---

I. OCCASIONS OF FASTING.

1. Afflictions of the Church (Nehemiah.)

2. National judgments (Joel).

3. Domestic bereavement (David).

4. Imminent danger (Esther).

5. Solemn ordinances (Paul and Barnabas set apart).

II. THE DESIGN OF FASTING.

III. THE DUTY OF FASTING.

1. Forms part of general principle of self-denial, essential to true discipleship (Luke 9:28).

2. Implied, and therefore enjoined, by words of Christ (Matthew 17:21).

IV. THE MANNER AND DEGREE OF FASTING.

1. Sometimes total abstinence from food for a time (Esther 4:16).

2. More often abstinence from superfluous food (Daniel 10:8).

V. THE SPIRIT IN WHICH TO FAST.

(Homiletic Commentary.)

---

---

KJV: And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,

WEB: It happened, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days; and I fasted and prayed before the God of heaven,