Ezra 8:21

19 also Hashabiah, together with Jeshaiah, from the descendants of Merari, and his brothers and their sons, 20 men.

20 They also brought 220 of the temple servants, all designated by name. David and the officials had appointed them to assist the Levites.

And there by the Ahava Canal I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask Him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions.

22 For I was ashamed to ask the king for an escort of soldiers and horsemen to protect us from our enemies on the road, since we had told him, “The hand of our God is gracious to all who seek Him, but His great anger is against all who forsake Him.”

23 So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and He granted our request.

Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
And there by the Ahava Canal I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask Him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions.
KJV
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.
WEB
Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a straight way for us, for our little ones, and for all our possessions.
ASV
Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek of him a straight way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.
DARBY
And I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.
BLB
And I proclaimed there a fast at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before the face of our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and for our little ones and for all our possessions.
ÅB
Så lot jeg der, ved Ahavaelven, utrope en faste, for at vi skulle ydmyke oss for vår Guds åsyn og be ham om en lykkelig reise for oss og våre barn og all vår eiendom.
OTB
Der, ved elven Ahava, utropte jeg en faste, så vi kunne ydmyke oss for vår Gud og søke fra Ham en trygg reise for oss, våre barn og alle våre eiendeler.
B1930
Så lot jeg der, ved Ahavaelven, utrope en faste, forat vi skulde ydmyke oss for vår Guds åsyn og bede ham om en lykkelig reise for oss og våre barn og all vår eiendom.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • 2 Chronicles 20:3

    Jehoshaphat was alarmed and set his face to seek the LORD. And he proclaimed a fast throughout Judah.

    Read in context
  • Joel 1:14

    Consecrate a fast; proclaim a solemn assembly! Gather the elders and all the residents of the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD.

    Read in context
  • Isaiah 30:21

    And whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.”

    Read in context
  • 1 Samuel 7:6

    When they had gathered at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the LORD. On that day they fasted, and there they confessed, “We have sinned against the LORD.” And Samuel judged the Israelites at Mizpah.

    Read in context
  • Jonah 3:5

    And the Ninevites believed God. They proclaimed a fast and dressed in sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least.

    Read in context
  • Leviticus 16:29

    This is to be a permanent statute for you: On the tenth day of the seventh month, you shall humble yourselves and not do any work—whether the native or the foreigner who resides among you—

    Read in context
  • Psalms 143:8–10

    Let me hear Your loving devotion in the morning, for I have put my trust in You. Teach me the way I should walk, for to You I lift up my soul.

    Read in context
  • Psalms 107:2–8

    Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy

    Read in context