Ezra 8:22

Ezra 8:22

20 ^aalso of the Nethinim, whom David and the leaders had appointed for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinim. All of them were designated by name.

Fasting and Prayer for Protection

21 Then I ^aproclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might ^bhumble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the ^cright way for us and our little ones and all our possessions.

22 For ^aI was ashamed to request of the king an escort of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy on the road, because we had spoken to the king, saying, ^b“The hand of our God is upon all those for ^cgood who seek Him, but His power and His wrath are ^dagainst all those who ^eforsake Him.”

23 So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He ^aanswered our prayer.

Gifts for the Temple

24 And I separated twelve of the leaders of the priests—Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brethren with them—

Commentaries:

Adam Clarke

<< Ezra 8:21

Ezra 8:23 >>

I was ashamed to require - a band - He had represented God, the object of his worship, as supremely powerful, and as having the strongest affection for his true followers: he could not, therefore, consistently with his declarations, ask a band of soldiers from the king to protect them on the way, when they were going expressly to rebuild the temple of Jehovah, and restore his worship. He therefore found it necessary to seek the Lord by fasting and prayer, that they might have from Him those succours without which they might become a prey to their enemies; and then the religion which they professed would be considered by the heathen as false and vain. Thus we see that this good man had more anxiety for the glory of God than for his own personal safety.

<< Ezra 8:21

Ezra 8:23 >>

DISCLAIMER: Church of the Great God (CGG) provides these resources to aid the individual in studying the Bible. However, it is up to the individual to "prove all things, and hold fast to that which is good" (I Thessalonians 5:21). The content of these resources does not necessarily reflect the views of CGG. They are provided for information purposes only.