HUMBLE YOURSELVES

IN THE SIGHT OF hwhy

Understanding the Key Words Which Scripture
Associates With Fasting

by Craig Wm. Peters

 PREFACE
This study proclaims the good news of the
Kingdom: hwhy reigns! Psalm 97:1, Isaiah 52:7,
Acts 10:36 He is the Sovereign King over all
things and His counsel, plans, and purposes will
stand forever. Proverbs 19:21, Isaiah 46:10 No
one can turn back His stretched out hand; He sits
as King forever although we do not presently see
all things in subjection under His feet. That
which He has determined will come to pass with
or without us, and so it behooves us to humble
ourselves before Him through fasting and prayer,
2Chronicles 34:27, 1Peter 5:6.
This study will present many of the key
words which are spiritually and physically
related to what may be one of the most
momentous and powerful acts of True Worship:
fasting and prayer. There are many beneficial,
books on the topic of fasting and each one brings
forth various aspects of the discipline; a number
of those works provide both practical and
spiritual advice. We are certainly wise to
acquire as much understanding of the subject as
possible, so we encourage each person to seek
the leading of the Spirit in this matter. This
present study offers readers spiritual view of
fasting from the standpoint of Scripture. A few
physical concerns related to fasting are
addressed in our study, but that is not the
ultimate intent of this present work. By learning
the many key words which hwhy Himself
associates with fasting, we find new vistas are
opened to us in the reading and study of
Scripture; as a result we shall be better equipped
to serve our Creator and Redeemer; and we will
be more enabled to serve our fellow man as well.
It is just as James wrote: “The effectual fervent
prayer of a righteous man avails much” …
James 5:16 Hence, if our fasting is effectual, our
fervent prayers may well change the course of
history. This study is offered to assist each
believer in coming to the fullest possible
understanding of the numerous issues which
surround the act of fasting.
The world around us is crumbling: morals
decline daily on a worldwide basis. Even
nations which began as peoples seeking the Most
High Creator are now turning their backs on Him
altogether. Lawlessness is increasing within
many Christian circles and some sectors have
already become totally apostate; for instance,
homosexuality has now become “acceptable”
and many denominations are even “ordaining”
sexual reprobates. In the face of these and many
other rebellious abominations, the wrath of hwhy
will soon be kindled. Psalm 2:11-12, 119:126,
Isaiah 24:5,6 As this ages rushes to a close, our
greatest need is to be delivered from high-
mindedness and to seek the Almighty through
fasting and prayer (Daniel 9:3, Zephaniah 2:3,
Matthew 9:15, 2Corinthians 6:5, 11:27) – that
we might be accounted worthy to number among
those described by the word of hwhy through the
prophet Isaiah:
For thus says the high and lofty One that
inhabits eternity, whose Name is qadosh: I dwell
in the high and set apart place, with him also
that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive
the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart
of the contrite ones … For all those has My hand
made, and all those things have been, says hwhy:
but to this one will I look: to one that is poor and
of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My
word.” Isaiah 57:15, 66:2
The study which follows, then, should be
approached in such a manner as the Word of
hwhy provides much for us to glean regarding
this momentous subject. Nothing will do more
to induce a contrite, broken heart than a life
given to fasting and prayer. For it is through
fasting and prayer that the reality of our
Creator’s great love shall (as it well should) so
powerfully overwhelm us, 2Corinthians 5:14,15;
and it is through fasting and prayer that His
light-filled Presence will greatly increase in and
around our lives, Psalm 34:18, James 4:8. Each
person owes a great duty to the One in whose
hand are held our life-breath and all our ways,
Daniel 5:23, 1Samuel 12:24. Consequently, our
study will show fasting is truly the altar upon
which we may offer to hwhy the ultimate,
personal sacrifice. Psalm 51:17, Romans 12:1
Craig Peters
3/12/2004
Northridge, CA
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 HUMBLE YOURSELVES IN THE SIGHT OF hwhy
Understanding the Key Words
Which Scripture Associates With Fasting
The fear of hwhy is the instruction of wisdom,
and before honor is humility.
Proverbs 15:33

There is much to be gleaned from the Word
of hwhy as we study the instructive principles
revealed by the numerous key words associated
with fasting throughout the Scriptures. As we
consider the many key words so permanently
linked with fasting, we can draw much
instruction and many helpful conclusions from
the written Word. And we will discover these
connecting words are all related in some way as
they reveal the various aspects of the fast as well
as the results in and around the life of one who is
engaged in this most powerful work of
righteousness. We will see fasting and prayer
are the hallmarks of those who seek hwhy “with
the whole heart.” Psalm 119:2
Absolutely no amount of Scripture study can
lead to a true, full, and life-changing
understanding of the Word of hwhy. Armchair
theologians can neither grasp nor elucidate the
greatest truths of the Most High for His spiritual
principles are set in place so that only doers of
the word can be blessed to see and to mine the
great riches of eternal wisdom hidden in His
perfect Law.1
Fasting-derived humility and heartfelt prayer
from those who hunger and thirst for His
Presence, are the indispensable keys to
becoming true doers of the word.
Let us better learn to exalt the One who dwells in
the “high and qodesh place” by humbling
ourselves with fasting and prayer, and He will
then give His Spirit to dwell with us mightily
and to greatly illumine our way with the light of
His shekinah splendor. Isaiah 57:15, 58:8, 60:1-
3, Ephesians 5:14 Numerous Scriptures will be
seen in a new light providing many untold,
unforeseen blessings to our families and brethren
as we, through fasting and prayer, grow in the
amount of favor we can obtain before His throne,
Hebrews 4:16, 2Peter 3:18. Faith and obedience
1 4
Psalm 111:10, 119:98-100, Hosea 14:9, James 1:22-25
– which are best fueled by fasting and prayer –
will cause us to be “filled with the Spirit,”2 while
fasting with prayer in a state of sanctification is
that great weapon through which we are clothed
by and move in “the power of the Spirit.” Luke
4:13,14, 5:16,17 Fasting and prayer are the
means by which hwhy intends His people to go
“from strength to strength,” “from faith to faith,”
from initial trust to a full, complete, and all-
encompassing trust, Psalm 84:7, Romans 1:17,
Jeremiah 17:7. The spiritual strength, humility,
and power of the Spirit3 obtained during a fast
are carried with us as we partake of food once
more and regain physical strength.
Fasting is a vital part of the pilgrim’s earthly
sojourn to the Kingdom which no one will want
to miss. Since the texts which incorporate these
“key words” are far too numerous to include in
our article, readers are requested to look up each
Scripture reference and to discover for
themselves these life-renovating truths; in many
cases, one will note numerous, fasting-related
words and phenomena are seen together in a
single, contextual “lump.” For instance, many
fasting-related words are seen throughout the
book of Job … in Psalm 51 … in Psalm 69 … in
Psalm 102 … in 2Corinthians 7 … and in James
4; and, it is believed, many of those who are
joining our study will be pleasantly surprised to
see numerous fasting-related terms (and results)
in a rather surprising locale. Pay attention and
see if the surprise is revealed before we write of
it in our summary statements. While these
principles are clearly seen in the word of hwhy, it
is still required that one becomes a doer of the
word to understand them the most fully.4 Merely
reading about fasting is entirely different than
actually seeking hwhy with fasting and prayer.
As one seeks hwhy with fasting and prayer, the
truth of our manuscript will become increasingly
2
Luke 4:1
3
2Corinthians 12:9,10, James 4:10
Psalm 111:10, 119:98-100, James 1:22-25

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apparent. However, this process may take a
considerable amount of time: only by being
“doers of the word” in relation to fasting can we
truly understand fasting! Some things in
Scripture are not easily or immediately
understood until the Spirit of hwhy can work
certain principles into our lives and hearts! We
must bind the word upon our hands by becoming
“doers of the word.”5 As we become doers of
His will – that is to say, His Torah6 – greater
understanding is given to our minds by the
Spirit.7 Studying Scripture is only the start of
this great saga, but it is a necessary and,
oftentimes, joyous one! The Scripture citations
which appear within a given, word category are
not numbered, but they are typically listed in
what we shall call “scriptural order.”8 This
format will make our study your study! It will
require each person to read and to study the texts
to which we have only provided a reference.
Please read and study this article the first time in
its given order without looking ahead.
THE KEY WORDS WHICH SCRIPTURE
ASSOCIATES WITH FASTING9
Afflict, Afflicted, Affliction
Leviticus 23:27,32, 2Chronicles 20:3,9, Ezra
8:21, Psalm 35:13, Psalm 102 (title)10, Psalm
102:1-4, Isaiah 58:5, Jonah 1:17-2:2, James 4:9
5 laden and I will give you rest. Take My yoke
Deuteronomy 6:6-8, 11:18, Isaiah 56:2, Matthew 7:24,
Romans 2:13, James 1:22-25, 4:11
6
Psalm 37:31, 40:8, Isaiah 51:7, Jeremiah 31:31-33,
Ezekiel 26:36,37 < > 2Corinthians 3:2,3, Romans 2:18,
Hebrews 8:8-10, 1John 5:2,3
7
Psalm 111:10, 119:99,100, James 1:25
8
i.e., from Genesis to Revelation.
9
An important note: the key words we discuss are clearly
connected to fasting in many places throughout the
Scriptures. However, we are not claiming theses words
are used exclusively to refer to fasting. Each situation
must be looked at in context. For instance, we read the
Egyptians afflicted the children of Yisrael, Exodus 1:11,
3:7,9. In this context, we are certainly not to infer the
Egyptians made the Yisraelites fast. The tribes of
Ya’acob/Jacob were obviously afflicted by a life of
bondage and hard labor. However, the texts we cite in
relation to the word, “affliction” (our first section), are
certainly fasting-related as shall be made evident in this
manuscript. Of course, this same reasoning applies to
some degree – whether large or small – with all the other
“key words” as well.
10
See title. Note: many other fasting-related words seen
in Psalm 102 are listed below in other word categories.
-3-
Singing and affliction are generally set forth
in Scripture as incongruous, if not total
opposites. Psalm 30:11, Proverbs 25:20, James
5:13 There are times, however, when the one
fasting and afflicted should even sing. Matthew
5:11,12, Acts 16:19-25 Even when sorrowful in
fasting, we should always rejoice in hwhy.
