dayswill comewhenthe bridegroomis taken awayfrom them, and thenthey will fast.

In thosedays,I, Daniel,had beenmourningfor threeentireweeks.I did not eatany tastyfood,nordid meator wineentermy mouth,nordid I useany ointmentat all untilthe entirethreeweekswere completed.

Whyhave we fastedand You do not see?[Why] have we humbledourselvesand You do not notice?'Behold,on the dayof your fastyou find[your] desire,And drivehardallyour workers."Behold,you fastfor contentionand strifeand to strikewith a wickedfist.You do not fastlike [you do] todayto makeyour voiceheardon high."Is it a fastlike thiswhich I choose,a dayfor a manto humblehimself?Is it for bowingone's headlike a reedAnd for spreadingout sackclothand ashesas a bed? Will you callthisa fast,even an acceptabledayto the LORD?

Now on the twenty-fourthdayof thismonththe sonsof Israelassembledwith fasting,in sackclothand with dirtupon them.The descendantsof Israelseparatedthemselves from allforeigners,and stoodand confessedtheir sinsand the iniquitiesof their fathers.

"Sayto allthe peopleof the landand to the priests,'Whenyou fastedand mournedin the fifthand seventhmonths theseseventyyears,was it actuallyfor Me that you fasted?

They gatheredto Mizpah,and drewwaterand pouredit out beforethe LORD,and fastedon that dayand saidthere,"We have sinnedagainst the LORD."And Samueljudgedthe sonsof Israelat Mizpah.

Stopdeprivingone another,exceptby agreementfor a time,sothat you may devote yourselvesto prayer,and cometogetheragainsothat Satanwill not temptyou becauseof your lack of self-control.

["But thiskinddoes not goout exceptby prayerand fasting.]"

When I weptin my soulwith fasting,It becamemy reproach.

Davidtherefore inquiredof Godfor the child;and Davidfastedand wentand layall nighton the ground.

"Go,assembleallthe Jewswho are foundin Susa,and fastfor me; do not eator drinkfor threedays,nightor day.I and my maidensalsowill fastin the sameway.And thusI will goin to the king,whichis not according to the law;and ifI perish,I perish."

Consecratea fast,Proclaima solemnassembly;Gatherthe elders[And] allthe inhabitantsof the landTo the houseof the LORDyour God,And cryout to the LORD.

Then allthe sonsof Israeland allthe peoplewentup and cameto Betheland wept;thus they remainedtherebeforethe LORDand fastedthat dayuntilevening.And they offeredburntofferingsand peaceofferingsbeforethe LORD.

My kneesare weakfrom fasting,And my fleshhas grownlean,withoutfatness.

So he aroseand ateand drank,and wentin the strengthof that foodfortydaysand fortynightsto Horeb,the mountainof God.

Corneliussaid,"Fourdaysagoto thishour,I was prayingin my houseduring the ninth hour;and behold,a manstoodbeforeme in shininggarments,and he said,'Cornelius,your prayerhas been heardand your almshave been rememberedbeforeGod.

Thenthe kingwentoffto his palaceand spentthe nightfasting,and noentertainmentwas broughtbeforehim; and his sleepfledfrom him.

Then the peopleof Ninevehbelievedin God;and they calleda fastand puton sackclothfrom the greatestto the leastof them.

sothat your fastingwill not be noticedby men,but by your Fatherwhois in secret;and your Fatherwhosees[what is done] in secretwill rewardyou.

"Whenthey fast,I am not going to listento their cry;and whenthey offerburntofferingand grain offering,I am not going to acceptthem. RatherI am going to makean endof them by the sword,famineand pestilence."

"Thussaysthe LORDof hosts,'The fastof the fourth,the fastof the fifth,the fastof the seventhand the fastof the tenth[months] will becomejoy,gladness,and cheerfulfeastsfor the houseof Judah;so lovetruthand peace.'

But as for me, when they were sick,my clothingwas sackcloth;I humbledmy soulwith fasting,And my prayerkept returningto my bosom.

Blowa trumpetin Zion,Consecratea fast,proclaima solemnassembly,Gatherthe people,sanctifythe congregation,Assemblethe elders,Gatherthe childrenand the nursinginfants.Let the bridegroomcomeout of his roomAnd the brideout of her [bridal] chamber.

but I disciplinemy bodyand make it my slave,so that, after I have preachedto others,I myselfwill not be disqualified.

When I heardthesewords,I satdownand weptand mournedfor days;and I was fastingand prayingbeforethe Godof heaven.I said,"I beseechYou, O LORDGodof heaven,the greatand awesomeGod,who preservesthe covenantand lovingkindnessfor those who loveHim and keepHis commandments,let Your earnowbe attentiveand Your eyesopento hearthe prayerof Your servantwhichI am prayingbeforeYou now,dayand night,on behalfof the sonsof IsraelYour servants,confessingthe sinsof the sonsof Israelwhichwe have sinnedagainst You; I and my father'shousehave sinned.

It happenedyearafter year,as oftenas she wentup to the houseof the LORD,she would provokeher; so she weptand would not eat.Then Elkanahher husbandsaidto her, "Hannah,whydo you weepand whydo you not eatand whyis your heartsad?Am I not betterto you thantensons?"

While they were ministeringto the Lordand fasting,the HolySpiritsaid,"Set apartfor Me Barnabasand Saulfor the workto whichI have calledthem."

and then as a widowto the ageof eighty-four.She neverleftthe temple,servingnightand daywith fastingsand prayers.

So we fastedand soughtour Godconcerningthis[matter], and He listenedto our entreaty.

