Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions. Ezra 8:21
Ezra’s companion’s: 8:1-4. The genealogies of those who accompany Ezra are recorded.
The Journey home: 8:15-36. Ezra is carrying much wealth, but he is ashamed to ask for military protection. Instead he calls for prayer and fasting, and then sets out, trusting God for protection against enemies and bandits.
21 Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions. 22 For I 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, “The hand of our God is upon all those for good who seek Him, but His power and His wrath are against all those who forsake Him.” 23 So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer.
31 Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go to Jerusalem. And the hand of our God was upon us, and He delivered us from the hand of the enemy and from ambush along the road. 32 So we came to Jerusalem, and stayed there three days.
–> Ezra led people to fast and pray not because they were under attack or suffering any kind of hardship. They were going home while carrying much wealth given by the Persian King. But Ezra was not conceited. The fasting and prayer was for protection and safe journey home.
Likewise, we should also fast and pray for protection and deliverance from our enemies on our journey home before anything bad happens. That’s wisdom and faith. The best kind of preparation!
