Different between old and new testament fasting

While fasting is a common practice in both the Old and New Testaments, there are some differences in the way it was practiced and understood in each era. Here are some key differences:

Old Testament Fasting

  1. Frequency: Fasting was a regular practice in the Old Testament, often done as a matter of course, especially during times of national crisis or to seek God's guidance.
  2. Purpose: Fasting was often done to:
    • Seek God's guidance or forgiveness (e.g., 1 Samuel 7:6, 2 Samuel 12:16-23)
    • Express repentance or sorrow (e.g., Esther 4:16, Jonah 3:5-10)
    • Celebrate special occasions (e.g., the Day of Atonement, Leviticus 16:29-34)
    • Seek deliverance or protection (e.g., 2 Chronicles 20:3-4)
  3. Duration: Fasts could last from sunrise to sunset (e.g., Esther 4:16) or for a longer period, such as 40 days (e.g., Moses, Exodus 34:28).
  4. Food and drink: Fasters were expected to abstain from all food and drink, including water (e.g., Esther 4:16).

New Testament Fasting

  1. Frequency: While Jesus and the early church did fast, it was not a regular practice. Fasting was often done in response to specific situations or as a means of spiritual preparation.
  2. Purpose: Fasting in the New Testament was often done to:
    • Seek spiritual guidance or renewal (e.g., Jesus, Matthew 4:1-2, Luke 4:1-2)
    • Express repentance or sorrow (e.g., Jesus, Matthew 9:14-15)
    • Prepare for a significant event or decision (e.g., Jesus, Matthew 14:13-21)
    • Demonstrate spiritual discipline and humility (e.g., Jesus, Matthew 6:16-18)
  3. Duration: Fasts in the New Testament were often shorter, such as a day or a night (e.g., Jesus, Matthew 4:2).
  4. Food and drink: While the New Testament does not explicitly state what foods and drinks were allowed during fasting, it is implied that some food and drink were acceptable, as Jesus and his disciples would often eat and drink after a fast (e.g., Jesus, Matthew 11:18-19).

Key differences

  1. Frequency: Fasting was more frequent in the Old Testament, while in the New Testament, it was often done in response to specific situations.
  2. Purpose: While both Testaments used fasting to seek God's guidance and express repentance, the New Testament emphasized the importance of spiritual discipline and humility.
  3. Duration: Fasts in the Old Testament were often longer, while those in the New Testament were generally shorter.
  4. Food and drink: The Old Testament expected complete abstinence from food and drink, while the New Testament implies that some food and drink were acceptable during fasting.

It's essential to note that these differences are not meant to imply that one is better than the other. Both Testaments demonstrate the importance of fasting as a means of drawing closer to God and seeking His guidance.