Now she wrotein the letters,saying,"Proclaima fastand seatNabothat the headof the people;

Now whileI was speakingand praying,and confessingmy sinand the sinof my peopleIsrael,and presentingmy supplicationbeforethe LORDmy Godin behalfof the holymountainof my God,whileI was stillspeakingin prayer,then the manGabriel,whomI had seenin the visionpreviously,cameto me in [my] extremewearinessabout the timeof the eveningoffering.He gave[me] instructionand talkedwith me and said,"O Daniel,I have nowcomeforthto giveyou insightwith understanding."At the beginningof your supplicationsthe commandwas issued,and I have cometo tell[you], for you are highlyesteemed;so giveheedto the messageand gainunderstandingof the vision.

They mournedand weptand fasteduntileveningfor Sauland his sonJonathanand for the peopleof the LORDand the houseof Israel,becausethey had fallenby the sword.

Then allthe sonsof Israeland allthe peoplewentup and cameto Betheland wept;thus they remainedtherebeforethe LORDand fastedthat dayuntilevening.And they offeredburntofferingsand peaceofferingsbeforethe LORD.The sonsof Israelinquiredof the LORD(for the arkof the covenantof God[was] therein thosedays,and Phinehasthe sonof Eleazar,Aaron'sson,stoodbeforeit to [minister] in thosedays),saying,"Shall I yetagaingoout to battleagainstthe sonsof my brotherBenjamin,orshall I cease?"And the LORDsaid,"Goup, for tomorrowI will deliverthem into your hand."

Consecratea fast,Proclaima solemnassembly;Gatherthe elders[And] allthe inhabitantsof the landTo the houseof the LORDyour God,And cryout to the LORD.Alasfor the day!For the dayof the LORDis near,And it will comeas destructionfrom the Almighty.

"But [the] dayswill come;and whenthe bridegroomis taken awayfrom them, thenthey will fastin thosedays."

to establishthesedaysof Purimat their appointedtimes,justas Mordecaithe Jewand QueenEstherhad establishedfor them, and justas they had establishedfor themselvesand for their descendantswith instructionsfor their timesof fastingand their lamentations.

"Cryloudly,do not holdback;Raiseyour voicelike a trumpet,And declareto My peopletheir transgressionAnd to the houseof Jacobtheir sins."Yet they seekMe dayby dayand delightto knowMy ways,As a nationthat has donerighteousnessAnd has not forsakenthe ordinanceof their God.They askMe [for] justdecisions,They delightin the nearnessof God.Whyhave we fastedand You do not see?[Why] have we humbledourselvesand You do not notice?'Behold,on the dayof your fastyou find[your] desire,And drivehardallyour workers."Behold,you fastfor contentionand strifeand to strikewith a wickedfist.You do not fastlike [you do] todayto makeyour voiceheardon high."Is it a fastlike thiswhich I choose,a dayfor a manto humblehimself?Is it for bowingone's headlike a reedAnd for spreadingout sackclothand ashesas a bed? Will you callthisa fast,even an acceptabledayto the LORD?"Is thisnot the fastwhich I choose,To loosenthe bondsof wickedness,To undothe bandsof the yoke,And to letthe oppressedgofreeAnd breakeveryyoke?"Is it not to divideyour breadwith the hungryAnd bringthe homelesspoorinto the house;Whenyou seethe naked,to coverhim; And not to hideyourself from your own flesh?"Thenyour lightwill breakout like the dawn,And your recoverywill speedilyspringforth;And your righteousnesswill gobeforeyou; The gloryof the LORDwill be your rearguard."Thenyou will call,and the LORDwill answer;You will cry,and He will say,'HereI am.' Ifyou removethe yokefrom your midst,The pointingof the fingerand speakingwickedness,

ThenJesuswas ledup by the Spiritinto the wildernessto be temptedby the devil.And after He had fastedfortydaysand fortynights,He thenbecame hungry.And the temptercameand saidto Him, "IfYou are the Sonof God,commandthat thesestonesbecomebread."But He answeredand said,"It is written,MANSHALL NOT LIVEON BREADALONE,BUT ON EVERYWORDTHAT PROCEEDSOUT OF THE MOUTHOF GOD.'"

and My peoplewhoare calledby My namehumblethemselves and prayand seekMy faceand turnfrom their wickedways,then I will hearfrom heaven,will forgivetheir sinand will healtheir land.

Untilthe daywas aboutto dawn,Paulwas encouragingthem allto takesome food,saying,"Todayis the fourteenthdaythat you have been constantlywatchingand going without eating,having takennothing."ThereforeI encourageyou to takesome food,for thisis for your preservation,for not a hairfrom the headof anyof you will perish."

Thenthe kingwentoffto his palaceand spentthe nightfasting,and noentertainmentwas broughtbeforehim; and his sleepfledfrom him.Thenthe kingaroseat dawn,at the breakof day,and wentin hasteto the lions'den.When he had comenearthe dento Daniel,he criedout with a troubledvoice.The kingspokeand saidto Daniel,"Daniel,servantof the livingGod,has your God,whomyou constantlyserve,beenableto deliveryou from the lions?"

And Jesussaidto them, "The attendantsof the bridegroomcannotmournas longas the bridegroomis with them, can they? But the dayswill comewhenthe bridegroomis taken awayfrom them, and thenthey will fast.

For zealfor Your househas consumedme, And the reproachesof those who reproachYou have fallenon me.When I weptin my soulwith fasting,It becamemy reproach.

Now in the fifthyearof Jehoiakimthe sonof Josiah,kingof Judah,in the ninthmonth,allthe peoplein Jerusalemand allthe peoplewho camefrom the citiesof Judahto Jerusalemproclaimeda fastbeforethe LORD.

