Fasting in the fifth and seventh months is a practice rooted in the historical and religious context of ancient Israel, as recorded in the Old Testament. These fasts were observed as acts of mourning and repentance, reflecting significant events in the history of the Jewish people.

Fifth Month Fast

The fast of the fifth month commemorates the destruction of Solomon's Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BC. This event marked a profound moment of loss and devastation for the Israelites, leading to the Babylonian exile. The prophet Zechariah references this fast in Zechariah 7:3-5 , where the people inquire whether they should continue to mourn and fast as they had done for many years. The Lord responds through Zechariah, questioning the sincerity of their fasting and urging them to practice justice, mercy, and compassion.

Seventh Month Fast

The fast of the seventh month is associated with the assassination of Gedaliah, the governor appointed by the Babylonians over the remnant in Judah, as recorded in 2 Kings 25:25 and Jeremiah 41:1-3. This event led to further chaos and dispersion among the Jewish people. Zechariah also mentions this fast in Zechariah 7:5 and 8:19 , where it is grouped with other fasts that were to become occasions of joy and gladness, provided the people pursued truth and peace.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, these fasts serve as reminders of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of repentance. They underscore the need for genuine contrition and a return to God's ways. The prophets, particularly Zechariah, emphasize that fasting should not be a mere ritual but should reflect a heart aligned with God's will, characterized by justice and love for one's neighbor.

Contemporary Observance

In contemporary Jewish practice, these fasts are part of the traditional observances during the period known as "The Three Weeks" and "The Nine Days," leading up to Tisha B'Av, the day commemorating the destruction of both the First and Second Temples. While not all Christian denominations observe these specific fasts, the principles of fasting, repentance, and seeking God's favor remain integral to Christian spiritual disciplines.

Scriptural References

· Zechariah 7:3-5 : "by asking the priests of the house of the LORD of Hosts as well as the prophets, 'Should I weep and fast in the fifth month, as I have done for these many years?' Then the word of the LORD of Hosts came to me, saying, 'Ask all the people of the land and the priests: When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months for the past seventy years, was it really for Me that you fasted?'"
· Zechariah 8:19 : "This is what the LORD of Hosts says: 'The fasts of the fourth, fifth, seventh, and tenth months will become times of joy and gladness, cheerful feasts for the house of Judah. Therefore love truth and peace.'"
· 2 Kings 25:25 : "In the seventh month, however, Ishmael son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, who was of royal blood, came with ten men and struck down Gedaliah and killed him, along with the Jews and the Chaldeans who were with him at Mizpah."
· Jeremiah 41:1-3 : "In the seventh month, Ishmael son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, who was of royal blood and had been one of the king’s officers, came with ten men to Gedaliah son of Ahikam at Mizpah. While they were eating a meal together there, Ishmael son of Nethaniah and the ten men who were with him rose up and struck down Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, with the sword, killing the one whom the king of Babylon had appointed over the land."