Ezra 8:22-24

Expanded Bible

²² I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and ·horsemen [cavalry] to protect us from enemies on the ·road [way]. We had said to the king, “The hand of our God ·helps [^Lis on] everyone who ·obeys [seeks] him, but ·he is very angry with [his power and anger are against] all who reject him.” ²³ So we fasted and ·prayed to [petitioned; pleaded with; ^Tsought] our God about our trip, and he ·answered [heard; listened to] our prayers.

²⁴ Then I ·chose [appointed; set apart] twelve of the priests who were leaders, Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their ·relatives [colleagues; ^Lbrothers].