Blowa trumpetin Zion,Consecratea fast,proclaima solemnassembly,

When the wordreachedthe kingof Nineveh,he arosefrom his throne,laidasidehis robefrom him, covered[himself] with sackclothand saton the ashes.He issueda proclamationand it said,"In Ninevehby the decreeof the kingand his nobles:Do not let man,beast,herd,or flocktastea thing.Do not let them eator drinkwater."But both manand beastmust be coveredwith sackcloth;and let men callon Godearnestlythat eachmay turnfrom his wickedwayand from the violencewhichis in his hands."Whoknows,Godmay turnand relentand withdrawHis burningangerso that we will not perish."

Then Ezrarosefrom beforethe houseof Godand wentinto the chamberof Jehohananthe sonof Eliashib.Although he wentthere,he did not eatbreadnordrinkwater,for he was mourningoverthe unfaithfulnessof the exiles.

They tooktheir bonesand buriedthem underthe tamarisktreeat Jabesh,and fastedsevendays.

Now on the twenty-fourthdayof thismonththe sonsof Israelassembledwith fasting,in sackclothand with dirtupon them.The descendantsof Israelseparatedthemselves from allforeigners,and stoodand confessedtheir sinsand the iniquitiesof their fathers.While they stoodin their place,they readfrom the bookof the lawof the LORDtheir Godfor a fourthof the day;and for [another] fourththey confessedand worshipedthe LORDtheir God.

[I have been] in laborand hardship,throughmanysleepless nights,in hungerand thirst,oftenwithout food,in coldand exposure.

And he was threedayswithoutsight,and neitheratenordrank.

"When I wentup to the mountainto receivethe tabletsof stone,the tabletsof the covenantwhichthe LORDhad madewith you, then I remainedon the mountainfortydaysand nights;I neitheratebreadnordrankwater.

Then allthe sonsof Israeland allthe peoplewentup and cameto Betheland wept;thus they remainedtherebeforethe LORDand fastedthat dayuntilevening.And they offeredburntofferingsand peaceofferingsbeforethe LORD.The sonsof Israelinquiredof the LORD(for the arkof the covenantof God[was] therein thosedays,

Now the menof Israelwere hard-pressedon that day,for Saulhad putthe peopleunderoath,saying,"Cursedbe the manwhoeatsfoodbeforeevening,and untilI have avengedmyself on my enemies."So noneof the peopletastedfood.

"Wheneveryou fast,do not puton a gloomy faceas the hypocrites[do], for they neglecttheir appearancesothat they will be noticedby menwhen they are fasting.TrulyI sayto you, they havetheir rewardin full.

I fasttwicea week;I pay tithesof allthat I get.'

I did not eatany tastyfood,nordid meator wineentermy mouth,nordid I useany ointmentat all untilthe entirethreeweekswere completed.

But You, O GOD,the Lord,deal[kindly] with me for Your name'ssake;BecauseYour lovingkindnessis good,deliverme;For I am afflictedand needy,And my heartis woundedwithinme.I am passinglike a shadowwhen it lengthens;I am shakenofflike the locust.My kneesare weakfrom fasting,And my fleshhas grownlean,withoutfatness.

Then I proclaimeda fastthereat the riverof Ahava,that we might humbleourselves beforeour Godto seekfrom Him a safejourneyfor us, our littleones,and allour possessions.

"But both manand beastmust be coveredwith sackcloth;and let men callon Godearnestlythat eachmay turnfrom his wickedwayand from the violencewhichis in his hands.

Mosesenteredthe midstof the cloudas he wentup to the mountain;and Moseswas on the mountainfortydaysand fortynights.

They proclaimeda fastand seatedNabothat the headof the people.

Thenthe disciplesof Johncameto Him, asking,"Whydo we and the Phariseesfast,but Your disciplesdo not fast?"And Jesussaidto them, "The attendantsof the bridegroomcannotmournas longas the bridegroomis with them, can they? But the dayswill comewhenthe bridegroomis taken awayfrom them, and thenthey will fast."But no oneputsa patchof unshrunkclothon an oldgarment;for the patchpulls awayfrom the garment,and a worsetearresults."Nordo [people] putnewwineinto oldwineskins;otherwisethe wineskinsburst,and the winepoursout and the wineskinsare ruined;but they putnewwineinto freshwineskins,and bothare preserved."

In eachand everyprovincewherethe commandand decreeof the kingcame,there was greatmourningamong the Jews,with fasting,weepingand wailing;and manylayon sackclothand ashes.

Jehoshaphatwas afraidand turnedhis attentionto seekthe LORD,and proclaimeda fastthroughoutallJudah.

"Is thisnot the fastwhich I choose,To loosenthe bondsof wickedness,To undothe bandsof the yoke,And to letthe oppressedgofreeAnd breakeveryyoke?"Is it not to divideyour breadwith the hungryAnd bringthe homelesspoorinto the house;Whenyou seethe naked,to coverhim; And not to hideyourself from your own flesh?"Thenyour lightwill breakout like the dawn,And your recoverywill speedilyspringforth;And your righteousnesswill gobeforeyou; The gloryof the LORDwill be your rearguard."Thenyou will call,and the LORDwill answer;You will cry,and He will say,'HereI am.' Ifyou removethe yokefrom your midst,The pointingof the fingerand speakingwickedness,And if you giveyourselfto the hungryAnd satisfythe desireof the afflicted,Then your lightwill risein darknessAnd your gloom[will become] like midday."And the LORDwill continuallyguideyou, And satisfyyour desirein scorchedplaces,And givestrengthto your bones;And you will be like a wateredgarden,And like a springof waterwhosewatersdo not fail."Those from among you will rebuildthe ancientruins;You will raiseup the age-oldfoundations;And you will be calledthe repairerof the breach,The restorerof the streetsin which to dwell.