2Corinthians 6:10 (cf. Matthew 6:16,17),
Philippians 4:4, 1Thessalonians 5:16
Ashes
Genesis 18:27, Esther 4:1,3, Job 42:6, Psalm
102:9, Isaiah 58:5, 61:3, Daniel 9:3, Jonah 3:6,
Matthew 11:21
Bear the Yoke
In the context of fasting, the prophet Jeremiah
wrote, “It is good for a man that he bears the
yoke in his youth.” Lamentations 3:27 We assert
his reference to bearing the yoke was a reference
to fasting. Many other words which relate to
fasting are seen around this phrase: … seeks (25)
… dust (29) … reproach (30) … It is truly good
for a man to bear the yoke of fasting-derived
humility in his youth; and the sooner the better,
2Timothy 2:22. It has been a great joy to see
even a few young believers who are still in high
school take up regular, one-day fasts; it is clear
to see the power of the Spirit is increasingly with
them. eswhy also spoke of bearing the yoke of
fasting-derived humility:
Come to Me all you that labor and are heavy
upon you and learn of Me for I am meek and
lowly in heart and you shall find rest for your
souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is
light. Matthew 11:28-30
Both the prophet Jeremiah and the apostle Shaul
(cf. Acts 20:19,31, 2Corinthians 6:5, 11:17,
Philippians 3:10) bore this yoke and cultivated a
meek and lowly heart (Philippians 2:3-5). And
all those who undertake to bear this yoke with
eswhy will walk a lowly path: they will suffer
reproach and they may well give their cheeks
those who smite – striking either with physical
or verbal abuse (and perhaps both, Lamentations
3:30, Matthew 5:39); but compared to the heavy
labor of bondage to sin and iniquity-induced
weariness, the yoke of eswhy is easy and His
burden is light (2Corinthians 4:17); so while
righteous desire stirs up adversaries on every
side (2Timothy 3:12), walking with eswhy in the
ancient paths gives victory over sin and much-
needed rest to the soul! Jeremiah 6:16, Matthew
12:28-30, 1John 2:6 The ways of hwhy are ways
of peace and rest.11 As we return to hwhy with
fasting and prayer, we experience this rest in
many ways physically, emotionally, and
spiritually.
Burn with Zeal, Zealous
Numbers 25:6-13, 1Kings 19:8-10, Psalm
69:9,10, 2Corinthians 7:7-11, 11:28,29,
Revelation 3:19
In the prophet Joel, fasting is seen to stir the
jealously/zeal of hwhy in favor of His land, His
people, and His inheritance. Joel 2:15-18 If
fasting stirs such zeal in the Father’s heart,
should we be surprised a similar zeal is stirred up
and begins burning in the heart of the one
fasting? Matthew 6:10 For obtaining the fullness
of the indwelling Presence, the word of hwhy
through Isaiah the prophet requires a contrite and
humble spirit – the very things which a true fast
ignites in the deepest regions of the soul as His
Spirit burns with blazing zeal making our hearts
His altar and transforming our lives into
offerings made by fire. Leviticus 23:15-18,
Deuteronomy 18:1, 1Samuel 2:28, Acts 2:1-4 12
We also note the contrast between the
repentance and zeal stirred by the fasting of
Daniel the prophet and the lack of fasting, zeal,
and repentance among the lukewarm,
complacent believers of Laodicea.13
A Few Thoughts on: 2Corinthians 7:7-11
Let us understand the context: the brethren at
Corinth had taken Shaul’s advice in his previous
letter to fast – to mourn concerning the issue of
immorality in their midst, 1Corinthians 5:1,2.
From what we read in this Scripture,14 they
obviously heeded his counsel. Also, compare
2Corinthians 7:11 and their “being cleared” with
a similar concept when David was fasting; the
king’s fasting showed his innocence and
11
Contrast the lack of rest and peace in the lives of those
who do not seek hwhy: Isaiah 48:22, 57:20,21, 59:8,
Romans 3:17.
12
We believe the disciples were fasting before the Spirit
was poured out upon them, Matthew 9:14,15, Acts
1:4,9,14, Isaiah 44:3.
13
Contrast Daniel 9:1-23 with Revelation 3:16,17,19 and
Amos 6:1.
14
i.e., 2Corinthians 7:7-11
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separation from any wrongdoing, 2Samuel
3:35,37.
A Few Thoughts on: 2Corinthians 11:28,29
From all evidence, this Scripture shows us if
anyone was made to stumble, Shaul burned with
zeal through fasting and prayer. This was part of
his response to such trials. Fasting is the means
by which the weapons of our spiritual warfare
become “mighty before Elohim” to the tearing
down of strongholds.15 “Before Elohim” means,
“in prayer.” Many men of faith have become
“mighty before Elohim” through fasting and
prayer, but Our Primary Example in this was
eswhy the Messiah, Luke 4:1-14, 24:19. Fasting
in the Name of hwhy will give us the spiritual
might to “bind the strong man.” Mark 3:27, 9:29,
Matthew 17:21, Daniel 10:2,3,13
Fasting-derived ardor was also seen in the
One who epitomized zeal: eswhy the Messiah.
Psalm 69:9, John 2:13-17 The fact is, true zeal,
and true fasting, and the true power of the Spirit
are all commensurate. 1Kings 19:7-14,16
Revelation 11:3,6 Fasting and prayer will set the
heart ablaze with the Spirit of love and zeal for
hwhy and His Kingdom.
Cleanse/Wash
Please note that Scripture does not violate
Scripture lest you bear false witness against the
writer: the principles of cleansing seen here are
not contrary to the cleansing of the blood of
eswhy the Messiah, the Lamb of hwhy. Once
converted, hwhy shows His greater salvation to
those who prepare their hearts to seek Him, to
those who order their steps before Him,
2Chronicles 19:3, Ezra 7:10, Psalm 50:23. All
of His principles of cleansing – physical,
emotional, and spiritual – work in concert
through that Ultimate Cleansing by which we
draw near to Elohim. Hebrews 7:19, 10:19-22
To make the point even clearer consider the
following facts: a man can plead the blood of
eswhy for cleansing all day and all night, but if
he is working summer construction jobs and not
taking the initiative to bathe physically, after but
a few days of accumulated sweat and filth, he
15
2Corinthians 10:4,5, Jeremiah 1:10
16
When we read Eliyah was “very jealous for hwhy of
hosts,” we must realize the word “jealous” also connotes
being “zealous.” See Numbers 25:11,13 Burning with
zeal and jealousy for hwhy are synonymous.
will have an unbearable bodily stench which
quickly be accounted a dishonor to the Blood
whereby he was cleansed spiritually and set
apart for the purposes of hwhy, Hebrews 10:29.
While it is a common sense matter, Scripture
indicates there are clear differences between
physical and spiritual cleansing. Hebrews
9:13,14 Just as we must take personal initiative
with physical cleansing/bathing, we are also
called upon by the Spirit to take the initiative to,
at least, begin the process of emotional and
spiritual cleansing. Afterwards, hwhy will grant
the spiritual cleansing through the blood of
eswhy. This cleansing will certainly carry back
over in large measure to the emotional realm
and, in turn, even the physical realm will not
remain unaffected. The prophet Isaiah writes of
cleansing which hwhy sometimes requires to be
initiated by the ones seeking Him before He will
act on His part to bring about the spiritual
cleansing:
Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of
your doings from before My eyes; cease to do
evil; learn to do good; seek judgment, relieve the
oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the
widow. Isaiah 1:16,17
After the one seeking hwhy by fasting and prayer
does these things, He then responds:
Come now, and let us reason together, says
hwhy: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall
be as white as snow; though they be red like
crimson, they shall be as wool. Isaiah 1:18
So it is through fasting that the true worshipper
takes the initiative to undergo much-needed
inner cleansing to the body which is physical,
emotional, and spiritual in nature (Matthew
23:26, James 4:8); such cleansing washes away
improper, unhealthy, and filthy hindrances to the
Spirit’s applying the blood of eswhy over our
spiritual needs. The following texts show these
principles of cleansing work in concert:
• Compare Numbers 19:11-13 with Genesis
50:1,10,11 and 1Samuel 31:11-13. The seven-
day fast/cleanse corresponds to the seven days
one is unclean after touching the body of a dead
person.
• Leviticus 16:30,31
• Deuteronomy 10:16, Jeremiah 4:4,8,14,
Leviticus 26:40-42. Fasting in the Name will
-5-
humble and cleanse the proud, uncircumcised
heart. Acts 7:51
• Psalm 51:1,2,7; the context of this psalm is set
in relation to David’s fast for the child which
would eventually die. Note: to substantiate this,
see the title of Psalm 51 and 2Samuel 12:1,13-
17.
• Zechariah 12:10 - 13:1. 13:1 speaks of the
physical, emotional, and spiritual cleansing
which accompanies fasting.
• Matthew 23:26. In this Scripture, eswhy is
teaching there is something which the individual
must do on his or her part to initiate cleansing!
The apostle Shaul also taught of personal
responsibility and initiative in relation to fasting,
Philippians 2:12. So let none imagine we deny
the cleansing power of the blood of the Lamb or
the salvation which that brings [unless you are
willing to teach the Messiah denied Himself!].
The truth is, fasting-derived fear and trembling
bring forth and appropriate the overwhelming
reality of the Messiah’s cleansing sacrifice,
atonement, and anointing in the life of one who
seeks Him in such a fitting and reverent manner,
Isaiah 57:15. Misconceptions about fasting are
among the Adversary’s greatest ploys – all
staged to hinder the work of the Spirit and the
furtherance of the Kingdom in our midst.
• 2Corinthians 7:1
• James 4:8 17
Contrite, Poor (in spirit), Brokenhearted
Psalm 34:18, 51:17 (see note on Psalm 51 in the
section above), 69:29,33, 102:17, 109:22, Isaiah
57:15, 61:1, 66:2, Matthew 5:3 (compare
2Corinthians 7:9,10, James 4:8).
As we compare the unclean, uncircumcised,
and disobedient heart with the contrite heart –
humbled and washed from rebellion – it becomes
readily apparent that fasting is one of the means
whereby we obtain and maintain a heart which is
circumcised. Not coincidentally, Shaul was
fasting and praying for three days before his
immersion18 – an act which he would later refer
to as “circumcision … of the heart.”19 The
principles of cleansing work in concert – in and
amongst all three realms: the physical, the
17
In ending this section, we note ashes are very much
related to cleansing in the mind and wisdom of hwhy.
Numbers 19:9,17-19, Hebrews 9:13
18
Acts 9:9-18
19
Colossians 2:11,12, Romans 2:28,29
emotional, and the spiritual. The initial
physical/emotional cleansing occurs from earth
to heaven (Isaiah 1:16,17, Matthew 23:26); it is
our responsibility. This opens a way for the
ultimate, all-important, spiritual cleansing to
occur from heaven to earth, Isaiah 1:18,
Matthew 6:10. hwhy promised if the
uncircumcised hearts of His people in captivity
were humbled (meaning: through fasting and
prayer!), He would then bring them back to the
Land once more. Leviticus 26:40-42 We find
this Scripture was precisely fulfilled through the
prophet Daniel: in Babylonian captivity, he
humbled his heart with fasting and prayer and his
petitions were heard, Daniel 9:1-23. Only then
was Yisrael brought back to their country.
