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
Ezra 8:21-23
International Standard Version
21 Then I called for a fast there at the Ahava River so we could humble ourselves before our God and seek from him an appropriate way for us and our little ones to live, and how we should guard our personal wealth,[a] 22 because I was ashamed to ask the king for a contingent of soldiers and cavalry to protect us from enemies we might encounter[b] on the way. After all, we had told the king, “The hand of our God seeks the good of all who seek him,[c] but his power and anger are against everyone who forsakes him.” 23 So we fasted and asked our God about this, and he listened to us.
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