When I heardthesewords,I satdownand weptand mournedfor days;and I was fastingand prayingbeforethe Godof heaven.I said,"I beseechYou, O LORDGodof heaven,the greatand awesomeGod,who preservesthe covenantand lovingkindnessfor those who loveHim and keepHis commandments,let Your earnowbe attentiveand Your eyesopento hearthe prayerof Your servantwhichI am prayingbeforeYou now,dayand night,on behalfof the sonsof IsraelYour servants,confessingthe sinsof the sonsof Israelwhichwe have sinnedagainst You; I and my father'shousehave sinned."We have actedverycorruptlyagainst You and have not keptthe commandments,northe statutes,northe ordinanceswhichYou commandedYour servantMoses."Rememberthe wordwhichYou commandedYour servantMoses,saying,If you are unfaithfulI will scatteryou among the peoples;but [if] you returnto Me and keepMy commandmentsand dothem, thoughthose of you who have been scatteredwere in the mostremotepartof the heavens,I will gatherthem from thereand will bringthem to the placewhereI have chosento cause My nameto dwell.'"They are Your servantsand Your peoplewhomYou redeemedby Your greatpowerand by Your stronghand."OLord,I beseechYou, may Your earbe attentiveto the prayerof Your servantand the prayerof Your servantswho delightto revereYour name,and makeYour servantsuccessfultodayand granthim compassionbeforethisman."Now I was the cupbearerto the king.

"Pleasetestyour servantsfor tendays,and let us be givensomevegetablesto eatand waterto drink.

They gatheredto Mizpah,and drewwaterand pouredit out beforethe LORD,and fastedon that dayand saidthere,"We have sinnedagainst the LORD."And Samueljudgedthe sonsof Israelat Mizpah.Now when the Philistinesheardthat the sonsof Israelhad gatheredto Mizpah,the lordsof the Philistineswentup againstIsrael.And when the sonsof Israelheardit, they were afraidof the Philistines.Then the sonsof Israelsaidto Samuel,"Do not ceaseto cryto the LORDour Godfor us, that He may saveus from the handof the Philistines."

Then the LORDwill be zealousfor His landAnd will havepityon His people.

But at the eveningofferingI arosefrom my humiliation,even with my garmentand my robetorn,and I fellon my kneesand stretchedout my handsto the LORDmy God;

Corneliussaid,"Fourdaysagoto thishour,I was prayingin my houseduring the ninth hour;and behold,a manstoodbeforeme in shininggarments,

But the manof Godsaidto the king,"Ifyou were to giveme halfyour houseI would not gowith you, norwould I eatbreador drinkwaterin thisplace."For soit was commandedme by the wordof the LORD,saying,'You shall eatnobread,nordrinkwater,norreturnby the waywhichyou came.'"

Then he saidto me, "Do not be afraid,Daniel,for from the firstdaythat you setyour hearton understanding[this] and on humblingyourself beforeyour God,your wordswere heard,and I have comein response to your words."But the princeof the kingdomof Persiawas withstandingme for twenty-onedays;then behold,Michael,oneof the chiefprinces,cameto helpme, for I had been lefttherewith the kingsof Persia.

As the deerpantsfor the waterbrooks,Somy soulpantsfor You, O God.My soulthirstsfor God,for the livingGod;Whenshall I comeand appearbeforeGod?

Now I assembledthem at the riverthat runsto Ahava,wherewe campedfor threedays;and when I observedthe peopleand the priests,I did not findanyLevitesthere.So I sentfor Eliezer,Ariel,Shemaiah,Elnathan,Jarib,Elnathan,Nathan,Zechariahand Meshullam,leadingmen,and for Joiariband Elnathan,teachers.I sentthem to Iddothe leadingmanat the placeCasiphia;and I toldthem whatto sayto Iddo[and] his brothers,the templeservantsat the placeCasiphia,[that is], to bringministersto us for the houseof our God.According to the goodhandof our Godupon us they broughtus a manof insightof the sonsof Mahli,the sonof Levi,the sonof Israel,namely Sherebiah,and his sonsand brothers,18men;and Hashabiahand Jeshaiahof the sonsof Merari,with his brothersand their sons,20men;and 220of the templeservants,whomDavidand the princeshad givenfor the serviceof the Levites,allof them designatedby name.Then I proclaimeda fastthereat the riverof Ahava,that we might humbleourselves beforeour Godto seekfrom Him a safejourneyfor us, our littleones,and allour possessions.For I was ashamedto requestfrom the kingtroopsand horsemento protectus from the enemyon the way,becausewe had saidto the king,"The handof our Godis favorablydisposedto allthose who seekHim, but His powerand His angerare againstallthose who forsakeHim."So we fastedand soughtour Godconcerningthis[matter], and He listenedto our entreaty.

ThenJesuswas ledup by the Spiritinto the wildernessto be temptedby the devil.And after He had fastedfortydaysand fortynights,He thenbecame hungry.And the temptercameand saidto Him, "IfYou are the Sonof God,commandthat thesestonesbecomebread."But He answeredand said,"It is written,MANSHALL NOT LIVEON BREADALONE,BUT ON EVERYWORDTHAT PROCEEDSOUT OF THE MOUTHOF GOD.'"Thenthe deviltookHim into the holycityand had Him standon the pinnacleof the temple,and saidto Him, "IfYou are the Sonof God,throwYourselfdown;for it is written,HE WILL COMMANDHIS ANGELSCONCERNINGYOU'; and 'ON [their] HANDSTHEY WILL BEARYOU UP, SOTHAT YOU WILL NOT STRIKEYOUR FOOTAGAINSTA STONE.'"Jesussaidto him, "On the other hand,it is written,YOU SHALL NOT PUTTHE LORDYOUR GODTO THE TEST.'"Again,the deviltookHim to a veryhighmountainand showedHim allthe kingdomsof the worldand their glory;and he saidto Him, "Allthese thingsI will giveYou, ifYou fall downand worshipme."ThenJesussaidto him, "Go,Satan!For it is written,YOU SHALL WORSHIPTHE LORDYOUR GOD,AND SERVEHIM ONLY.'"Thenthe devilleftHim; and behold,angelscameand [began] to ministerto Him.