Rending one’s garment ultimately spoke of
“rending the heart,” for it is the latter which
hwhy requires20 of those who seek to offer true
sacrifices before Him. Joel 2:13, 2Kings 22:19
Cry
Esther 4:1, Psalm 69:3, 77:2
Since fasting humbles and softens the heart,
those who worship and seek hwhy in this manner
will often shed authentic tears of compassion for
those around them. Acts 20:31, Psalm 35:13,14
For further details, see the following key words:
“Mourn,” “Sorrow,” “Tears,” and “Weep.”
Despised, Reproach, Reproached
Job 30:1,8-10, Psalm 22:6, 42:10, 69:10,11,19,
20, 102:8, 109:24,25, 119:141, Lamentations
3:30, Matthew 5:10-12 (cf. Matthew 5:4 and
2Corinthians 6:10)
Dust
Genesis 18:27, Joshua 7:6, Job 2:11,12, 42:6,
Psalm 44:25, 119:25,21 Lamentations 3:29
Those fasting cleave to the dust, Psalm
119:25. In doing so, they acknowledge their
origin,22 their destiny23 and their complete
dependence upon the Creator. For only He who
has given life to this dust can be the One to
continue giving it.24 Returning to and embracing
our humble origin can be very powerful;
20
Psalm 51:17, Luke 7:44
21
All eight verses here [25-32] relate to
fasting/repentance.
22
Genesis 2:7
23
Genesis 3:19
24
Genesis 2:7, Psalm 119:25, Daniel 5:23
-6-
instinctively, we all return to our beginnings and
find some measure of comfort; in this manner the
Law of hwhy shows one way in which fasting
restores the soul, Psalm 19:7, 23:3. In light of
our origin – itself quite humble apart from the
Eternal creative power which gave forth such
miraculous beauty to mere clay25 – we can more
soberly see and assess the trials and difficulties
of life. The realization that we are practically
nothing26 – that our absolute dependency must
be on hwhy alone – will bring a humility which
yields much-needed peace and clarity in times of
adversity. Galatians 5:22, James 3:18
Fear and Trembling
Ezra 9:3-6, Nehemiah 1:4,11, Psalm 2:11, Isaiah
66:2, Hosea 13:1, 1Corinthians 2:3, 2Corinthians
7:15, Philippians 2:12
When one is under the affliction of fasting it
is oftentimes impossible to read the Scriptures,
or to sing, or to pray, or to serve hwhy without
the heart melting into tears of joy, gratitude,
contrition and awe: the Spirit of the Most High
has come to dwell with a special anointing,
Isaiah 57:15, Luke 7:37,38. Because he fasted
often,27 the apostle Shaul was often
overwhelmed when reading or speaking the word
of hwhy before the brethren. This is why he
spoke to them “with tears”28 and this is why he
wrote of being in their midst with “fear and
trembling.”29 As we compare the reference texts
given for these particular key words, it is readily
seen that to work out one’s salvation with “fear
and trembling”30 is also to be a believer given to
fasting-derived meekness and humility. The fear
and trembling induced by fasting are expressions
of reverence before hwhy and they are the
hallmarks of a broken and contrite heart. Luke
7:37-50
(The) Fear/Reverence of hwhy 31
25
Psalm 139:14
26
Exodus 16:7,8; apart from hwhy, we are nothing but
worms of the dust. Job 25:6, Psalm 22:6, Isaiah 41:14
27
2Corinthians 6:5, 11:27
28
Acts 20:31
29
1Corinthians 2:3, Hosea 13:1
30
Philippians 2:12
31
It could be suggested this discussion might be better
included under the previous heading, “Fear and
Trembling,” … and rightly so. Presently, we have given it
a separate place in the study. However, the previous
 Nothing cultivates the fear/reverence of hwhy
more than prayer with fasting: as we humble
ourselves through fasting, the Presence of hwhy
becomes greater in our lives and we become
vessels of service to impart this Presence to
others as well. Those who fast and pray with
sincere, contrite hearts find they have entered a
blessed realm – a sanctuary in time and space:
the very Presence of hwhy.32 Since the reverence
of hwhy is the beginning of knowledge and
wisdom,33 this explains why those who cultivate
such reverence through fasting and prayer also
have their minds more fully illumined by the
Spirit. This is that “greater favor” of which
James wrote: the “greater favor” which he said
is imparted to those who seek and find fasting-
derived humility. James 4:6 Possessing such
reverence/fear and hearing the voice of His Spirit
will cause His Spirit to dwell with us mightily.34
Possessing such reverence and hearing the voice
of His Spirit will give us greater discernment and
insight.35 Possessing such reverence and hearing
the voice of His Spirit will surely increase our
understanding of His word.36 Possessing such
reverence and hearing the voice of His Spirit will
surely lead us to keep the commandments of
hwhy. Genesis 26:5, Ecclesiastes 12:13, 1John
5:2,3
“The fear of hwhy prolongeth days.” Proverbs
10:27 This author believes one reason Abraham,
Yitschak, and Ya’acob lived such long lives is
that the patriarchs served hwhy with much fasting
and prayer; as a result, they lived lives of deep
reverence for hwhy. Consequently, Abraham
lived to be 175, Yitschak lived to be 180, and
Ya’acob lived to be 147.37 Anna – who served
hwhy “with fastings and prayers day and night” –
lived to a great age, too. Luke 2:36,37 She was
section provides a fine preface for this discussion which, at refreshment of what we call “REM sleep” – the
least for now, remains separate.
32
Deuteronomy 33:27, Psalm 46:1,7; 90:1; 91:1,4,9,14;
Isaiah 8:13,14
33
Job 28:28, Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 1:7, 9:10
34
Isaiah 57:15, 65:1-2, Luke 4:1-14, Acts 6:8, Colossians
1:29, Ephesians 3:19-20
35
Proverbs 28:11, James 2:5 (“the poor of this world”
certainly includes those who are poor in spirit, Matthew
5:3).
36
Psalm 97:11, 119:105, Isaiah 58:8,10, John 14:21
37
Genesis 25:7, 35:28, 47:28. hwhy is even called, “the
Fear” of Yitschak, and, of the three, he is the one who
lived the longest. Genesis 31:42,53, Proverbs 10:27
-7-
still going strong at some 84 years old when the
Messiah was revealed in Jerusalem. While
fasting gives us spiritual rest in hwhy, it also
provides our bodies much-needed physical rest
as well: the heart beat slows giving special rest
to a highly important muscle; the stomach and
other digestive organs are able to cease working
and obtain rest from their production of various
chemicals needed for digesting and metabolizing
food; the blood pressure drops; and the body can
do an overall cleansing of waste products which
it did not have the energy to expel while food
was being consumed, processed, assimilated, and
expelled. It is not just coincidental that a
discourse on fasting appears in the prophet
Isaiah38 along with various mentions of the
Sabbath ordinance. Both Sabbath-keeping and
fasting are sources of much-needed rest which
our Creator knows we require. Mark 2:27
Fasting cultivates a special closeness to hwhy
and causes us to stand in awe of His Name, His
greatness, His love. Malachi 2:5 Standing in
awe of Him makes us more loving and obedient.
This deep reverence is the fear of hwhy and this
is the beginning of true wisdom and true
knowledge.39 Because of this, those who seek
hwhy with fasting and prayer40 also gain a greater
understanding of His word and ways than they
would otherwise possess. The light of hwhy will
arise upon us as we draw near to His light-filled
Presence.41
Heaviness (and Vigilance)
Psalm 30:5, 77:2-6, 119:28, Isaiah 61:3, 62:6,7,
James 4:9
When comparing Psalm 126:1,2 with James
4:9, these Scriptures, together, reveal how one’s
laughter is turned to mourning and how one’s joy
is turned to heaviness: those who sleep through
the night and obtain full rest are blessed with the
sleep which occurs when we are dreaming in the
time of deepest sleep. Those who obtain proper
38
See Isaiah, chapter 58.
39
Our previously cited texts with one additional:
Deuteronomy 13:4, Job 28:28, Psalm 25:14, 111:10,
Proverbs 1:7, 9:10
40
That is, who seek Him with their whole hearts!
Jeremiah 29:13 We will study this in our final section,
“Whole Heart, Wholehearted, All Your Heart(s).”
41
Psalm 36:9, 97:11, 112:4, 118:26,27, Isaiah 50:10,
58:8-10, 60:1-3/Ephesians 5:14, Malachi 4:2, James 4:8
rest42 typically awaken with laughter and
singing; they are refreshed and ready to go! It is
to this natural joy and refreshment that the 126th
Psalm refers by the analogy, “We were like those
that dream.” However, when one remains awake
through the night this restful dreaming does not
occur. Consequently, such vigilance will
literally turn one’s laughter to mourning and
one’s joy to heaviness.43 The result of such
night-long vigilance is deep affliction. While
one will not remain vigilant throughout the night
every time a fast is undertaken, watching in
prayer is still another aspect of being a true
shepherd44 and it is another simple, but
profound, aspect of Spirit-led humility and
affliction.
Humble, Humbled, Humble Yourselves
2Chronicles 7:14, 33:12, Psalm 35:13, Micah
6:8, Daniel 10:2,3,12,45 Luke 18:13,14, James
4:10, 1Peter 5:6,9,10
Fasting is essential for any who desire to
cultivate a submissive, meek, and lowly heart.
Together, all of these things are the hallmarks of
true humility.46 The literal Hebrew of Micah 6:8
reads:
42
Assuming they are grateful believers who, by and large,
are in good health.
43
For “heaviness” see also: Psalm 119:28 and Isaiah
61:3. The latter text contrasts joy and praise with the
mourning and heaviness associated with fasting. At the
end of a fast, hwhy turns our mourning into dancing. Psalm
30:11-12
44
Regular shepherds must watch their flocks by night,
Luke 2:8. So it is with those who would shepherd the
flock of hwhy; the “Good Shepherd” watched over His
flock by night: Luke 6:12-19, Matthew 14:23-25, Mark
6:46-51 Further, the apostle Shaul also spoke of watching
in prayer. 2Corinthians 6:5, 11:27 Watching over the
flock with vigilant prayer through the night was another
aspect of his service to the brethren and provides us
further proof he was a true shepherd.
45
In Daniel 10:12, the KJV translates “humble/afflict
thyself” as “chasten thyself” – a clear reference to fasting. walks in fasting-derived humility, the more the truth of
46
While some have a natural lowliness in their character,
there is still pride in the heart when such lowliness is
unaccompanied by submission to the Torah/will of hwhy.
Psalm 119:21 And while true meekness in dealing with
others is important (Genesis 13:8,9), if it results in
pleasing men instead of doing the will of hwhy (which
thing the apostles refused to do! Acts 5:27-29, Galatians
1:10), then we are no longer walking in humility.
Submission, meekness, and lowliness of heart must be
kept in balance. This issue is beyond the understanding of
-8-
He has declared to you, man, what is good; and
what does hwhy require of you except to do
judgment, and to love kindness, and to be
lowly to walk with your Elohim?
