Moses fasted 40 days and 40 nights
In Exodus chapter 34, Moses is up on Mount Horeb. He stays there 40 days and 40 nights, fasting from food and drink.
BIBLE VERSE
Exodus 34:28. He [Moses] was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he neither ate bread, nor drank water. He wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.
DISCUSSION
forty days and forty nights. Before receiving the Law from the LORD, Moses fasted for 40 days and nights.
Some Christians scoff at the notion of fasting for 40 days. They say it is not possible. However, there are many people in our day who fast for 40 days or even longer. With medical supervision, it is entirely possible.
did not eat bread or drink water. This is called a “dry fast.”
Some people like to imagine that Moses followed a diet that was merely restricted, such as living on milk or juices. However, the Hebrew words suggest otherwise …
bread. The Hebrew word is “lehem.” It literally means “bread.” But in actual usage, it means “food.” Moses did not eat any food.
drink. The Hebrew word is šātāh. It means “to drink.” Moses did not drink anything.
CAUTION
Fasting is only for those who are medically capable. Check with your health care provider. Experts say you need to be under the supervision of a doctor during the time of a fast.
SEE ALSO
Bible Verses about Fasting. To fast is to abstain from eating. And possibly drinking. Or to follow a restricted diet. It is a wonderful companion during special times in our lives.
EXODUS
CHAPTERS: 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40
RESOURCES: Summary, Outline, Memorize, Pharaoh’s Heart, Moses’ fast
Unless otherwise noted, all Bible quotations on this page are from the World English Bible and the World Messianic Edition. These translations have no copyright restrictions. They are in the Public Domain.