And they saidto Him, "The disciplesof Johnoftenfastand offerprayers,the [disciples] of the Phariseesalsodo the same,but Yourseatand drink."And Jesussaidto them, "You cannotmakethe attendantsof the bridegroomfastwhilethe bridegroomis with them, can you?"But [the] dayswill come;and whenthe bridegroomis taken awayfrom them, thenthey will fastin thosedays."

The sonsof Israelinquiredof the LORD(for the arkof the covenantof God[was] therein thosedays,and Phinehasthe sonof Eleazar,Aaron'sson,stoodbeforeit to [minister] in thosedays),saying,"Shall I yetagaingoout to battleagainstthe sonsof my brotherBenjamin,orshall I cease?"And the LORDsaid,"Goup, for tomorrowI will deliverthem into your hand."

In the firstyearof Dariusthe sonof Ahasuerus,of Mediandescent,whowas madekingoverthe kingdomof the Chaldeans--in the firstyearof his reign,I, Daniel,observedin the booksthe numberof the yearswhichwas [revealed as] the wordof the LORDto Jeremiahthe prophetfor the completionof the desolationsof Jerusalem,[namely], seventyyears.So I gavemy attentionto the LordGodto seek[Him by] prayerand supplications,with fasting,sackclothand ashes.

So Nathanwentto his house.Then the LORDstruckthe childthat Uriah'swidowboreto David,so that he was [very] sick.Davidtherefore inquiredof Godfor the child;and Davidfastedand wentand layall nighton the ground.The eldersof his householdstoodbesidehim in order to raisehim up from the ground,but he was unwillingand would not eatfoodwith them.Then it happenedon the seventhdaythat the childdied.And the servantsof Davidwere afraidto tellhim that the childwas dead,for they said,"Behold,while the childwas [still] alive,we spoketo him and he did not listento our voice.Howthen can we tellhim that the childis dead,since he might do[himself] harm!"But when Davidsawthat his servantswere whisperingtogether, Davidperceivedthat the childwas dead;so Davidsaidto his servants,"Is the childdead?"And they said,"He is dead."So Davidarosefrom the ground,washed,anointed[himself], and changedhis clothes;and he cameinto the houseof the LORDand worshiped.Then he cameto his own house,and when he requested,they setfoodbefore him and he ate.Then his servantssaidto him, "Whatis thisthingthat you have done?Whilethe childwas alive,you fastedand wept;but whenthe childdied,you aroseand atefood."He said,"While the childwas [still] alive,I fastedand wept;for I said,Whoknows,the LORDmay be graciousto me, that the childmay live.'"But nowhe has died;whyshould I fast?CanI bringhim backagain?I will goto him, but he will not returnto me."

Girdyourselves[with sackcloth] And lament,O priests;Wail,O ministersof the altar!Come,spendthe nightin sackclothO ministersof my God,For the grain offeringand the drinkofferingAre withheldfrom the houseof your God.Consecratea fast,Proclaima solemnassembly;Gatherthe elders[And] allthe inhabitantsof the landTo the houseof the LORDyour God,And cryout to the LORD.

I said,"I beseechYou, O LORDGodof heaven,the greatand awesomeGod,who preservesthe covenantand lovingkindnessfor those who loveHim and keepHis commandments,let Your earnowbe attentiveand Your eyesopento hearthe prayerof Your servantwhichI am prayingbeforeYou now,dayand night,on behalfof the sonsof IsraelYour servants,confessingthe sinsof the sonsof Israelwhichwe have sinnedagainst You; I and my father'shousehave sinned."We have actedverycorruptlyagainst You and have not keptthe commandments,northe statutes,northe ordinanceswhichYou commandedYour servantMoses."Rememberthe wordwhichYou commandedYour servantMoses,saying,If you are unfaithfulI will scatteryou among the peoples;but [if] you returnto Me and keepMy commandmentsand dothem, thoughthose of you who have been scatteredwere in the mostremotepartof the heavens,I will gatherthem from thereand will bringthem to the placewhereI have chosento cause My nameto dwell.'"They are Your servantsand Your peoplewhomYou redeemedby Your greatpowerand by Your stronghand."OLord,I beseechYou, may Your earbe attentiveto the prayerof Your servantand the prayerof Your servantswho delightto revereYour name,and makeYour servantsuccessfultodayand granthim compassionbeforethisman."Now I was the cupbearerto the king.

When I weptin my soulwith fasting,It becamemy reproach.When I madesackclothmy clothing,I becamea bywordto them.

And if you giveyourselfto the hungryAnd satisfythe desireof the afflicted,Then your lightwill risein darknessAnd your gloom[will become] like midday."And the LORDwill continuallyguideyou, And satisfyyour desirein scorchedplaces,And givestrengthto your bones;And you will be like a wateredgarden,And like a springof waterwhosewatersdo not fail.

