Protection of God Invoked

21 Then I proclaimed (A)a fast there at (B)the river of Ahava, to (C)humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him a [a]safe journey for us, our little ones, and all our possessions. 22 For I was ashamed to request from the king troops and horsemen to [b]protect us from the enemy on the way, because we had said to the king, “(D)The hand of our God is [c]favorably disposed to all who seek Him, but (E)His power and His anger are against all those who (F)abandon Him.” 23 So we fasted and sought our God concerning this matter, and He [d](G)listened to our pleading.

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Footnotes

  1. Ezra 8:21 Lit smooth way
  2. Ezra 8:22 Lit help
  3. Ezra 8:22 Lit upon all...for good
  4. Ezra 8:23 Lit was entreated by us

21 There, by the Ahava Canal,(A) I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey(B) for us and our children, with all our possessions. 22 I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers(C) 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(D) who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him.(E) 23 So we fasted(F) and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.

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