Why did Daniel fast?

Fasting is a spiritual discipline observed throughout the Bible, and the book of Daniel offers profound insights into its purpose and significance. Daniel, a major prophet in the Old Testament, fasted on several occasions, and each instance reveals different layers of his relationship with God, his dedication to prayer, and his commitment to seeking divine guidance and intervention.

To understand why Daniel fasted, it's crucial to look at the context and circumstances surrounding his actions. Daniel was among the Israelites taken into Babylonian captivity, a period of great trial and transformation for the Jewish people. Despite being in a foreign land, Daniel remained steadfast in his faith and devotion to God. His fasting can be seen as a response to both personal and communal needs, as well as a demonstration of his humility and earnestness in seeking God's will.

One significant instance of Daniel fasting is recorded in Daniel 9:3-4:

"So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed: 'Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments...'"

In this passage, Daniel's fasting is closely associated with prayer and confession. The context here is Daniel's realization of the prophecy given to Jeremiah concerning the seventy years of desolation for Jerusalem (Jeremiah 25:11-12). Understanding that the prophesied period was nearing its end, Daniel sought the Lord with great intensity. His fasting was an expression of his deep repentance and intercession for his people. He recognized the gravity of their sins and the need for divine mercy and restoration.

Daniel's fasting in this instance underscores several key themes:

1. Repentance and Confession: Daniel's prayer is a heartfelt confession of the sins of Israel. He acknowledges the nation's disobedience and pleads for God's forgiveness. Fasting, in this context, is an outward manifestation of an inward contrition. It is a way of humbling oneself before God, recognizing one's own limitations and the need for divine grace.

2. Intercession: Daniel's fasting is not merely for his own benefit but for the sake of his people. He stands in the gap, interceding on behalf of Israel. This act of intercession is a powerful demonstration of love and solidarity with his fellow Israelites. It reflects a deep sense of responsibility and a desire to see God's purposes fulfilled for the community.

3. Seeking Divine Guidance: By fasting, Daniel positions himself to receive revelation and guidance from God. His fasting is a way of clearing away distractions and focusing intently on hearing from the Lord. In response to his fasting and prayer, Daniel receives a vision and a message from the angel Gabriel, who provides insight into the future of Israel and the coming of the Messiah (Daniel 9:20-27).

Another notable instance of Daniel fasting is found in Daniel 10:2-3:

"At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over."

This period of fasting occurs as Daniel seeks understanding of a troubling vision he had received. Here, the fasting is described as a partial fast, where Daniel abstains from certain types of food and comforts. The intensity of his mourning and fasting reflects the seriousness with which he approaches the vision and his desire for clarity and understanding.

In this case, Daniel's fasting serves several purposes:

1. Mourning and Lamentation: Daniel's fasting is an expression of his deep sorrow and concern over the vision. It is a period of mourning, not only for the vision's implications but also for the continued suffering and challenges faced by his people. This act of mourning through fasting is a way of aligning his heart with God's heart, sharing in the grief over sin and its consequences.

2. Preparation for Revelation: By fasting, Daniel prepares himself to receive further revelation and understanding from God. The act of fasting demonstrates his earnestness and dedication to seeking God's truth. It creates a spiritual environment conducive to receiving divine insight. Indeed, at the end of his fast, Daniel is visited by a heavenly being who provides him with a detailed prophecy concerning the future (Daniel 10:10-14).

3. Spiritual Warfare: The narrative in Daniel 10 also reveals the spiritual warfare that accompanies Daniel's fasting and prayer. The angel who visits Daniel explains that he was delayed by the "prince of the Persian kingdom" and that Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help him (Daniel 10:13). This glimpse into the spiritual realm highlights the reality of spiritual opposition and the power of persistent prayer and fasting in overcoming such obstacles.

Daniel's practice of fasting, therefore, is multifaceted. It is a means of humbling himself before God, seeking forgiveness, interceding for others, and preparing to receive divine guidance. It is also a powerful tool in spiritual warfare, demonstrating the reality of the unseen battles that accompany our prayers.

The significance of Daniel's fasting extends beyond the immediate context of his life and speaks to the broader biblical understanding of fasting. Throughout Scripture, fasting is associated with repentance, seeking God's face, and preparing for significant spiritual encounters. Jesus Himself fasted for forty days in the wilderness before beginning His public ministry (Matthew 4:1-2), and He taught His disciples about the importance and proper practice of fasting (Matthew 6:16-18).

In Christian tradition, fasting continues to be a vital spiritual discipline. It is a way of setting aside physical needs to focus more intently on spiritual matters. It is an act of worship, a means of drawing closer to God, and a way of participating in the sufferings of Christ. As Richard Foster writes in his book "Celebration of Discipline":

"More than any other Discipline, fasting reveals the things that control us. This is a wonderful benefit to the true disciple who longs to be transformed into the image of Jesus Christ. We cover up what is inside us with food and other good things, but in fasting these things surface."

In conclusion, Daniel fasted as an expression of his deep repentance, his intercession for his people, and his earnest desire for divine guidance and understanding. His fasting was a means of humbling himself before God, seeking forgiveness, and preparing for significant spiritual encounters. It was also a powerful tool in spiritual warfare, demonstrating the reality of the unseen battles that accompany our prayers. Daniel's example of fasting offers valuable lessons for Christians today, highlighting the importance of this spiritual discipline in drawing closer to God and seeking His will.