Since fasting humbles, or afflicts, the soul, we
believe the phrase, “fasting-derived humility,” is
completely accurate and true to the Scriptures.
Fasting in the Name of hwhy will humble the
uncircumcised heart.47 Pride is easily the most
blinding impediment to spiritual progress,48 and
there are many layers of this crusty filth which
have built up on the characters of most believers
before their conversion.49 As our pride is
stripped away, we will also find a greater hunger
and thirst for the word and ways of hwhy.50
Hunger/Thirst (Seek)
Psalm 42:1-3, 63:1,2, Hosea 10:12, Matthew 5:6,
6:33, Hebrews 6:7,8
Only fasting-derived humility can break up
the fallow ground and cultivate the soil of the
heart so the words and deeds of hwhy can take
the deepest root as we are watered by the rain of
His Spirit. Hosea 10:12, Hebrews 6:7,8 It is
those who hunger and thirst for such
righteousness who truly seek Him. Notice those
who hunger and thirst for righteousness – who
fast and mourn with ashes and heaviness – are
those who are also satisfied as they become
“trees of righteousness;” they become something
firmly planted/established by hwhy in His ancient
paths. Isaiah 61:3, 1Peter 5:6,10, Psalm 1:1-3,
Jeremiah 17:7,8. Those who mourn in their
hunger and thirst are comforted by the
outpouring of His Spirit. Isaiah 44:3, 61:1-3,
Matthew 5:4 The Ruach haQodesh51 is even
called, “The Comforter.” John 14:26 We hunger
most contemporary believers as, in many cases, false
humility (or pride) is exalted as “humility,” while true
humility is vilified as “pride.” Isaiah 5:20 The longer one
these things will become apparent. Poverty – whether
physical or spiritual – will heighten our awareness and
understanding. Proverbs 28:11 Therein, we shall better
understand pride and humility.
47
Leviticus 26:41, Psalm 35:13, 69:10
48
Psalm 10:4, Revelation 3:17
49
Not to mention the various forms of pride which are
taught by example and accepted as the social norm
throughout most religious sectors in our time.
50
Psalm 103:7, 1Samuel 2:5, Psalm 81:10, Luke 1:53
51
(i.e., the Pure Spirit of hwhy)
and thirst physically and spiritually through
fasting and prayer, and every time we seek hwhy
in this manner He promises to fill us. Psalm
81:10, Luke 1:53
Meek, Meekness
Numbers 12:3, Isaiah 61:1, Zephaniah 2:3,
Matthew 5:5, 11:29, James 1:21, 3:13
The text of Numbers 12:3 refers to the
meekness which Moses sought and found during
his 80 days of fasting. Few ponder the need to
seek for meekness as expressed by hwhy through
the prophet, Zephaniah (2:3). In his epistle,
James sets forth fasting-derived meekness as the
necessary key in conquering man’s anger and
avoiding carnal strife among the brethren so the
righteousness of hwhy can be manifested.52
Fasting in the Spirit is a work of righteousness53
and meekness is one of the fruits produced by
that righteousness. Meekness is produced by the
Spirit in those who sow to the Spirit;54 it is a fruit
which the Spirit is enabled to grow within those
who humble themselves by fasting and prayer.55
James’ words, “Receive with meekness the
implanted word,” … explain to us why fasting
and prayer lead to the fullest possible
understanding of the Scriptures: it is only
through meekness that one is able to fully receive
… hear … understand … accept … and do the
word of hwhy. This shows why (and how!) one
must become like a child to inherit the Kingdom
of hwhy. Mark 10:15, Luke 18:17 We are called
to lay aside carnal strife, malice, and evil
speaking that we might become like children in
our longing for His word and ways, 1Peter 2:1.
Those who never lay aside these deeds of the
flesh will also never progress, spiritually. It is
only through fasting and prayer that yokes of
bondage to such evil things are broken away56
allowing us to seek and find true meekness.
Zephaniah 2:3, Matthew 7:7,8
Mercy, Merciful (Kind, Kindness)
52
See James 1:19-22, 3:13,18, 4:1-12. The fourth chapter
deals specifically with fasting in the context of
overcoming lust and strife.
53
Matthew 6:1, 16-19
54
Galatians 6:8
55
Romans 6:22, 7:4, Ephesians 5:9, Colossians 1:16,
Galatians 5:22,23.
56
Isaiah 58:6
-9-
According to Scripture, “mercy,” or
“lovingkindness,” is something which faithful
Israelites showed to the poor, Daniel 4:27,
Proverbs 14:21,31. Contrast the sodomites –
gluttonous reprobates who were filled with
excess of bread and careless ease and who, thus,
did nothing for the poor and needy. Their lack
of humility from continual fullness led to
commonplace gluttony which, in turn, led to
outright denial of hwhy through abominable
deeds of proud, defiant, sexual immorality.
Ezekiel 16:49, Proverbs 30:9
When properly fasting, believers become
poor, figuratively speaking;57 theirs is a poverty
in spirit; theirs is a poor, contrite heart.58 Such
believers are rightly called upon by hwhy and the
Messiah to tangibly identify with the plight of
the afflicted and impoverished during such
personal times of Spirit-led affliction, humility
and worship.59 This helps us to understand why
it is fitting and proper to reach out with
assistance for the poor and needy while one is
fasting. Romans 12:16, Ecclesiastes 7:2 eswhy
our Messiah did the same as He bound up the
brokenhearted, Isaiah 61:1, Luke 4:18, 7:37-50,
John 11:32-44. Thus, even when He taught,
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive
mercy,”60 eswhy was calling His followers to
couple fasting with mercy upon the physically
poor in accordance with the Law and the
Prophets. Isaiah 58:6,7,10 Yet the Messiah also
taught we should extend mercy to the spiritually
poor in accordance with the Law of the Spirit,
the Law which magnifies the Torah by the
release of spiritual debt as well:
“And forgive us our debts as we
have forgiven those indebted to us.”
Matthew 6:12-15
We see from the context of the above words (vss.
12-15) that overcoming sin and walking in
victory are simply not possible unless we
become vessels of mercy; we must “love
mercy”61 as we pray for others and forgive them
57
This is further explained below via the Scriptures which
appear under the heading “Poor/Contrite.”
58
Psalm 34:18, Isaiah 57:15, 66:2, Matthew 5:3
59
See Isaiah 58:6,7, Matthew 6:1 (righteousness),
Matthew 6:2-4 (alms), Matthew 6:16-19 (fasting).
60
Matthew 5:7
61
Micah 6:8
in the Presence of the Most High. As we grow in
respect to salvation, extending such forgiveness
becomes a remarkable occasion of great freedom
and joy during times of personal prayer.
Become a vessel of mercy and you will also find
increasing victories in walking above sin and the
world. In contrast, those who are given to
backbiting and slander, who begrudge and resent
those who have wronged them, and who harbor
bitterness from things past … such people are
also not overcoming sin or growing in respect to
salvation; they will surely remain in bondage to
sin;62 they will not be delivered from evil,
Matthew 6:12-15. The evil of bitterness and
unforgiveness is tantamount to looking upon the
spiritual nakedness of our brethren63 as opposed
to clothing them in mercy. Isaiah 58:7 Clothing
others, spiritually,64 verses looking on their
nakedness65 is the difference between having a
ministry of mercy and edification or having a
ministry of judgment and condemnation.66 We
can either seek to “clothe” the spiritually naked
with mercy and forgiveness, or we can parade
the nakedness of others for all to see via
judgment and condemnation. Both eswhy and
James speak of mercy67 in the context of anger
and strife68 and both offer the same solution in
the same context: fasting-derived meekness and
humility. Matthew 5:3-9, 6:16-19, 7:5, James
1:19-21, 3:13,17-18, 4:5-10. Fasting and prayer
will cleanse the heart and mind from carnal,
earthly emotions and align us with the will of
hwhy. James wrote that we should be quick to
listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, and such
things are cultivated by an authentic, reverent
fast:
1. We are before hwhy in quiet submission – we
are silent and ready to hear and obey His voice;69
62
1Peter 2:1
63
By spiritual application of the Torah, something which
we are forbidden to do, Leviticus 18:6-16.
64
Matthew 7:5
65
Matthew 7:3,4
66
Compare Matthew 7:1-5 and James 2:12,13.
67
Matthew 5:7, 6:12-15; 7:1-5, James 2:12,13,14-17,
3:17, 5:19,20
68
Matthew 5:21,22, 38-44, James 1:19-21, 3:2-10, 14-16,
4:1,2,11,12
69
Genesis 26:4,5, Psalm 46:10, Isaiah 30:15. The concept food to funerals when just the opposite should be
of quietly waiting before hwhy in silent awe will be further
confirmed in the forthcoming section entitled, “Silence.”
- 10 -
we are fulfilling “the Shema.” Deuteronomy
6:4,5
2. We are slow to speak as we stand in awe of
His Name, His Spirit, His Presence. Ecclesiastes
5:1,2, Malachi 2:4,5
3. We are slow to anger as we acknowledge
hwhy operates with sovereign love over every
aspect of our lives. Romans 8:35-39 The need to
blame others for our circumstances is gone: the
sovereign King ultimately rules over all things –
including the injustice and carnality by which we
may suffer at the hands of others.70 We, too,
should be continually overwhelmed at the Good
News of the Kingdom: hwhy reigns! 1Chronicles
16:31, Psalm 47:2,3,7,8, 93:1, 96:10, 97:1, 99:1,
Isaiah 52:7, Revelation 19:6
The attitudes seen in the above three points are
an affront to man’s anger which James declares
does not promote the righteousness of Elohim,
James 1:20, Matthew 6:33. The implication is
unavoidable: fasting and prayer humble the soul
and promote the righteousness of hwhy in our
lives. As we suffer affliction in the flesh through
fasting, the Spirit breaks every yoke of bondage
and delivers us from the power of improper
thoughts, emotions, and actions. Isaiah 58:6,
1Peter 4:1-3
Mourn, Mourned, Mourning
Genesis 50:1,10,11, 2Samuel 3:31, Nehemiah
1:4, Esther 4:3, Job 1:20 (w/ Job 2:11), Psalm
30:11,12, 35:13,14, Isaiah 61:2,3, Daniel 10:2,3,
Zechariah 12:11-14,71 Matthew 5:4, 9:14,15,
1Corinthians 5:1,2, James 4:9.
Without contest, mourning is linked to times of
fasting, contrition, and repentance.72 This
mourning may also involve prayer over the
wrongdoing of others, Psalm 119:136, Jeremiah
13:17, 14:17-22, Ezekiel 9:4, 1Corinthians 5:1,2.
Those who mourn are comforted by the
outpouring and fullness of His Spirit. Isaiah
44:3, 61:1-3, Matthew 5:4. The Ruach
70
Ecclesiastes 5:8, Isaiah 40:25-27
71
See 1Corinthians 7:5 regarding separation during
fasting.
