Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all of our possessions.
Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head like a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? will you call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD?
And this shall be a statute for ever to you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourns among you:
Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be a holy convocation to you; and you shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
It shall be to you a sabbath of rest, and you shall afflict your souls: in the ninth day of the month at evening, from evening until evening, shall you celebrate your sabbath.
But if her husband has completely made them void on the day he heard them; then whatever proceeded out of her lips concerning her vows, or concerning the bond of her soul, shall not stand: her husband has made them void; and the LORD shall forgive her.
But if her husband altogether holds his peace at her from day to day; then he establishes all her vows, or all her bonds, which are upon her: he confirms them, because he held his peace at her in the day that he heard them.
Do not deprive one another, except by agreement for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self control.