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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- 8:21 Or Canal, also in v. 31
Ezra 8:21-23
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Fasting and Prayer for Protection
21 Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the River Ahava, that we might humble ourselves[a] before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our possessions.(A) 22 For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and cavalry to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king that the hand of our God is gracious to all who seek him, but his power and his wrath are against all who forsake him.(B) 23 So we fasted and petitioned our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty.(C)
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- 8.21 Or fast
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New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.