Ezra 8:21
Ezra 8:21 in Multiple Translations
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.
¶ 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.
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.
Then I gave orders for a time of going without food, there by the river Ahava, so that we might make ourselves low before our God in prayer, requesting from him a straight way for us and for our little ones and for all our substance.
At the Ahava Canal I called for a fast so we could confess our sins before God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, along with all our possessions.
And there at the Riuer, by Ahaua, I proclaimed a fast, that we might humble our selues before our God, and seeke of him a right way for vs, and for our children, and for all our substance.
And I proclaim there a fast, by the river Ahava, to afflict ourselves before our God, to seek from Him a right way for us, and for our infants, and for all our substance,
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.
Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river 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.
And I proclaimed there a fast by the river Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before the Lord our God, and might ask of him a right way for us and for our children, and for all our substance.
There alongside the Ahava Canal, I told them that we all would ◄fast/abstain from eating food► and pray. I also told them that we should humble ourselves in the presence of our God. We prayed that God would protect us while we traveled, and also protect our children and our possessions/belongings.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezra 8:21
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezra 8:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וָ/אֶקְרָ֨א
שָׁ֥ם
צוֹם֙
עַל
הַ/נָּהָ֣ר
אַהֲוָ֔א
לְ/הִתְעַנּ֖וֹת
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
אֱלֹהֵ֑י/נוּ
לְ/בַקֵּ֤שׁ
מִמֶּ֨/נּוּ֙
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
יְשָׁרָ֔ה
לָ֥/נוּ
וּ/לְ/טַפֵּ֖/נוּ
וּ/לְ/כָל
רְכוּשֵֽׁ/נוּ
וָ/אֶקְרָ֨א
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
שָׁ֥ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
צוֹם֙
tsôwm
H6685
fast
N-ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הַ/נָּהָ֣ר
nâhâr
H5104
river
Art | N-ms
אַהֲוָ֔א
ʼAhăvâʼ
H163
Ahava
N-proper
לְ/הִתְעַנּ֖וֹת
ʻânâh
H6031
be occupied
Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
אֱלֹהֵ֑י/נוּ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
לְ/בַקֵּ֤שׁ
bâqash
H1245
to seek
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
מִמֶּ֨/נּוּ֙
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs
יְשָׁרָ֔ה
yâshâr
H3477
Jashar
Adj
לָ֥/נוּ
Prep | Suff
וּ/לְ/טַפֵּ֖/נוּ
ṭaph
H2945
child
Conj | Prep | N-ms | Suff
וּ/לְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | Prep | N-ms
רְכוּשֵֽׁ/נוּ
rᵉkûwsh
H7399
property
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezra 8:21
וָ/אֶקְרָ֨א
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
שָׁ֥ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
צוֹם֙
tsôwm
H6685
"fast"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fast or go without food, often for spiritual reasons. It appears in various forms, such as fasting or a fast. This concept is seen in the lives of prophets and leaders like Moses and Elijah.
Definition: fast, fasting
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: fast(-ing). See also: 2 Samuel 12:16; Isaiah 58:3; Psalms 35:13.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַ/נָּהָ֣ר
nâhâr
H5104
"river"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, a river symbolizes prosperity, like the Nile or Euphrates, and is often used figuratively. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing the life-giving waters of the Promised Land. This word is also used to describe underground streams.
Definition: 1) stream, river 1a) stream, river 1b) (underground) streams Aramaic equivalent: ne.har (נְהַר "river" H5103H)
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: flood, river. See also: Genesis 2:10; Psalms 93:3; Psalms 24:2.
אַהֲוָ֔א
ʼAhăvâʼ
H163
"Ahava"
N-proper
Ahava is a river in Babylonia, mentioned in Ezra 8:21 and 8:31, where the Israelites stopped to fast and pray before continuing to Jerusalem.
Definition: § Ahava = "I shall subsist" town or area in Babylonia
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Ahava. See also: Ezra 8:15; Ezra 8:21; Ezra 8:31.
לְ/הִתְעַנּ֖וֹת
ʻânâh
H6031
"be occupied"
Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a
To afflict or oppress someone, making them feel low or depressed. In the Bible, it can also mean to humble oneself, as seen in Psalm 35:13. It involves being put down or becoming weak.
Definition: (Qal) to be occupied, be busied with
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: abase self, afflict(-ion, self), answer (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), chasten self, deal hardly with, defile, exercise, force, gentleness, humble (self), hurt, ravish, sing (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), speak (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), submit self, weaken, [idiom] in any wise. See also: Genesis 15:13; 2 Kings 17:20; Psalms 35:13.
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
אֱלֹהֵ֑י/נוּ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
לְ/בַקֵּ֤שׁ
bâqash
H1245
"to seek"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.
Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.
