Most Christians would consider biblical fasting a very unpleasant undertaking. Considering the complexities of the affliction offered by fasting might better help to understand its value. In our passage, the people of God determined to fast so that they might afflict themselves before the Lord. Several other passages discuss this affliction in even more detail. Isaiah 58:3 and 5 describes the affliction as not merely an affliction of the flesh, but also an affliction of the soul. Additionally, we learn that fasting humbles (Psalm 35:13) and chastens (Psalm 69:10) the soul. Fasting involves much more than merely opposition to one’s flesh. Fasting directly afflicts, chastens, and humbles the soul. Perhaps this is why it is so difficult to fast and so beneficial to do so.
As recorded in Zechariah, the people of God came to the Lord desiring to know if they should continue weeping and fasting as they had done for many years. In response, the Lord asked the people if they ever really fasted UNTO Him. In other words, were they fasting for simply prideful reasons, to be seen of men, or really fasting unto the Lord? The motive of fasting is also addressed in Matthew chapter 6. Christians should never fast in order to please men or to draw praise and attention to themselves. Fasting should be a private matter between the believer and the Lord. The benefits gained by fasting are lost when the motives are improper or impure. Those behaving hypocritically will ensure that people know they are fasting, desiring the praise of men; whereas, the truly humble seek only to please the Lord.
