²¹ There by the Ahava ·Canal [River], I announced we would all fast and ·deny [humble] ourselves before our God. We would ask God for a safe ·trip [journey] for ourselves, our children, and all our possessions. ²² I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and ·horsemen [cavalry] to protect us from enemies on the ·road [way]. We had said to the king, “The hand of our God ·helps [^Lis on] everyone who ·obeys [seeks] him, but ·he is very angry with [his power and anger are against] all who reject him.” ²³ So we fasted and ·prayed to [petitioned; pleaded with; ^Tsought] our God about our trip, and he ·answered [heard; listened to] our prayers.