Ezr 8:23 | KingComments | STEP | When everything seems ready to go up to the house of God in Jerusalem, Ezra proclaims a fast ( ). No matter how much prosperity they have had so far, it doesn’t make Ezra independent of God. He also wants to ensure the further course of the journey under the protection of God. Ezra knows that the road is full of dangers. The company is complete, but now they all have to come into the right relationship with God. That is why they seek His presence in fasting and prayer. A work for Him requires spiritual exercise; it is not a matter that can be started lightly. Humility is the right starting attitude and the right mind to persevere. By humility we allow God to search our hearts and consciences and test our motives. We should not ask for power, but humble ourselves, that’s what matters. Again, there is no ark that goes before them, no pillar of cloud that leads them. They know, however, that He Who used to lead His people through the wilderness has not changed. It is important that all have the same goal and that there are no people who have joined the company with other intentions. It must also be clear that for the journey they can entrust themselves to nothing but the good hand of God. Ezra is ashamed to deviate in practice from what he has confessed ( ). Instead of relying on a troop of soldiers to protect them, he relies on God to protect them, which is much better. This is how they get through all their enemies. How little the spirit of Ezra is found today. For much of what is called a work for God, support is sought from people. This is done through letters asking for money, or asking people if they want to stand guarantor, or asking men of name if they want to exert influence. These are all methods the world uses for the sake of success. It is a joy for God to answer the trust of His people with the promise and proof of His help. He comes to the aid of those who bear witness to what He is to them in the midst of trials and dangers. We sometimes say things in sincere faith. That trust is not in vain, but reality is tested. In view of this, we must seek God’s presence. That is what Ezra and those who travel with him do. They refrain from food in order to focus entirely on God in view of the way ahead ( ; cf. ). Specifically, they ask God, “our God”, the God they know through their personal dealings with Him, “concerning this [matter]”, that is, whether He wants to protect them. It is important to ask the Lord concrete things. He desires to give us things that increase our trust in Him. He lets Himself be entreated. We read this here and six more times in the Old Testament ( ; ; ; ; ).

‏ Ezra 8:23

Fasting and Prayer

When everything seems ready to go up to the house of God in Jerusalem, Ezra proclaims a fast (Ezra 8:21). No matter how much prosperity they have had so far, it doesn’t make Ezra independent of God. He also wants to ensure the further course of the journey under the protection of God. Ezra knows that the road is full of dangers. The company is complete, but now they all have to come into the right relationship with God. That is why they seek His presence in fasting and prayer.

A work for Him requires spiritual exercise; it is not a matter that can be started lightly. Humility is the right starting attitude and the right mind to persevere. By humility we allow God to search our hearts and consciences and test our motives. We should not ask for power, but humble ourselves, that’s what matters. Again, there is no ark that goes before them, no pillar of cloud that leads them. They know, however, that He Who used to lead His people through the wilderness has not changed. It is important that all have the same goal and that there are no people who have joined the company with other intentions. It must also be clear that for the journey they can entrust themselves to nothing but the good hand of God.

Ezra is ashamed to deviate in practice from what he has confessed (Ezra 8:22). Instead of relying on a troop of soldiers to protect them, he relies on God to protect them, which is much better. This is how they get through all their enemies. How little the spirit of Ezra is found today. For much of what is called a work for God, support is sought from people. This is done through letters asking for money, or asking people if they want to stand guarantor, or asking men of name if they want to exert influence. These are all methods the world uses for the sake of success.

It is a joy for God to answer the trust of His people with the promise and proof of His help. He comes to the aid of those who bear witness to what He is to them in the midst of trials and dangers. We sometimes say things in sincere faith. That trust is not in vain, but reality is tested. In view of this, we must seek God’s presence. That is what Ezra and those who travel with him do.

They refrain from food in order to focus entirely on God in view of the way ahead (Ezra 8:23; cf. Acts 13:2-3). Specifically, they ask God, “our God”, the God they know through their personal dealings with Him, “concerning this [matter]”, that is, whether He wants to protect them. It is important to ask the Lord concrete things. He desires to give us things that increase our trust in Him. He lets Himself be entreated. We read this here and six more times in the Old Testament (Gen 25:21; 2Sam 21:14 ; 2Sam 24:25; 1Chr 5:20; 2Chr 33:13; Isa 19:22).