But Danielmadeup his mindthat he would not defilehimself with the king'schoicefoodor with the winewhichhe drank;so he sought[permission] from the commanderof the officialsthat he might not defilehimself.Now GodgrantedDanielfavorand compassionin the sightof the commanderof the officials,and the commanderof the officialssaidto Daniel,"I am afraidof my lordthe king,whohas appointedyour foodand your drink;for whyshould he seeyour faceslookingmorehaggardthanthe youthswhoare your own age?Then you would make me forfeitmy headto the king."But Danielsaidto the overseerwhomthe commanderof the officialshad appointedoverDaniel,Hananiah,Mishaeland Azariah,"Pleasetestyour servantsfor tendays,and let us be givensomevegetablesto eatand waterto drink."Then let our appearancebe observedin your presenceand the appearanceof the youthswhoare eatingthe king'schoicefood;and dealwith your servantsaccording to whatyou see."So he listenedto them in thismatterand testedthem for tendays.At the endof tendaystheir appearanceseemedbetterand they were fatterthanallthe youthswhohad been eatingthe king'schoicefood.So the overseercontinuedto withholdtheir choicefoodand the winethey were to drink,and keptgivingthem vegetables.

"But you, whenyou pray,gointo your inner room,closeyour doorand prayto your Fatherwhois in secret,and your Fatherwhosees[what is done] in secretwill rewardyou.

Now I assembledthem at the riverthat runsto Ahava,wherewe campedfor threedays;and when I observedthe peopleand the priests,I did not findanyLevitesthere.

Then Davidsaidto Abiatharthe priest,the sonof Ahimelech,"Pleasebringme the ephod."So Abiatharbroughtthe ephodto David.Davidinquiredof the LORD,saying,"Shall I pursuethisband?Shall I overtakethem?" And He saidto him, "Pursue,for you will surelyovertakethem, and you will surelyrescue[all]."

O God,You are my God;I shall seekYou earnestly;My soulthirstsfor You, my fleshyearnsfor You, In a dryand wearylandwhere there is nowater.ThusI have seenYou in the sanctuary,To seeYour powerand Your glory.BecauseYour lovingkindnessis betterthanlife,My lipswill praiseYou.SoI will blessYou as long as I live;I will liftup my handsin Your name.My soulis satisfiedas with marrowand fatness,And my mouthofferspraiseswith joyfullips.

He prayedto the LORDand said,"PleaseLORD,was not thiswhatI saidwhileI was stillin my [own] country?Thereforein order to forestallthis I fledto Tarshish,for I knewthat You are a graciousand compassionateGod,slowto angerand abundantin lovingkindness,and one who relentsconcerningcalamity.

O tasteand seethat the LORDis good;How blessedis the manwho takesrefugein Him!O fearthe LORD,you His saints;For to those who fearHim thereis nowant.The younglionsdo lackand sufferhunger;But they who seekthe LORDshall not be in wantof anygoodthing.

My soullongedand evenyearnedfor the courtsof the LORD;My heartand my fleshsingfor joyto the livingGod.

Let them givethanksto the LORDfor His lovingkindness,And for His wondersto the sonsof men!For He has satisfiedthe thirstysoul,And the hungrysoulHe has filledwith whatis good.

And there was a prophetess,Annathe daughterof Phanuel,of the tribeof Asher.She was advancedin yearsand had livedwith [her] husbandsevenyearsafterher marriage,and then as a widowto the ageof eighty-four.She neverleftthe temple,servingnightand daywith fastingsand prayers.

Then he saidto them, "Go,eatof the fat,drinkof the sweet,and sendportionsto him who has nothingprepared;for this dayis holyto our Lord.Do not be grieved,for the joyof the LORDis your strength."

Then the LORDwill be zealousfor His landAnd will havepityon His people.The LORDwill answerand sayto His people,"Behold,I am going to sendyou grain,newwineand oil,And you will be satisfied[in full] with them; And I will neveragainmakeyou a reproachamong the nations.

Then Mordecairecordedtheseevents,and he sentlettersto allthe Jewswhowere in allthe provincesof KingAhasuerus,both nearand far,obligingthem to celebratethe fourteenthdayof the monthAdar,and the fifteenthdayof the same month, annually,because on those daysthe Jewsridthemselvesof their enemies,and [it was a] monthwhichwas turnedfor them from sorrowinto gladnessand from mourninginto a holiday;that they should makethem daysof feastingand rejoicingand sendingportions[of food] to oneanotherand giftsto the poor.

Nowthere were at Antioch,in the churchthat was [there], prophetsand teachers:Barnabas,and Simeonwho was calledNiger,and Luciusof Cyrene,and Manaenwho had been broughtup with Herodthe tetrarch,and Saul.While they were ministeringto the Lordand fasting,the HolySpiritsaid,"Set apartfor Me Barnabasand Saulfor the workto whichI have calledthem."Then,when they had fastedand prayedand laidtheir handson them, they sent them away.

"Ifbecauseof the sabbath,you turnyour footFrom doingyour [own] pleasureon My holyday,And callthe sabbatha delight,the holy[day] of the LORDhonorable,And honorit, desistingfrom your [own] ways,From seekingyour [own] pleasureAnd speaking[your own] word,Thenyou will takedelightin the LORD,And I will make you rideon the heightsof the earth;And I will feedyou [with] the heritageof Jacobyour father,For the mouthof the LORDhas spoken."

