The four fasts

At last, an answer is given to the question concerning fasting. The Lord says, “The fast of the fourth, the fast of the fifth, the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth months will become joy, jubilation, and cheerful festivals for the house of Judah; so love truth and peace” (v 19). Four fasts are mentioned here. (1) The fast of the fourth month. This was a fast mourning the breaching of the walls of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar (2 Kings 25:3-4; Jer. 39:2; 52:6-7). (2) The fast of the fifth month was a fast mourning the destruction of the temple. According to Jewish tradition, the temple in Jerusalem was destroyed on the ninth day of the fifth month. This day is called “Tisha B’Av (the ninth day of the month of Av),” the day commemorating the destruction of the temple (it falls around the end of July to August on the solar calendar). Judaism made this the second most important fast day. The most important fast day is the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). (3) The fast of the seventh month was a fast commemorating the assassination of Gedaliah, the governor of Judah (2 Kings 25:22-25). (4) The fast of the tenth month was a fast mourning the beginning of Nebuchadnezzar’s siege of Jerusalem (2 Kings 25:1; Jer. 39:1; 52:4). These fasts were not commanded by the Lord but were voluntarily begun by the Jewish people. In other words, they were fasts established by Judaism. From God’s perspective, it does not matter whether one fasts or not. What is important is that the day will come when these fasts, which are symbols of sorrow, will be turned into joyful festivals.

Love truth and peace

It says, “So love truth and peace.” (1) There is no need to become preoccupied with fasting. (2) For the time will come when memories of sorrow will be turned into joy. The details of this are written in verses 20-23, which we will study next time. (3) What the people must do now is listen to the Lord’s commandments and put them into practice. “Love truth and peace” is that command. The promise that the destroyed city would once again regain its prosperity greatly encouraged the people of Israel. We too can become so preoccupied with matters that are ultimately secondary that we forget the clear commandments of God to which we should truly be obedient. We must remember. Every one of God’s promises will be fulfilled. The final restoration of Jerusalem will be fulfilled in the Millennial Kingdom. At that time, we will receive glorified bodies and dwell together with the glorious Lord. This joy becomes the driving force for living in the present.