Ezra 8:21-23

God’s Protection Sought

21 Then I called for ^aa fast there at ^bthe river of Ahava, that we might ^chumble ourselves before our God to seek from Him a ¹direct journey for us, our little ones, and all our possessions. 22 For I was ashamed to ask from the king for a military force and horsemen to help us against the enemy on the way, because we had said to the king, “^aThe hand of our God is upon all those who seek Him, for their good, but ^bHis strength and His anger are against all those who ^cforsake Him.” 23 So we fasted and sought our God concerning this matter, and He ¹^awas moved by our entreaty.