72
And fasting is linked to mourning. Our society brings
occurring: during times of grieving, those who are in
mourning should also be fasting.
haQodesh (or, the Pure Spirit of hwhy) is even
called, “The Comforter.” John 14:26
Peacemakers
Matthew 5:9, Mark 9:50, Romans 12:18, Hebrew
12:14,15, James 1:19-21, 3:18, 4:1-12.
Fasting is “the way of peace” and rest as we
seek hwhy and ask Him for “the ancient paths.”
Matthew 7:7,8, Jeremiah 6:16 The Father of all
kindness ever extends to His people the paths of
rest and peace which may only be known by
those who, through fasting and prayer, receive
“times of refreshing” from the Presence of hwhy,
Isaiah 28:12, 30:15, Matthew 11:28-30. Those
who humble themselves to seek His eternal paths
become peacemakers with the Almighty as well
as with their fellow man. Romans 5:1, Mark 9:50
Poor/Contrite
Psalm 34:18, 51:17,73 69:29,33, 102:17, 109:22,
Isaiah 57:15, 66:2, Matthew 5:3, 2Corinthians
7:10.
The humility and affliction brought on by
fasting prepare the heart. How? By humbling
the heart and, at times, by breaking it!74 A heart
which is rent before the Presence of the Most
High can then be molded into His image.
Through fasting and prayer we are enabled to
offer the true sacrifices of a broken, contrite
heart.
Prepare/Purify/Sanctify the Heart
Exodus 19:10,11,14,15 (cf. 1Corinthians 7:5),
Deuteronomy 5:29, 1Samuel 7:3, 1Kings 8:48-
49, 2Chronicles 12:14, 19:3, Ezra 7:10, Psalm
10:17, 51:10,75 78:8,37, 119:32, Jeremiah 29:13-
14, Ezekiel 33:31, Joel 2:12-13, Matthew 5:8,
7:5, James 4:8.
The word “sanctify” means “to set apart.” If
entered into with all sincerity, the cleansing
nature of fasting and prayer will set apart our
hearts totally unto hwhy. Through fasting, we
purify our hearts and dedicate our lives wholly
unto Him. To please hwhy the most in our lives,
He requires that we seek Him with all our heart;
fasting is the main means by which we obtain
and express such wholehearted commitment.
73
See note on Psalm 51 and its relationship to fasting in
the discussion under the key word, “Cleanse.”
74
2Chronicles 34:27, Joel 2:12,13
75
See note on Psalm 51 and its relationship to fasting in
the discussion under the key word, “Cleanse.”
- 11 -
Through fasting and prayer the whole heart is
offered up before hwhy! Offering our whole
heart is effectively offering all that we are and all
that we possess. Hence, fasting with prayer is
the spiritual counterpart to the whole, burnt
offering! Apart from fasting and prayer, the
ongoing, unchanging requirement of the
ultimate, whole burnt offering cannot be met in
the life of a believer. Romans 12:1,2 Our works
will not be perfected before Elohim if we lack
fasting-derived meekness and humility because
we will also fail to seek hwhy with the whole
heart. Revelation 3:2, 2Chronicles 12:14
The greatest commandment in the Torah is to
hear hwhy and to respond with wholehearted love
and obedience, Deuteronomy 6:4,5, Mark 12:29-
30. Through fasting, the Spirit prepares our
hearts to hear His voice and to do the will of
hwhy. Genesis 26:4,5 In contrast, a person’s
unwillingness to hear the Torah, even makes that
one’s prayer an abomination. Proverbs 28:9 If
our motives are right, fasting is an act of
submission to hwhy76 which shows our ears are
open and our hearts are seeking and awaiting His
guidance. Isaiah 58:8,11 Fasting is an
expression of our desire to live righteously!
2Timothy 3:12, Matthew 5:10-12 Through
fasting, the Spirit ignites the zeal of hwhy within
our hearts and this desire for righteousness
grows stronger and stronger.
Repent, Return, Turn
Deuteronomy 30:10, 2Chronicles 7:14, Joel 2:12,
Ezekiel 18:31, 33:11, Matthew 13:15, Revelation
3:9
Reproach, Reproached, Dishonor
Job 30:1,8-10, Psalm 42:10, 69:10,11,19,20,
102:8, 109:24,25, 119:141, Isaiah 53:2,3,
Lamentations 3:30, Matthew 5:10-12,
2Corinthians 6:4-10
Sackcloth
2Samuel 3:31, Psalm 30:11, 35:13, 69:10,11,
Isaiah 58:5, Daniel 9:3, Jonah 3:5,6, Matthew
11:21, Revelation 11:3.
The donning of sackcloth is another element of
affliction which was/is still recognized even by
the Messiah.
Seek, Sought
76
James 4:7
2Chronicles 7:14, 14:4,7, 15:4, 20:3, Ezra 8:21,
Esther 4:1, Psalm 42:1,2, 63:1, 77:2, Jeremiah
29:13, Lamentations 3:30, Daniel 9:3, Hosea
10:12, Zephaniah 2:3, Matthew 6:16-18,33,
7:7,8.
There is a strong connection with fasting and
seeking hwhy with all one’s heart: only fasting-
derived humility can break up the fallow ground
and cultivate the soil of the heart so the words
and deeds of hwhy can take the deepest root as
the rain of His Spirit falls upon us, Hosea 10:12,
Hebrews 6:7,8. Believers who seek hwhy in this
manner are those who truly “hunger and thirst”
for His righteousness. Isaiah 54:17 They truly
seek Him with the whole heart. eswhy promises
they shall be satisfied. Matthew 5:6 It is only
through fasting and prayer that we may fulfill the
word of hwhy through the prophet Hoshea:
Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap
according to lovingkindness; break up your
fallow ground; for it is time to seek hwhy until
He comes and rains righteousness upon you.
Hoshea 10:12
If we seek first the Kingdom of hwhy and His
righteousness, He promises we will find Him,
but hwhy requires we seek Him with all our
hearts. This is only possible through the
wholehearted sacrifices which surround fasting
and prayer.
Silence
Psalm 62:1, Isaiah 30:15, 58:4,9,13, Jeremiah
8:14, 15:17, Lamentations 3:26-29, Job 42:1-
6/Romans 3:19/Habukkuk 2:1,20, Zechariah
2:13/Zephaniah 2:1-3/Isaiah 26:20,21
Fasting is a time for silence because fasting is
a time for reflection. Unless we are praying,
silence, meditation, and introspection are the
order of the day as we draw near to and abide in
the Presence of hwhy. When fasting we present
ourselves before hwhy in quiet submission: we
are silent as we ready/prepare our hearts to hear
and to obey His voice. We are well on the way
to fulfilling “the Shema” in an all-important,
extremely essential manner. Deuteronomy 6:4,5
When fasting before hwhy, we are dwelling in
“the secret place of the Most High.” Psalm 91:1
This is the “secret place” to which both the
psalmist as well as eswhy the Messiah referred.
Matthew 6:6,18 During such times, we should
wait before hwhy in silent submission to hear
- 12 -
whatever His Spirit will speak. Habakkuk 2:1,20
We should wait before hwhy in silent expectation
for whatever He will do in response to our
fasting and prayers. The Hebrew text of Psalm
62:1 reads:
Only unto Elohim is my soul silent,
from Him is my salvation.
Psalm 62:1
Regrettably, this verse is often translated in a
fashion similar to the King James Version:
“Truly my soul waiteth upon Elohim:
from Him cometh my salvation.”
The poor translation omits the truth of
silently/quietly expecting the salvation of hwhy.
Lamentations 3:26,28,29 Such a translations
conceal the deep reverence of silently, but
expectantly waiting before the Most High during
certain times of fasting and prayer. It should be
emphasized, we do not here speak of an idle
silence, but rather, a reverent silence – a silence
which emanates from a heart which is returning
to and resting in Elohim, a silence which
emanates from a heart filled with quietness,
confidence, and awe over the sovereignty,
power, and foreknowledge of hwhy:
For thus says the Sovereign hwhy, the Qadosh
One of Yisrael: “In returning and rest shall
you be saved; in quietness and in confidence
shall be your strength” …
Isaiah 30:15
During a fast, silent times of complete trust and
deference to the will of hwhy are truly some of
the most powerful and faith-building seasons in
the life of a believer. From this silence, should
emanate the restful assurance which comes from
the confidence in knowing hwhy will always and
ultimately do those things which bring Him great
splendor and exaltation. These are the times of
rest and refreshing when we fulfill the Scripture:
Be still, and know that I am Elohim:
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.
Psalm 46:10
It was a life given to fasting and prayer which
gave Mosheh the faith to speak these words
before all Yisrael in a time of utmost danger:
Fear you not, stand still, and see the salvation of
hwhy, which He will show to you to day: for the
Egyptians whom you have seen to day, you shall
see them again no more for ever. Exodus 14:13
Upon which, hwhy opened the Sea of Reeds and
Yisrael passed through on dry ground. The faith
which can be still and confident before hwhy in
fasting and prayer is also the faith which can be
still and confident in the face of great adversity.
Times of fasting and prayer are special
appointments for us to “be still” and to know that
He is Elohim in many profound and powerful
ways.
Small
Psalm 119:141, John 3:30
The words of John the immerser77 – who
fasted often78 as he came in the Spirit and power
of Eliyah79 – speak so amazingly of the process
which occurs during the fast: those fasting
decrease (both physically and emotionally)
thereby allowing His Spirit and His word to
increase within them. Our carnal emotions and
thoughts decrease while those of eswhy
increase, James 1:19-21, 1Corinthians 2:16,
Philippians 2:5. In this way, hwhy is enabled to
reveal His Son in us. Galatians 1:15,16, 2:20
The results will always be remarkable … at
times seen only by the one fasting while at other
times, seen and known by all. 1Timothy 4:15
Sorrow/Reverent Sorrow
Psalm 69:29, Matthew 5:4 <=> 2Corinthians 6:4-
10, 2Corinthians 7:7,9.
In the context of “reverent sorrow,” the
brethren at Corinth had taken Shaul’s advice to
fast – to mourn concerning the issue of
immorality over which he had given counsel in
his first epistle, 1Corinthians 5:1,2. Thus, their
reverent sorrow – which came upon them
through the act of fasting – produced the burning
zeal (vs. 11) as well as the other things about
which Shaul writes in his second letter to the
Corinthians.
Tears
Psalm 42:1-3, Acts 20:31 (cf. 1Corinthians 2:3,
2Corinthians 6:5, 11:27).
77
In John 3:30
78
Matthew 9:14, 11:18
79
1Kings 18:36-38, 19:8-10, Malachi 4:5,6, Luke 1:15-17
- 13 -
When one is under the affliction of fasting it
is oftentimes impossible to read the Scriptures,
or to sing, or to pray, or to serve hwhy without
the heart melting into tears of joy, gratitude,
contrition, and awe: the Spirit of the Most High
has come to dwell with a special anointing,
Isaiah 57:15, Luke 7:37,38. This is the reverent
way in which the apostle Shaul served hwhy with
fear and rejoiced with trembling,80 and this is the
way which anyone who walks the lowly road81
of affliction and humility will be blessed to serve
their Creator.
