Ezr 8:21-23 | TNotes | STEP | 8:21 fast and humble ourselves: Ezra recognized the need to look to God for the protection, safety, and health of 5,000 people going 800 miles on foot. Robbers might be hiding in the hills, there was danger in crossing rivers, and people could get sick.

d1 Kgs 21:9►

e2 Chr 20:3►

fNeh 1:4►

gDan 9:3►

‏ Ezra 8:21-23

8:21 ^a fast and humble ourselves: Ezra recognized the need to look to God for the protection, safety, and health of 5,000 people going 800 miles on foot. Robbers might be hiding in the hills, there was danger in crossing rivers, and people could get sick.
8:22 ^b ashamed: Ezra had openly proclaimed his faith in God’s ability to protect the Israelites on their journey. Asking the king for help now would suggest that Ezra did not really believe in God’s ability to provide.
8:23 ^c fasted ... prayed: In the Old Testament, fasting often accompanied prayer as a demonstration of need before God (1 Kgs 21:9 ^d; 2 Chr 20:3 ^e; Neh 1:4 ^f; Dan 9:3 ^g).