Ezra 8:22-24

Contemporary English Version

²² I was ashamed to ask the king to send soldiers and cavalry to protect us against enemies along the way. After all, we had told the king that our God takes care of everyone who truly worships him, but that he gets very angry and punishes anyone who refuses to obey. ²³ So we went without food and asked God himself to protect us, and he answered our prayers.

The Gifts for the Temple

²⁴ I^[a] chose twelve of the leading priests—Sherebiah, Hashabiah and ten of their relatives.