Weak
2Samuel 3:31,35,39, Psalm 109:24, 1Corinthians
2:3, 9:22, 2Corinthians 11:28,29, 12:9,10.
Fasting leads to physical weakness, but as we
decrease the Spirit and presence of eswhy can
increase. hwhy stated that He will help His
people when He sees their strength is gone:
For hwhy rightly rules His people and has
compassion on His servants, when He sees that
their power is gone, and there is no one
remaining, shut up or at large.
Deuteronomy 32:36, ISRV
When we, through weakness, have ceased to
trust in our own arm, the Right Hand of hwhy can
intervene with His deliverance, His working, His
salvation. Fasting is designed to humble our
hearts so we will not lean on our own
understanding; we are driven to look to hwhy
alone. Because the apostle Sha’ul always
responded to difficulties with fasting and prayer,
he could say the following over all his trials:
“For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
2Corinthians 12:10
Weep, Wept, Weeping
Numbers 25:6, 2Samuel 12:21, Nehemiah 1:4,
Esther 4:3, Job 2:11,12, Psalm 30:5,11, Joel
2:15,17, James 4:9
Whole Heart, Wholehearted, All Your Heart(s)
Deuteronomy 4:29, 6:4,5, 10:12, 11:13, 30:6,
2Kings 23:25, 2Chronicles 15:12,15, 16:9,
31:21, Psalm 9:1, 86:12, 111:1,
119:2,10,34,58,69,145, 138:1, Jeremiah 29:13,
Matthew 6:24, Mark 12:29,30
80
Psalm 2:11, Hosea 13:1, Acts 20:31, 1Corinthians 2:3,
2Corinthians 7:15, Philippians 2:12
81
Matthew 11:28-30

It is fitting we end our listing of key words
with thoughts surrounding the need to be
wholehearted in our worship of hwhy. We have
already largely covered many of the texts in this
closing section, and we have also discussed the
relationship between fasting, humility, and
seeking hwhy with the whole heart. Yet consider
once more the relationship between seeking our
Creator and being wholehearted: hwhy does not
want us to draw near to Him with our lips while
our hearts are far from Him. Isaiah 29:13,
Matthew 15:8, Mark 7:6 Failure to love hwhy
wholeheartedly can only be the result of setting
up idols in the heart, Ezekiel 14:1-8, 33:31,
Colossians 3:5. Hence, we must be on guard
against such idolatry at all times, and we must
not allow anything to usurp the rightful place of
our Creator and Redeemer, Proverbs 4:23, 1John
5:21, Revelation 9:20. It is through fasting that
we are enabled to offer our hearts to hwhy as a
whole, burnt offering. We are commanded to set
apart hwhy as Sovereign in our hearts – another
instance requiring initiative on our part and
another command which can only be fulfilled in
a life given to fasting and prayer. 1Peter 3:15,
Isaiah 8:13 For when we have prepared our
hearts to hear His voice and to obey His Law out
of love,82 the fire of His Spirit can fall from
heaven upon us to consume the sacrifice. This is
the thing which hwhy desires the most from each
one of us; it is truly the ultimate and greatest
sacrifice which can be given unto Him:
For there is one Elohim; and there is no other
besides Him. And to love Him with all the heart,
and with all the understanding, and with all the
being, and with all the strength, and to love one’s
neighbour as oneself, is more than all the burnt
offerings and offerings. Mark 12:32,33, ISRV
This ends our listing of the key words which the
Spirit of hwhy associates with fasting throughout
the Law, the Prophets, and the Messianic
writings.
tsrqupeonmlkyjxzwhdgba
In summary, after a few hours pondering
many of the above Scriptures (and the key words
related to fasting), one dear brother so aptly said
over the faithful Hebrews, …“Fasting was like
their natural reaction to the trials and difficulties
82
Deuteronomy 6:4,5
- 14 -
of life.” The saying is true and worthy of all
acceptance. So should it be with the people of
hwhy in every generation.
Many spiritual principles are cyclical wherein
one thing (we will call it “occurrence A”) leads
to another (which we will call “occurrence B”);
but not long hence, “occurrence B” leads back
once more to “occurrence A.” Consider the
following which relates to the believer’s love for
hwhy83 and revelation which the Spirit gives us
of Him and His Word.84 In love and favor, hwhy
reveals Himself and His word (“occurrence A”).
As a result, we love Him more and stand more in
awe of His Presence. But this new-found love
for hwhy (our “occurrence B”) makes us obey
Him in ways richer and greater. Such loving
obedience, however, leads hwhy to once more
revealing Himself unto us (“occurrence A”) in
new and marvelous ways, Psalm 40:1-3, John
14:21. It is also noted this cycle could have been
started with either of the two occurrences and it
would have led once again to the other (which, in
turn, would have started the cycle over once
more). This is, as it were, a perpetual motion
machine in the spiritual realm: whichever comes
first in the above cycle, it always leads back to
the original phenomenon. Either of the two will
lead to, or generate, the other.
And so it is with certain fasting-related
phenomena: one who is truly afflicted will
probably have no desire to eat anyway, while
one who may not be afflicted85 becomes afflicted
once a fast begins. Fasting prepares the heart86
and gives proper, sober alignment to our
thoughts and emotions during the difficult
decisions and tough situations in life. Affliction
leads to fasting,87 but fasting also leads to/results
in affliction: the two “go hand-in-hand,” as we
say in America. Job responded to his great
troubles with the affliction and humility of
fasting, Job 1:20,21, 2:11-13. The context of the
entire book is fasting-related because Job is
fasting while speaking and doing those things
which are recorded in its pages.
83
This will be our “occurrence B.”
84
This will be our “occurrence A.”
85
Though he or she should be if their heart was right!
86
2Chronicles 19:3, 20:3
87
Psalm 102:4
 We also see this cyclical relationship within
the affliction produced by vigilance: a certain
type of soul-permeating affliction will keep one
from even sleeping; deep affliction causes
wakefulness. However, one who is willingly
vigilant throughout the night (although not
initially afflicted) will enter into the realm of
affliction as sleep is intentionally shunned. A
fellow teaching associate and friend was once so
deeply bothered about a situation at the school
he could not even sleep the night before
confiding in me of the difficulty. So it was with
King Darius who was exceedingly troubled at
the plight of Daniel in the den of lions; it is
recorded, “he passed the night fasting” … “and
his sleep went from him.” Daniel 6:18, Psalm
77:1-4. Affliction leads to vigilance, while
vigilance leads to affliction.
So the terms used in Scripture to describe
events which surround the act of fasting are
terms which reveal the unavoidable physical,
emotional, and spiritual results in the life of the
sincere worshipper so engaged. Not perceiving
this, anyone could easily dismiss or spiritualize
away terms such as mourn, afflict, humble,
heaviness (from lack of sleep and/or energy), and
the like. However, it would be a grave mistake
to dismiss these many terms as having no
tangible substance or relation to fasting. For the
benefit of those who already believe Moses and
the Prophets,88 this writer submits the above
scriptural evidence revealing the numerous key
words so clearly and contextually linked to
fasting throughout the inspired writings. If
studied, the Scriptures given will surely help the
open-minded believer to better grasp these
concepts and to enter into a closer walk with
hwhy.
And what of the surprise promised at the
outset of our study? At what point did the
realization come to our readers that all of what
we commonly call “The Beatitudes”89 are, in
fact, fasting-related? Each character trait
revealed in these Scriptures relates to the lives
and hearts of those who seek hwhy by fasting and
prayer. The life and words of our Messiah are
truly of great splendor, abounding in favor and
truth! John 1:14 Who better than the Messiah to
88
Luke 16:31, Acts 24:14
89
Matthew 5:1-12
- 15 -
proclaim the fast that hwhy has chosen?! Isaiah
58:6, John 4:25 eswhy was the Living Word and
He was the Epitome of all those things which He
taught in “The Beatitudes:” He was poor in
spirit; He mourned; He was meek; He hungered
and thirsted after righteousness; He was
merciful; He was pure in heart; He was a
peacemaker; He was persecuted for
righteousness’ sake; and He was falsely reviled
for evils wherein He was not guilty. After His
forty-day fast, eswhy the Messiah returned to
Galilee in the power of the Spirit90 “to loose the
bands of wickedness,”91 “to undo the heavy
burdens,92 to let the oppressed go free,”93 and to
“break every yoke.”94 Isaiah 58:6, Luke 4:18,19
All praise be to the Qadosh Name of hwhy for
ever and ever: eswhy the Messiah magnified the
Law95 as He both exemplified and proclaimed
the fast which hwhy has chosen.
How often should one fast? For how long?96
When should assemblies fast corporately? That
most have not been doing so is likely one reason
the Body of the Messiah exhibits little power
when an Infinite Source is available. A better
question might be, “Why haven’t, or why aren’t,
assemblies fasting corporately?” Only the Spirit
can lead individuals and congregations in
answering these questions – which, incidentally,
are not posed to condemn, or to judge, or to
belittle in any way. The intent is to lovingly stir
the minds of all believers worldwide that we
might see blessings come forth from heaven
which are more than the storehouses can contain.
These great blessings are not prosperity sought
for our own sakes, but they are granted us so all
the ends of the earth shall fear the Name of hwhy.
Psalm 67:6-7, Malachi 1:11
90
Luke 4:1-14, 31-32
91
Luke 4:16-19, 5:12-13, 17-26
92
Luke 13:13-16
93
Luke 4:33-36, 38-41, Acts 10:38
94
eswhy not only broke loose every yoke of physical
bondage and infirmity, He was also empowered to break
loose every yoke of spiritual bondage, Hebrews 2:14,15,
Romans 6:18,22, 8:2, John 8:31-36.
95
Isaiah 42:21
96
Those who have little experience in fasting would do
well to obtain the first book recommended at the end of
this study. It provides an excellent overview of fasting
with sound advice surrounding numerous, physical
concerns.
