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Ezra 8:21-23
King James Version

21 Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.

22 For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him.

23 So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.

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Ezra 8:21-23
New International Version

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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Ezra 8:21-23
English Standard Version

Fasting and Prayer for Protection

21 (A)Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river (B)Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, (C)to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods. 22 For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king, (D)“The hand of our God is for good on (E)all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him.” 23 So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty.

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Ezra 8:21-23
Christian Standard Bible

Preparing to Return

21 I proclaimed a fast(A) by the Ahava River,[a] so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us, our dependents, and all our possessions. 22 I did this because I was ashamed to ask the king for infantry and cavalry to protect us from enemies during the journey, since we had told him, “The hand of our God is gracious to all who seek him, but his fierce anger is against all who abandon him.”(B) 23 So we fasted and pleaded with our God about this, and he was receptive to our prayer.

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Footnotes

  1. 8:21 Or Canal, also in v. 31
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Ezra 8:21-23
New American Standard Bible 1995

Protection of God Invoked

21 Then I proclaimed (A)a fast there at (B)the river of Ahava, that we might (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 those who seek Him, but (E)His power and His anger are against all those who (F)forsake Him.” 23 So we fasted and sought our God concerning this matter, and He [d](G)listened to our entreaty.

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Footnotes

  1. Ezra 8:21 Lit straight 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
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