The destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple \u2013 first by the Babylonians in 587 B.C. and later by the Romans in 70 A.D. \u2013 are marked by Jews each year at the Fast of Ab. It is a time of mourning and deep reflection on the sins that brought God\u2019s judgment on them, and points us all toward the path of repentance.<\/p>\n
For Christians, the fast can be a time of thanksgiving for the forgiveness provided by Christ\u2019s atoning sacrifice on the cross.<\/p>\n
In fact, the medieval Jewish commentator Maimonides said that all these fasts would cease in the times of the Messiah:<\/p>\n
Zechariah 8:19<\/strong> \u2013 \u201cThus saith the LORD of hosts; The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts; therefore love the truth and peace.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Notes on the Fast of Ab<\/a><\/p>\n The Fast of Ab and Baseless Hatred<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple \u2013 first by the Babylonians in 587 B.C. and later by the Romans in 70 A.D. \u2013 are marked by Jews each year at the Fast of Ab. It is a time of … Continue reading