מִמֶּ֨/נּוּ֙
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
יְשָׁרָ֔ה
yâshâr
H3477
"Jashar"
Adj
Jashar refers to being straight or just, like doing what is convenient and right. A man named Jashar lived before Israel's monarchy, as mentioned in Joshua 10:13. He wrote a book of poetry and songs, now lost.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jos.10.13
Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: convenient, equity, Jasher, just, meet(-est), [phrase] pleased well right(-eous), straight, (most) upright(-ly, -ness). See also: Exodus 15:26; Psalms 32:11; Psalms 7:11.
לָ֥/נוּ
""
Prep | Suff
וּ/לְ/טַפֵּ֖/נוּ
ṭaph
H2945
"child"
Conj | Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a child or a group of children, often used to describe little ones or families. It appears in passages like Matthew 18:10 and Mark 10:13-16, where Jesus teaches about children. Jesus loves them.
Definition: children, little children, little ones
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: (little) children (ones), families. See also: Genesis 34:29; Deuteronomy 1:39; Jeremiah 40:7.
וּ/לְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
רְכוּשֵֽׁ/נוּ
rᵉkûwsh
H7399
"property"
N-ms | Suff
It refers to property or possessions, such as livestock or goods, like the riches of King Solomon in 1 Kings.
Definition: 1) property, goods, possessions 1a) property, goods 1a1) general term for all movable goods 1a2) of livestock 1a3) of stores, utensils, etc
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: good, riches, substance. See also: Genesis 12:5; 1 Chronicles 28:1; Daniel 11:28.
Study Notes — Ezra 8:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezra 8:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezra 8:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 8:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezra 8:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 8:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 8:21
- Cambridge Bible on Ezra 8:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 8:21
- Sermons on Ezra 8:21
Context — Fasting for Protection
19also Hashabiah, together with Jeshaiah, from the descendants of Merari, and his brothers and their sons, 20 men.
20They also brought 220 of the temple servants, all designated by name. David and the officials had appointed them to assist the Levites.
21And 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.
22For 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.” 23So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and He granted our request.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 20:3 | Jehoshaphat was alarmed and set his face to seek the LORD. And he proclaimed a fast throughout Judah. |
| 2 | 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. |
| 3 | 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. |
| 4 | 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.” |
| 5 | Jonah 3:5 | And the Ninevites believed God. They proclaimed a fast and dressed in sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least. |
| 6 | 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— |
| 7 | Leviticus 23:29 | If anyone does not humble himself on this day, he must be cut off from his people. |
| 8 | 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. Deliver me from my enemies, O LORD; I flee to You for refuge. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your good Spirit lead me on level ground. |
| 9 | Psalms 107:2–8 | Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy and gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south. Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no path to a city in which to dwell. They were hungry and thirsty; their soul fainted within them. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress. He led them on a straight path to reach a city where they could live. Let them give thanks to the LORD for His loving devotion and His wonders to the sons of men. |
| 10 | Psalms 5:8 | Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make straight Your way before me. |
Ezra 8:21 Summary
In Ezra 8:21, Ezra called a fast so that the people could humble themselves before God and ask for a safe journey. This shows us the importance of humility and seeking God's guidance in our lives, as seen in Psalm 25:9 and Proverbs 22:4. By fasting and praying, Ezra and the people were able to trust God for their protection and provision, which is a great example for us to follow in our own lives, as seen in Matthew 6:33 and Philippians 4:6-7. We can learn from Ezra's example to prioritize prayer and fasting in our lives to seek God's will and direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ezra proclaim a fast in Ezra 8:21?
Ezra proclaimed a fast so that the people could humble themselves before God and ask for a safe journey, as seen in Ezra 8:21, which is similar to the fasting and prayer in Esther 4:16 and Joel 2:12-13, where the people sought God's protection and guidance.
What was the purpose of the fast in Ezra 8:21?
The purpose of the fast was to seek God's protection and guidance for the journey, as well as to humble themselves before Him, which is in line with the teachings of 2 Chronicles 7:14 and Psalm 51:17, where humility and a contrite heart are essential for seeking God's favor.
How does Ezra's decision to fast relate to his faith in God?
Ezra's decision to fast demonstrates his faith in God's power and provision, as seen in Ezra 8:22-23, where he trusted God to protect them from their enemies, which is similar to the faith expressed in Psalm 23:4 and Proverbs 3:5-6, where trust in God is essential for navigating life's challenges.
What can we learn from Ezra's example of fasting and prayer in Ezra 8:21?
We can learn the importance of humility, prayer, and seeking God's guidance in our lives, as seen in Matthew 6:16-18 and Acts 13:1-3, where fasting and prayer are essential for seeking God's will and direction.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can humble myself before God, like Ezra did in Ezra 8:21?
- How can I apply the principle of seeking God's protection and guidance in my own life, like Ezra did in Ezra 8:21?
- What are some areas of my life where I need to trust God for protection and provision, like Ezra did in Ezra 8:22-23?
- How can I prioritize prayer and fasting in my life, like Ezra did in Ezra 8:21, to seek God's will and direction?
