Fasting is Important

Now, the Jewish people have always understood that the phrase “to afflict your souls” means to fast. On that day, normally, they go without food or water.

Let me define fasting, as a matter of fact, just to make it clear. My definition of fasting is abstaining from food for spiritual purposes. Often, it’s also from drink, but generally speaking, not so. And just how you abstain, it’s up to you to decide. But what I want to point out to you is that Israel were required to “humble their souls” in order to receive the benefit of the sacrifice offered on their behalf.

And the Jewish people, for about 3,400 years, have always known that to “humble their soul” meant to fast. And as a matter of fact, this is an unbroken practice in the history of the Jewish people. From the time of Moses to this day, on the Day of Atonement, they “afflict their soul” by fasting. And in the New Testament, in Acts chapter 27 and verse 9,

“this day is called ‘The Fast.’”