 Fasting is for those who are not content with
the current, spiritual status quo in their own lives
or in regard to the current state of things
throughout the Kingdom of hwhy. We have not
“arrived” because we fast;97 we fast because we
have not arrived;98 such was also the case with
Shaul, the apostle:
“Yea doubtless, and I count all things loss for
the excellency of the knowledge of Messiah
eswhy my Sovereign, for whom I have suffered
the loss of all things and do count them as dung
that I may win Messiah and be found in Him not
having my own righteousness, which is of the
Law, but that which is through faith in the
Messiah: the righteousness which is of Elohim
by faith; that I may know Him, and the power of
His resurrection, and the fellowship of His
sufferings, being conformed to His death; if by
any means I might attain unto the resurrection of
the dead. Not as though I had already attained,
either already were perfect: but I follow after, if
that I may apprehend that for which also I am
apprehended of Messiah eswhy. Brethren, I
count not myself to have apprehended; but this
one thing I do: forgetting those things which are
behind 99 and reaching forth to those things
which are before. I press toward the mark for
the prize of the high calling of hwhy in Messiah
eswhy.” Philippians 3:8-14
The man who wrote these things had forsaken all
as he ever clung to the dust100 – the dust to which
he would some day return, Job 1:20,21. This
being the case, Shaul testified of fasting often,
2Corinthians 6:5, 11:27. The above seeking
heart revealed by this portion of the apostle’s
letter to the Philippians is certainly definitive
proof of a life which was given to fasting and
prayer – by which he sought first the Kingdom
of hwhy and His righteousness. Matthew 6:33
And Shaul knew, firsthand, the suffering and
reproach which those who obtain fasting-derived
meekness and humility must surely encounter;101
but he also knew “the power of His resurrection”
as he was blessed to heal the sick and to raise the
97
Luke 18:9-12
98
Luke 18:13-14
99
Luke 9:62
100
Genesis 18:27, Job 30:19, 42:6, Psalm 119:25
101
2Corinthians 11:24,25, Philippians 3:10, 2Timothy
3:12
- 16 -
dead;102 and the light of the Almighty’s word
given to the apostle then, is still blessing many
today. Isaiah 58:8
The doctrine of positional righteousness in
eswhy (left as it is today, standing alone) has
produced a multitude of complacent believers
who “are at ease in Tziyon” and who seemingly
possess no impetus to progress spiritually. Amos
6:1, Revelation 3:15-19 Does the finished work
of the Messiah eswhy leave us with absolutely
nothing to do on our part? May it never be. The
favor of hwhy (provided we have truly received
it) teaches us we are to deny worldly lusts and to
live soberly and righteously in this present
world. Titus 2:11,12 Overcoming in this manner
requires that we put forth spiritual effort.103 Just
sitting around saying we “believe” is not an
expression of true faith:104 belief must lead to
action. James 2:14,20,22,24,26
The word of hwhy is clear that He expects His
great love to be met by a loving response105 from
those who will “[give] all diligence”106 to “work
out [their] own salvation with fear and
trembling.”107 At this point, those who have
remained with us should have little doubt the
apostles are here speaking of seeking hwhy via
fasting and prayer as we take the yoke of the
Messiah upon ourselves.108 We are not talking
about salvation by works! We are talking about
doing something with the gifts which hwhy has
already given us!109 We are talking about not
neglecting so great a salvation!110 We are
talking about inheriting the promises through
faith and patience!111 So few believers are
walking in the reality of all that eswhy came to
give us. Why is this? They are not actively
102
Acts 14:8-11, 20:9-12, 28:7-9
103
1Corinthians 9:24-27, Philippians 3:7-14, Hebrews
6:12, 12:1-4, 2Peter 1:5-9
104
Amos 6:1, Ezekiel 16:49
105
1Corinthians 5:14,15, 1John 4:10,19
106
2Peter 1:5,10
107
Philippians 2:12
108
Matthew 11:28-30. Note! Yokes were put upon oxen
who were about to serve and work! And serve they did:
“… even as the Son of man came not to be served, but to
serve … Matthew 20:28, John 21:25
109
Matthew 25:19-23,29
110
Hebrews 2:1-3
111
Hebrews 6:12, Revelation 14:12; it is through patient
endurance in well doing that the reward, or inheritance, is
obtained! Romans 2:7, James 1:3, Revelation 2:19
taking “the promised land” of “abundant life”112
because, apart from fasting and prayer, they are
unarmed with “the weapons of our warfare.”113
And why are most pastors today diluting the
message of His word? Because they have not
experienced the reality of His word or the power
of righteousness, 2Timothy 3:5-7. And why is
this? Because they have not sought hwhy in the
manner which He expects: without fasting-
derived humility, we have not prepared our
hearts to truly seek hwhy.114 Since many today
never get past “square one,” they also never
proceed to seek hwhy by keeping His
testimonies.115 “Preparing our hearts” to seek
hwhy through fasting and prayer is described by
Him in the ever-popular, but little understood
text of Second Chronicles:
If My people, upon whom My Name is called,
shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My
face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will
I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin,
and will heal their land. 2Chronicles 7:14
Note the numerous fasting-related terms in this
text: … humble … pray … seek … turn …
We must realize that part of what it means to
truly forsake all and to follow eswhy means we
must take upon ourselves His blessed yoke – the
yoke of fasting-derived meekness and humility!
If we cannot deny ourselves physical food to
seek that food which is spiritual – to seek His
eternal paths and to cultivate His meekness and
humility – how shall we deny ourselves things
greater? Who are we fooling? James 1:22 Shaul
wrote elsewhere that the favor of hwhy upon him
was not in vain, but that he labored more than all
the rest; but he qualified this statement by
saying, …“yet not I, but the favor of Elohim
which was with me.” 1Corinthians 15:10116
How did Shaul obtain such favor? Because he
sought and found it! Genesis 6:8, Hebrews 4:16
This was that “greater favor” of which James
112
John 10:10
113
2Corinthians 10:4,5
114
Deuteronomy 5:29, 2Chronicles 12:14, Psalm 78:8,37,
Ezekiel 33:31
115
Psalm 119:2
116
Among those who walk with eswhy, it is always a
given that apart from Him we can do nothing. John 15:5
Because he made such a strong statement, Shaul qualified
his words with this fact so that he could not be accused of
boasting.
- 17 -
wrote (4:6); this was that special favor which
comes upon one as the Spirit’s power works in
the heart and mind of the humble, contrite faster.
Such favor left no place for Shaul to be at ease in
Tziyon as he met the requirement of humility
and thus obtained the key for entering into and
appropriating all that the finished work of
Messiah had already secured for the taking!117
It is through fasting and prayer that we
continually ask, seek, and knock;118 and it is only
those who do so who shall have opened to them
in the heavens a door of vision and prophecy.119
The secret of hwhy is for those who fear Him,
Psalm 25:12. He does not impart His counsel to
the nominal and uncommitted who do not revere
or seek Him. It is only through fasting and
prayer that we may begin fully experiencing and
walking in the reality of all that we read in the
Scriptures!
Who initiates a fast: the Spirit or the one
fasting? We believe the answer is: both.120 And
can a regimen of regular fasting be Spirit-led?
Absolutely! Whenever a person fasts out of
faith-related motives, it is the Spirit who has led
and taught that one and brought him or her to the
point of having the desire and/or the urgency to
fast regardless of the reason(s). When Daniel
understood the prophecies of Jeremiah, he knew
the time for Yisrael’s restoration to the Land was
at hand. Hence, he set himself to seek hwhy by
prayer and fasting, Daniel 9:2,3. While no
mention is made of the Spirit’s leading, Daniel
was old and wise, and he knew how to respond
to what he read on the written page of the
Scriptures. He responded with fasting and
prayer because the Spirit had already taught him
that it is through “faith and patience we inherit
the promises.” Hebrews 6:11,12 Fasting is the
most proper, most effective, and most powerful
“first step” of faith we can take over any matter!
Daniel’s faith was in the word of hwhy which
required His people to humble themselves in the
land of their captivity before they could return to
the Land. Leviticus 26:40-42, 2Chronicles
6:37,38121 We assert Daniel’s faith initiative
117
Hebrew 6:19,20, Isaiah 5:4, Romans 8:32, 2Peter 1:3
118
Matthew 7:7-8
119
Revelation 3:7-8, 4:1, Proverbs 29:18
120
Daniel 9:2,3, 10:12, Luke 4:1, Revelation 11:3
121
Fasting and prayer are intended to lead the way out of
any captivity! Isaiah 58:6
was absolutely Spirit led. In our day and time,
we are surrounded by much evil. We daily
encounter many reasons to fast and pray. Hence,
each believer must keep the matter of when to
fast – along with issues of frequency and
duration – before hwhy. Like anything in the
spiritual realm, as one grows to better understand
fasting through study and experience,122 the
understanding/leading of the Spirit will also be
given by which one knows when and where to
fast and for what reasons. As our understanding
grows, we also learn the ways of the Most High
are not nearly as complicated as we have
imagined them to be. Proverbs 4:18,
2Corinthians 11:3 Fasting is/should be the initial
step of faith for any large undertaking.
However, fasting with prayer is also the initial
step of faith and reverence for anyone who seeks
to be wise and to progress over any matter of
spiritual concern.
Evangelical Christianity, by and large, has no
explanation for the many Scriptures which place
personal responsibility upon the believer to act
so as to inherit the promises. This study asserts
those Scriptures which so clearly mention our
responsibility are all fulfilled through actively
seeking hwhy with fasting and prayer. Fasting
with prayer are among the most powerful
aspects of True Worship, and hwhy has ordained
them to spark and to fuel true faith and loving
obedience in the hearts of His people. When we
fast and pray,123 we are obeying the mandate
given by eswhy to ask, seek, and knock,124 and
eswhy is the Author of eternal salvation to all
those who obey Him! Matthew 7:24,25, Hebrews
5:9
Fasts are initiated for many reasons:
• To seek hwhy for special help, guidance and
protection, Ezra 8:21, 2Chronicles 20:1-3.
• To know Him more fully. Exodus 33:12-18,
Psalm 36:9, 119:2,18 Isaiah 58:8,10.
122
(i.e., by being a “doer of the word” in relation to
fasting)
123
Matthew 6:5,6,16-18. We also note eswhy taught of
giving alms in the context of prayer and fasting. This was
not coincidental since the prophet Isaiah also taught of
giving alms in his discourse on fasting. Isaiah 58:6,7,10
The Spirit of hwhy calls us to tangibly identify with the
plight of the poor and needy as we become “poor in spirit”
through fasting and prayer. Matthew 5:3
124
Matthew 7:7,8
- 18 -
• To “break every yoke” bringing deliverance
from bondage to any sin, Isaiah 58:6.
• To pray for His work in the life of another.
Ephesians 1:15-19, Isaiah 58:8
• To share in the sorrow and affliction of others,
Psalm 35:13,14, Isaiah 58:6,7,10, Romans 12:15,
2Corinthians 11:28,29, Hebrews 13:3, 1Peter
5:8,9.
• To increase our faith by giving us the humility
of a servant, Luke 17:5-10, Philippians 2:3-5.
The Messiah, eswhy, taught the lower we
humble ourselves, the greater our faith becomes,
Matthew 5:3, James 2:5, 4:10.
• To seek for physical and spiritual healing,
Isaiah 58:8, Matthew 13:15.
• To purify and cleanse ourselves for His
Presence; to set ourselves apart for His purposes.
Exodus 19:10,11,14,15
• To obtain the leading of the Spirit, Isaiah
58:11, Romans 8:14. This leading will
sometimes be absolutely miraculous with
amazing answers to prayer and unbelievable
split-second-timing on the part of hwhy time after
time after time.
