20 (A)also of the Nethinim, whom David and the leaders had appointed for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinim. All of them were designated by name.

Fasting and Prayer for Protection

21 Then I (B)proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might (C)humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the (D)right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions. 22 For (E)I was ashamed to request of the king an escort of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy on the road, because we had spoken to the king, saying, (F)“The hand of our God is upon all those for (G)good who seek Him, but His power and His wrath are (H)against all those who (I)forsake Him.”

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20 They also brought 220 of the temple servants(A)—a body that David and the officials had established to assist the Levites. All were registered by name.

21 There, by the Ahava Canal,(B) I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey(C) for us and our children, with all our possessions. 22 I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers(D) and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, “The gracious hand of our God is on everyone(E) who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him.(F)

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