Now it cameabout afterthisthat the sonsof Moaband the sonsof Ammon,togetherwith someof the Meunites,cameto make waragainstJehoshaphat.Then some cameand reportedto Jehoshaphat,saying,"A greatmultitudeis comingagainstyou from beyondthe sea,out of Aramand behold,they are in Hazazon-tamar(that is Engedi)."Jehoshaphatwas afraidand turnedhis attentionto seekthe LORD,and proclaimeda fastthroughoutallJudah.So Judahgatheredtogether to seekhelp from the LORD;they evencamefrom allthe citiesof Judahto seekthe LORD.Then Jehoshaphatstoodin the assemblyof Judahand Jerusalem,in the houseof the LORDbeforethe newcourt,and he said,"O LORD,the Godof our fathers,are You not Godin the heavens?And are You not ruleroverallthe kingdomsof the nations?Powerand mightare in Your handso that noonecan standagainstYou."Did You not, O our God,driveout the inhabitantsof thislandbeforeYour peopleIsraeland giveit to the descendantsof AbrahamYour friendforever?"They have livedin it, and have builtYou a sanctuarythere for Your name,saying,Shouldevilcomeupon us, the sword,[or] judgment,or pestilence,or famine,we will standbeforethishouseand beforeYou (for Your nameis in thishouse)and cryto You in our distress,and You will hearand deliver[us].'"Nowbehold,the sonsof Ammonand Moaband MountSeir,whomYou did not letIsraelinvadewhen they cameout of the landof Egypt(they turnedasidefrom them and did not destroythem),see[how] they are rewardingus by comingto driveus out from Your possessionwhichYou have givenus as an inheritance."O our God,will You not judgethem? For we are powerlessbeforethisgreatmultitudewho are comingagainstus; nordo we knowwhatto do,but our eyesare on You."AllJudahwas standingbeforethe LORD,with their infants,their wivesand their children.Then in the midstof the assemblythe Spiritof the LORDcameupon Jahazielthe sonof Zechariah,the sonof Benaiah,the sonof Jeiel,the sonof Mattaniah,the Leviteof the sonsof Asaph;and he said,"Listen,allJudahand the inhabitantsof Jerusalemand KingJehoshaphat:thussaysthe LORDto you, 'Do not fearor be dismayedbecauseof thisgreatmultitude,for the battleis not yours but God's.Tomorrowgodownagainstthem. Behold,they will comeup by the ascentof Ziz,and you will findthem at the endof the valleyin frontof the wildernessof Jeruel.You [need] not fightin this[battle]; stationyourselves, standand seethe salvationof the LORDon your behalf,O Judahand Jerusalem.'Do not fearor be dismayed;tomorrowgoout to facethem, for the LORDis with you."Jehoshaphatbowedhis head with [his] faceto the ground,and allJudahand the inhabitantsof Jerusalemfelldownbeforethe LORD,worshipingthe LORD.The Levites,from the sonsof the Kohathitesand of the sonsof the Korahites,stoodup to praisethe LORDGodof Israel,with a veryloudvoice.They roseearlyin the morningand wentout to the wildernessof Tekoa;and when they wentout, Jehoshaphatstoodand said,"Listento me, O Judahand inhabitantsof Jerusalem,putyour trustin the LORDyour Godand you will be established.Putyour trustin His prophetsand succeed."When he had consultedwith the people,he appointedthose who sangto the LORDand those who praised[Him] in holyattire,as they wentout beforethe armyand said,"Givethanksto the LORD,for His lovingkindnessis everlasting."Whenthey begansingingand praising,the LORDsetambushesagainstthe sonsof Ammon,Moaband MountSeir,who had comeagainst Judah;so they were routed.For the sonsof Ammonand Moabroseup againstthe inhabitantsof MountSeirdestroying[them] completely;and when they had finishedwith the inhabitantsof Seir,they helpedto destroyoneanother.When Judahcameto the lookoutof the wilderness,they lookedtowardthe multitude,and behold,they [were] corpseslyingon the ground,and noonehad escaped.When Jehoshaphatand his peoplecameto taketheir spoil,they foundmuchamong them, [including] goods,garmentsand valuablethingswhich they tookfor themselves, more thanthey could carry.And they were threedaystakingthe spoilbecausethere was so much.Then on the fourthdaythey assembledin the valleyof Beracah,for therethey blessedthe LORD.Thereforethey have namedthat place"The Valleyof Beracah"untiltoday.Everymanof Judahand Jerusalemreturnedwith Jehoshaphatat their head,returningto Jerusalemwith joy,for the LORDhad made them to rejoiceovertheir enemies.They cameto Jerusalemwith harps,lyresand trumpetsto the houseof the LORD.And the dreadof Godwas on allthe kingdomsof the landswhen they heardthat the LORDhad foughtagainstthe enemiesof Israel.So the kingdomof Jehoshaphatwas at peace,for his Godgavehim reston allsides.

But Danielsaidto the overseerwhomthe commanderof the officialshad appointedoverDaniel,Hananiah,Mishaeland Azariah,"Pleasetestyour servantsfor tendays,and let us be givensomevegetablesto eatand waterto drink.

It cameabout when Ahabheardthesewords,that he torehis clothesand puton sackclothand fasted,and he layin sackclothand wentabout despondently.

Now the sonsof Israelarose,wentup to Bethel,and inquiredof Godand said,"Whoshall goup firstfor us to battleagainstthe sonsof Benjamin?"Then the LORDsaid,"Judah[shall go up] first."So the sonsof Israelarosein the morningand campedagainstGibeah.The menof Israelwentout to battleagainstBenjamin,and the menof Israelarrayedfor battleagainstthem at Gibeah.Then the sonsof Benjamincameout of Gibeahand felledto the groundon that day22000menof Israel.But the people,the menof Israel,encouragedthemselves and arrayedfor battleagainin the placewherethey had arrayedthemselves the firstday.The sonsof Israelwentup and weptbeforethe LORDuntilevening,and inquiredof the LORD,saying,"Shall we againdrawnearfor battleagainstthe sonsof my brotherBenjamin?"And the LORDsaid,"Goup againsthim."Then the sonsof Israelcameagainstthe sonsof Benjaminthe secondday.Benjaminwentout againstthem from Gibeahthe seconddayand felledto the groundagain18000menof the sonsof Israel;allthesedrewthe sword.Then allthe sonsof Israeland allthe peoplewentup and cameto Betheland wept;thus they remainedtherebeforethe LORDand fastedthat dayuntilevening.And they offeredburntofferingsand peaceofferingsbeforethe LORD.

