The Mosaic Law required of the Jews on day of annual fasting because of the Day of Atonement.

They, however, added another fast to the religious calendar as a reminder of the destruction of the Temple.

With the construction of the House of God in progress, they argued whether they should continue to fast for the Temple.

The Most High replied saying that the people were more concerned with religious formalities than with pleasing Him.

The fast that please the Lord consists of acts of righteousness, mercy and faith. Later on , the Lord Jesus taught His disciples about that (matt. 23.23) After all, what good are a person’ s prayers, praises, fasting, and the practice of religious tradition if they are living in sin (there is no righteousness), are selfish (there is no mercy), and are independent of God (there is no faith)?