Day4
1Samuel 31
Week 49
“When the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, all the valiant men arose and went all night, and they took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth Shan, and they came to Jabesh and burned them there. Then they took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree at Jabesh, and they mourned, fasting seven days.”
1 Samuel 31:11-13 MEV
Cross references
2 Chronicles 16:14;
2Samuel 2 4-7;
Genesis 50:10;
2 Samuel 21:12-14
A Season of Fasting
Are you familiar with fasting?
Some fast to lose weight or other health benefits.
Many who fast are partaking or abstaining for spiritual benefits.
A season of fasting can be as short as part of a day or as long as 40 days maybe more.
We have spent 49 weeks studying 1 Samuel. I did not plan it out ahead of time.
The number 49 signifies forgiveness, new beginning, change, inner strength and growth. It is a factor of seven which is very significant in the Bible.
Day4
1Samuel 31
Week 49
“When the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, all the valiant men arose and went all night, and they took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth Shan, and they came to Jabesh and burned them there. Then they took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree at Jabesh, and they mourned, fasting seven days.”
1 Samuel 31:11-13 MEV
Cross references
2 Chronicles 16:14;
2Samuel 2 4-7;
Genesis 50:10;
2 Samuel 21:12-14
A Season of Fasting
Are you familiar with fasting?
Some fast to lose weight or other health benefits.
Many who fast are partaking or abstaining for spiritual benefits.
A season of fasting can be as short as part of a day or as long as 40 days maybe more.
We have spent 49 weeks studying 1 Samuel. I did not plan it out ahead of time.
The number 49 signifies forgiveness, new beginning, change, inner strength and growth. It is a factor of seven which is very significant in the Bible.
Verse 13, the final verse in our study concludes with a seven day fast. A season of fasting traditionally in Jewish culture for the purpose of mourning.
Oftentimes in the Bible fasting would be a sign of repentance and since 49 represents forgiveness and new beginnings, I think it is not just a coincidence for us to finish up being reminded of God’s unending mercy and forgiveness.
Action Step
I would like us as a group to share in a season of fasting for wisdom, understanding and spiritual growth.
Tomorrow I will include a video on 1 Samuel for review and next week we will do a 5 day study on fasting and then you may join me for a season of fasting if you choose to.