• To forego feeding oneself so as to feed the
sheep, Ezekiel 34:1,2, John 21:15-17, Acts 6:1-
4.125 As we grow closer to hwhy, feeding the
sheep becomes the overriding factor in all that
we do. The apostle Shaul endured all things for
the sake of the elect – including fasting-derived
afflictions, reproach and suffering, 2Timothy
2:10-12, 2Corinthians 6:5, 11:27.
Together with all of the above, fasting will:
• Give strength of bones, Psalm 34:17-19, Isaiah
58:11.
125
It has actually been asserted the apostles were being
pompous in their actions to forgo waiting on tables so as
give themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word!
We absolutely and wholeheartedly disagree with such a
man-made theory. The apostles were wisely avoiding food
altogether as they fasted, prayed, and studied the word of
hwhy. Matthew 9:14,15 In stark contrast to the carnal
shepherds rebuked by hwhy through Ezekiel of old, the
apostles of the Lamb refused to feed themselves so they
might be rightly empowered to feed the sheep through
fasting-derived meekness and humility coupled with
submissive, selfless prayer! Ezekiel 34:1,2, John 21:15-17,
Acts 20:28, 1Peter 5:1-4, 1Samuel 12:23/Exodus
28:21,29/Numbers 6:22-27
• Bring forth the power of the Spirit,
2Corinthinas 12:9-10, Revelation 11:3.126
• Bring forth the light of the written Word,
Psalm 36:9, Proverbs 4:18, Isaiah 58:8,10,
Ephesians 1:16-19, James 4:6.
• Result in direct revelation in the Spirit over
personal issues127 as we seek and find the favor
of hwhy. Ezra 8:21, Matthew 7:7,8
• Melt the heart with tears of joy, gratitude, awe,
and contrition. As the Spirit is poured out on our
thirsty soul,128 the heart is overwhelmed by the
love and kindness of hwhy, see Psalm 136.129
This special anointing of joy, brokenness, and
contrition may or may not be the immediate
experience of one who fasts on a regular basis,
but it will eventually occur should the believer
progress. And the key to making true, lasting,
and substantive spiritual progress is fasting-
derived humility and its associates in
righteousness: meekness and a broken, contrite
heart. Proverbs 15:33 There are no short cuts.
hwhy will exalt us commensurate to the depth of
humility which His Spirit is able to produce in
our lives. Yet He also exalts us to the level at
which we pray. A contradiction? Not at all. In
the life of one given to seeking hwhy through
fasting and prayer, humility is the soil in which
126
If one compares the ministry of the two witnesses with
the ministry of Eliyah, it will be seen they come in “the
spirit and power” of that prophet. According to the
prophecies of Revelation, this power is associated with
their fasting.
127
Isaiah 58:11, Romans 8:14, Daniel 10:1
128
Isaiah 44:3
129
A note regarding fasting and Psalm 136. The Hebrew
word for “fast” is “tsome” and its gematria value is 136:
← prayer. As a result, they are those who become
136 = (40) M + (6) w + (90) u = Mwu
This writer does not regard it as coincidence that every
verse in Psalm 136 speaks of the lovingkindness of hwhy.
Perhaps far more than any other aspect of True Worship,
fasting and prayer bring forth the reality of that
lovingkindness in and through the life of a believer.
Through fasting and prayer, this lovingkindness is
revealed in many great and awesome ways. Daniel fasted
before hwhy, and he was later hailed by the heavenly
messenger as a “man greatly loved.” Through fasting,
Daniel set his love upon hwhy, and in return, hwhy set His
love upon Daniel. Psalm 91:14-16, Daniel 10:11,19
Further, the word “chesed” (translated as “mercy,”
th
“lovingkindness,” or “kindness”) occurs in the 136 Psalm
exactly 26 times; not only is 26 the gematria value of the
Name of hwhy, but “chesed” (or “kindness”) is a key
attribute of His character which He declared to Moses
when revealing that great Name to the prophet (see the
Hebrew text of Exodus 34:5,6).
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faith grows enabling the believer to both ask and
think in ways far greater and far higher than they
would or could apart from the humility and
power of the Spirit thus obtained, Isaiah 55:6-9,
Jeremiah 33:3, Ephesians 3:20. And many
believers will have to unlearn numerous, false
notions which so often vilify true humility as,
“pride,” while exalting pride130 as, “humility:”
Woe to those that call evil good and good evil;
that put darkness for light and light for
darkness; that put bitter for sweet and sweet for
bitter! Isaiah 5:20
Fasting prepares the heart to learn all these
things and more as hwhy El Shaddai gives us His
strong support.131 His Spirit will most certainly
illumine us in this remarkable sojourn. And
hwhy speaks this timeless word of power through
the prophet and priest, Samuel:
… “for those who honor Me, I will honor.”132
1Samuel 2:30
How important is it to honor hwhy by magnifying
His great Name? Very! The Hebrew word
translated as “honor” in 1Samuel 2:30 is
“cabeyd;” its number value is also 26! As
already mentioned just above (footnote 129), the
number value of the Name of hwhy is also 26:
← ← ←
26 = (4) d + (2) b + (20) k = dbk= cabeyd
← ← ←
26 = (5) h + (6) w + (5) h + (10) y = hwhy= YHWH
This great Scripture may well have its ultimate
fulfillment in the life of those who dwell “in the
secret place of the Most High” with fasting and
poor in spirit; they are those who maintain a
broken, contrite heart; they are those who mourn;
they are those who obtain meekness; they are
those who ever hunger and thirst for
righteousness; they are those who are
merciful/kind; they are those who become pure
in heart; they are those who are peacemakers;
and they are those who are subsequently
130
Including false humility.
131
1Chronicles 16:9
132
For other Scriptures on the importance of honoring and
loving the Name of hwhy see: Exodus 3:15, 20:7, Psalm
5:11, 91:14, 69:36, 119:32, Isaiah 42:8, 56:6, Malachi
1:6,11, 4:1,2, Zechariah 14:9, Matthew 6:9, Hebrews 6:10,
Revelation 11:18, 14:1-4, 15:4
persecuted and reviled for righteousness’ sake.
Fasting-derived meekness and humility bring
about all these things as we enter into a realm
not only foreign and unknown to carnal man, but
blessed and untouchable by the Adversary of our
souls133 since he only operates in the realm of
pride, self-gain, and all-out opposition to the
Law of hwhy. The one who seeks hwhy with
fasting-derived humility becomes a doer of the
Law134 as he or she produces the fruit of the
Spirit increasingly; and not long hence, the pure
Spirit of the Creator can manifest the
resurrection power of the Messiah Himself.
Philippians 3:10, 2Corinthians 12:9,10, 1Peter
4:13,14 But be warned: this power does not
come separate from reproach and persecution:
one’s heart must be prepared to embrace not only
the reproach of one’s family and the
unconverted, but even brethren in the faith will
mock and abuse; this will be the most hurtful and
will cause the greatest suffering, Psalm 55:12-14.
However, these things are a small price to pay
as, in our spiritual poverty, the power of the
Spirit makes many rich. Matthew 5:3,
2Corinthians 6:10
In closing, we once more consider our
opening Scripture:
The fear of hwhy is the instruction of wisdom,
and before honor is humility.
Proverbs 15:33
Those who humble themselves before hwhy with
fasting and prayer will surely know the
fulfillment of this great proverb. Both now and
in the resurrection, hwhy will bestow honor upon
those who take no honor to themselves and
whose only purpose in life is to bring honor to
His great Name. Psalm 115:1,2, Matthew 6:9
We are now more aware when eswhy teaches
His followers to humble themselves that His
reference is clearly to the importance of fasting-
derived brokenness and humility!
I tell you, this man went down to his house
justified rather than the other: for every one that
133
James 4:7
134
1Chronicles 16:9, Psalm 37:31, 40:8, 111:10, 119:2,
98-100, Isaiah 51:7, Jeremiah 31:33, Matthew 5:17-20,
John 14:21, 15:10, Romans 2:13, 3:31, 1Corinthians 7:19,
1John 2:4-6, 5:3-5, Revelation 12:17, 14:12, 22:14.
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exalts himself shall be abased; and he that
humbles himself shall be exalted.
Luke 18:14
We live in days of restoration135 and give all
praise to hwhy through the One we exalt with
absolute preeminence in all things:136 eswhy the
Messiah. He alone is “The Repairer of the
breach,” and “The Restorer of paths in which to
dwell.” Isaiah 58:12
eswhy the Messiah is the One whose life and
teachings exemplify for His people in every
generation the fast that hwhy has chosen. Isaiah
58:6 Let us follow the Example of the Word
made flesh.
Hallelu-Yah! His Name is exalted!
t s r q u p e o n m l k y j x z w h d gb a
PC
Personal Copyright
1984 - 2010, by the author.
This article has been reprinted
many times since 12/2000.
The printing of this updated,
edited version was on 11/26/2009.
We believe most copyrights have been abused
worldwide in religious circles as false shepherds
and other merchants feed on the sin of the
people. These many abuses have filled the
worship house of hwhy with money changers
who hinder True Worship by robbing and
oppressing the poor. Zechariah 7:10 Many, if
not most, have turned reverence and the worship
of hwhy into a means of great, personal gain.
Micah 3:11, 1Timothy 6:5-10, 1Peter 5:2 We
assert such things were never meant to be, Isaiah
55:1,2, Mark 11:15-17. Hence, our copyright is
intended to allow for free distribution of the
word of hwhy with the following, minimal
limitations:
This document may be copied and distributed if
it is left unaltered and in its entirety and
if it is given away at no cost.
Matthew 11:5, Luke 4:19, Galatians 2:10.
This article may not be included in any
publication – religious or otherwise – without
the author’s written consent.
135
Acts 3:21
136
Colossians 1:18
 All peaceable correspondence is invited:
P.O. Box 280114
Northridge, CA 91328-0114
United States of America
For other free documents which are offered to
provide encouragement and edification from the
word of hwhy, please refer to the following
website:
http://www.yahuyahweh.org/iah
Note: ISRV is an abbreviation/acronym for,
“INSTITUTE FOR SCRIPTURE RESEARCH VERSION.”
The INSTITUTE FOR SCRIPTURE RESEARCH is an
organization of Messianic believers based in
South Africa. They have published an excellent
version of the word of hwhy which is entitled
“The Scriptures.” This present study refers to
“The Scriptures” as the ISRV. For those who
might be interested in obtaining this version, the
Institute’s web address is:
http://www.isr-messianic.org/

Recommended Books for Further Study

The Miracle of Fasting, by Paul Bragg; gives a
fine overview of many practical, physical
concerns and principles surrounding fasting;
available in many health food stores or by calling
1-800-446-1990.
God’s Chosen Fast, by Arthur Wallis; gives an
excellent spiritual overview of fasting; published
and distributed by the Christian Literature
Crusade (CLC) and possibly available in
Christian bookstores.

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