And after He had fastedfortydaysand fortynights,He thenbecame hungry.And the temptercameand saidto Him, "IfYou are the Sonof God,commandthat thesestonesbecomebread."But He answeredand said,"It is written,MANSHALL NOT LIVEON BREADALONE,BUT ON EVERYWORDTHAT PROCEEDSOUT OF THE MOUTHOF GOD.'"

"Thenyou will call,and the LORDwill answer;You will cry,and He will say,'HereI am.' Ifyou removethe yokefrom your midst,The pointingof the fingerand speakingwickedness,And if you giveyourselfto the hungryAnd satisfythe desireof the afflicted,Then your lightwill risein darknessAnd your gloom[will become] like midday.

Consecratea fast,Proclaima solemnassembly;Gatherthe elders[And] allthe inhabitantsof the landTo the houseof the LORDyour God,And cryout to the LORD.Alasfor the day!For the dayof the LORDis near,And it will comeas destructionfrom the Almighty.Has not foodbeen cutoffbeforeour eyes,Gladnessand joyfrom the houseof our God?

He issueda proclamationand it said,"In Ninevehby the decreeof the kingand his nobles:Do not let man,beast,herd,or flocktastea thing.Do not let them eator drinkwater."But both manand beastmust be coveredwith sackcloth;and let men callon Godearnestlythat eachmay turnfrom his wickedwayand from the violencewhichis in his hands."Whoknows,Godmay turnand relentand withdrawHis burningangerso that we will not perish."When Godsawtheir deeds,that they turnedfrom their wickedway,then Godrelentedconcerningthe calamitywhichHe had declaredHe would bringupon them. And He did not do[it].

While they stoodin their place,they readfrom the bookof the lawof the LORDtheir Godfor a fourthof the day;and for [another] fourththey confessedand worshipedthe LORDtheir God.

So Nathanwentto his house.Then the LORDstruckthe childthat Uriah'swidowboreto David,so that he was [very] sick.Davidtherefore inquiredof Godfor the child;and Davidfastedand wentand layall nighton the ground.

Thenthe kingwentoffto his palaceand spentthe nightfasting,and noentertainmentwas broughtbeforehim; and his sleepfledfrom him.Thenthe kingaroseat dawn,at the breakof day,and wentin hasteto the lions'den.When he had comenearthe dento Daniel,he criedout with a troubledvoice.The kingspokeand saidto Daniel,"Daniel,servantof the livingGod,has your God,whomyou constantlyserve,beenableto deliveryou from the lions?"ThenDanielspoketo the king,"O king,liveforever!"My GodsentHis angeland shutthe lions'mouthsand they have not harmedme, inasmuchas I was foundinnocentbeforeHim; and alsotowardyou, O king,I have committednocrime."Thenthe kingwas verypleasedand gaveordersfor Danielto be takenup out of the den.So Danielwas takenup out of the denand noinjurywhateverwas foundon him, becausehe had trustedin his God.The kingthen gaveorders,and they broughtthosemenwhohad maliciouslyaccusedDaniel,and they castthem, their childrenand their wivesinto the lions'den;and they had not reachedthe bottomof the denbeforethe lionsoverpoweredthem and crushedalltheir bones.

for fortydays,being temptedby the devil.And He atenothingduringthosedays,and when they had ended,He became hungry.

"But you, when you fast,anointyour headand washyour face

And immediatelythere fellfrom his eyessomething likescales,and he regained his sight,and he gotup and was baptized;and he tookfoodand was strengthened.Nowfor severaldayshe was with the discipleswho were at Damascus,

Then Ezrarosefrom beforethe houseof Godand wentinto the chamberof Jehohananthe sonof Eliashib.Although he wentthere,he did not eatbreadnordrinkwater,for he was mourningoverthe unfaithfulnessof the exiles.They madea proclamationthroughout Judahand Jerusalemto allthe exiles,that they should assembleat Jerusalem,and that whoeverwould not comewithin threedays,according to the counselof the leadersand the elders,allhis possessionsshould be forfeitedand he himselfexcludedfrom the assemblyof the exiles.

"Yet evennow,"declaresthe LORD,"Returnto Me with allyour heart,And with fasting,weepingand mourning;

In the thirdyearof Cyruskingof Persiaa messagewas revealedto Daniel,whowas namedBelteshazzar;and the messagewas true and [one of] greatconflict,but he understoodthe messageand had an understandingof the vision.In thosedays,I, Daniel,had beenmourningfor threeentireweeks.I did not eatany tastyfood,nordid meator wineentermy mouth,nordid I useany ointmentat all untilthe entirethreeweekswere completed.

Everyonewho competes in the gamesexercises self-controlin all things.They then[do it] to receivea perishablewreath,but we an imperishable.ThereforeI runin sucha way,as not without aim;I boxin such a way,as not beatingthe air;but I disciplinemy bodyand make it my slave,so that, after I have preachedto others,I myselfwill not be disqualified.

O tasteand seethat the LORDis good;How blessedis the manwho takesrefugein Him!

O God,You are my God;I shall seekYou earnestly;My soulthirstsfor You, my fleshyearnsfor You, In a dryand wearylandwhere there is nowater.

I prayedto the LORDmy Godand confessedand said,"Alas,O Lord,the greatand awesomeGod,who keepsHis covenantand lovingkindnessfor those who loveHim and keepHis commandments,we have sinned,committediniquity,actedwickedlyand rebelled,even turningasidefrom Your commandmentsand ordinances."Moreover, we have not listenedto Your servantsthe prophets,whospokein Your nameto our kings,our princes,our fathersand allthe peopleof the land.

And they saidto Him, "The disciplesof Johnoftenfastand offerprayers,the [disciples] of the Phariseesalsodo the same,but Yourseatand drink."

Prayer