Gill's Exposition on Ezra 8:21
Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava,.... After the messengers to Iddo were returned with those they brought with them: that we might afflict ourselves before our God; humble themselves
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 8:21
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. Then I proclaimed a fast there.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezra 8:21
A right way, i.e. a safe and prosperous journey; or such a way and course as might be best for us.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 8:21
Ezra 8:21 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.Ver. 21. Then I proclaimed a fast there] A day of restraint from food, fine clothes, and other delights of life. There is a threefold fast, saith one, from meat, from mirth, and from sin; this last crowns all. Unless God sees turning, he sees no work in a fast, saith another, explaining that text, Jonah 3:10, "God saw their works, that they turned." Of a fast, See Trapp on "Joe 2:12". That we might afflict ourselves before our God] Not outwardly only (that is but the shell, Isaiah 58:3), but inwardly also, for that is the kernel of this exercise, Jeremiah 16:19, which else is but bodily, and profiteth little; something it may, as it did Ahab; but if rightly performed, though it weakeneth the body, yet it strengtheneth the spirit, making it vigorous and victorious. To seek of him a right way for us] To edge our prayers and give wings to them; for fasting inflameth prayer, and prayer sanctifieth fasting; hence they go coupled for the most part, Luke 2:37 Matthew 17:21 1 Corinthians 7:5. And surely, if with fasting and prayer we can seek of God direction and protection, as here, we shall speed of both. And for our little ones] These should be a main part of our care, to lay up prayers for them, to commend them to God’ s safe keeping, forasmuch as puerilitas est periculorum pelagus, Little ones are liable to a thousand deaths and dangers. And for all our substance] Our stock and our store, all the goods that we have got and gathered together. Our English word Riches answereth to the Hebrew Recush.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 8:21
(21) To seek of him a right way for us.—The wilderness was now before them, and an enemy, indefinitely referred to, was in the way: probably desert tribes, always lying in wait for unprotected caravans. Our little ones.—An intimation that whole households went up. Our substance.—Chiefly the treasures for the Temple, though the term signifies cattle and other goods, with an undertone of abundance.
Cambridge Bible on Ezra 8:21
21–36. The Events of the Journey21–30. Preparations for the journey. (a) 21–23. The rendezvous and solemn fast at Ahava21. I proclaimed a fast] For “fasting” see also on Ezra 9:3, Ezra 10:6. Here however the fast is not proclaimed in connexion with any special commission of sin. Ezra appoints the fast (a) as the symbol of submission before God’s will and of repentance from sin, (b) as the means of intensifying religious fervour in prayer through the restraint laid upon physical appetite, (c) as the testimony that ‘man lives not by bread alone’. Viewed in this aspect, the public fast proclaimed by Ezra was a spiritual exercise; from which the pagan notion of propitiating God’s favour by voluntary human suffering was altogether absent. Cf. 2 Chronicles 20:3.
Compare the fast of Judas Maccabeus and his companions (1Ma 3:47) before they addressed themselves to the conflict with the forces of Antiochus Epiphanes. that we might afflict ourselves] R.V. that we might humble ourselves. A moral not a physical discipline. The self-affliction or humiliation is expressed by a verb which gave rise to the regular word in later Hebrew for fasting, “Taanith”. a right way] R.V. a straight way. Both a direct road, that they might not have to turn aside on account of attacks and dangers from robbers or enemies, and a level road without obstacles and inequalities. Cf. Isaiah 40:3, ‘make straight (or level) in the desert a high way for our God’; where the same word occurs. our substance] same word as is rendered ‘goods’ in ch. Ezra 1:6 (see note).
Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 8:21
21. Proclaimed a fast — That by proper humiliation before God they might secure his blessing upon their journey. Afflict ourselves — By abstinence and personal humiliation. Compare marginal references.
Sermons on Ezra 8:21
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From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Ezra) ch.7 - ch.10 by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen explores the transition of Ezra and the people from Babylon to Jerusalem, emphasizing the significance of Ezra's leadership and his commitment to God's Word. He highligh |
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(Through the Bible) Ezra by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker talks about a man who had been bragging to the king about the power and greatness of God. As a result, the king gave him a lot of gold and silver, but n |
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(Rebuilding the House of the Lord) 4. a New Phase as Ezra Appears by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the journey of the Israelites from Babylon to Jerusalem, which took them four months on foot. Despite the risks of being robbed or ambushed, t |
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Fasting for the King's Coming by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of fasting as a spiritual practice. He explains that fasting is not just for times of crisis, but can be done out of a longing |
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Fasting for the Safety of the Little Ones by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Ezra and the faith-building background leading up to a specific event in chapter 8. The people of Israel are in exile in the Pers |
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The Fruit of Obedience by Roy Pointer | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Nehemiah chapter 8 and the rebuilding of Jerusalem. He starts by discussing the act of looking in the mirror and how it can reveal our flaws |
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If My People Seek My Face Part 4 by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God with all our hearts, aligning our lives with His will, and removing hindrances that prevent us from truly seeking Him. It highl |