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◄ Ezra 8:21►

New International Version
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.

New Living Translation
And there by the Ahava Canal, I gave orders for all of us to fast and humble ourselves before our God. We prayed that he would give us a safe journey and protect us, our children, and our goods as we traveled.

English Standard Version
Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
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.

New American Standard Bible
Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, to humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him a safe journey for us, our little ones, and all our possessions.

NASB 1995
Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God to seek from Him a safe journey for us, our little ones, and all our possessions.

NASB 1977
Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God to seek from Him a safe journey for us, our little ones, and all our possessions.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then I called for a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God to seek from Him a direct journey for us, our little ones, and all our possessions.

Amplified Bible
Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river Ahava, so that we might humble ourselves before our God to seek from Him a safe journey for us, our children, and all our possessions.

Christian Standard Bible
I proclaimed a fast by the Ahava River, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us, our dependents, and all our possessions.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I proclaimed a fast by the Ahava River, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask Him for a safe journey for us, our children, and all our possessions.

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
Beside the Ahava River, I asked the people to go without eating and to pray. We humbled ourselves and asked God to bring us and our children safely to Jerusalem with all of our possessions.

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then I announced a fast there at the Ahava River so that we might humble ourselves in the presence of our God to ask him for a safe journey for ourselves, for our little ones, and for all our goods.

Good News Translation
There by the Ahava Canal I gave orders for us all to fast and humble ourselves before our God and to ask him to lead us on our journey and protect us and our children and all our possessions.

International Standard Version
Then I called for a fast there at the Ahava River so we could humble ourselves before our God and seek from him an appropriate way for us and our little ones to live, and how we should guard our personal wealth,

NET Bible
I called for a fast there by the Ahava Canal, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and seek from him a safe journey for us, our children, and all our property.

New Heart English Bible
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.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
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.

World English Bible
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.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
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,

Young's Literal Translation
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,

Smith's Literal Translation
And I shall call a fast there, upon the river Ahava, to humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a straight way for us and for our little ones, and for all our substance.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
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.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And I proclaimed a fast in that place, beside the river Ahava, so that we might afflict ourselves in the sight of the Lord our God, and so that we might request of him the right way for us, and for our sons, and for all our substance.

New American Bible
Then I proclaimed a fast, there by the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our possessions.

New Revised Standard Version
Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might deny ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our possessions.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Then I called them and proclaimed a fast at the river Hawa, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a right way for us and for our little ones and for all our substance.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And I called and I ordered them on the river Hawa to humble themselves before our God, and to seek from him the way of the upright for us, and for our children and for all our possessions.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
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.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And I proclaimed there a fast, at the river Aue, thatwe should humble ourselves before our God, to seek of him a straight way for us, and for our children, and for all our property.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Fasting for Protection
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.”…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

2 Chronicles 20:3-4
Jehoshaphat was alarmed and set his face to seek the LORD. And he proclaimed a fast throughout Judah. / So the people of Judah gathered to seek the LORD, and indeed, they came from all the cities of Judah to seek Him.

Isaiah 58:6-9
Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke? / Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? / Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will come quickly. Your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. ...

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.

Joel 2:12-13
“Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.” / So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster.

Esther 4:16
“Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day, and I and my maidens will fast as you do. After that, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish!”

Nehemiah 1:4
When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven.

Psalm 69:10
I wept and fasted, but it brought me reproach.

Psalm 35:13
Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting, but my prayers returned unanswered.

Daniel 9:3
So I turned my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and petition, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.

Jonah 3:5-10
And the Ninevites believed God. They proclaimed a fast and dressed in sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least. / When word reached the king of Nineveh, he got up from his throne, took off his royal robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. / Then he issued a proclamation in Nineveh: “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Let no man or beast, herd or flock, taste anything at all. They must not eat or drink. ...

Matthew 6:16-18
When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward. / But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, / so that your fasting will not be obvious to men, but only to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Acts 13:2-3
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” / And after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

Acts 14:23
Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church, praying and fasting as they entrusted them to the Lord, in whom they had believed.

Matthew 17:21
But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”

Mark 9:29
Jesus answered, “This kind cannot come out, except by prayer.”

Treasury of Scripture

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.

I proclaimed

Judges 20:26
Then all the children of Israel, and all the people, went up, and came unto the house of God, and wept, and sat there before the LORD, and fasted that day until even, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.

1 Samuel 7:6
And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and pouredit out before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the LORD. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh.

2 Chronicles 20:3
And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.

afflict ourselves

Leviticus 16:29,31
Andthis shall be a statute for ever unto you:that in the seventh month, on the tenthday of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all,whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you: …

Leviticus 23:29
For whatsoever soulit be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people.

Isaiah 58:3,5
Wherefore have we fasted,say they, and thou seest not?wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours…

to seek

Psalm 5:8
Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.

Psalm 107:2-8
Let the redeemed of the LORD sayso, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy; …

Psalm 143:8-10
Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee…

for our little ones

Numbers 14:3,31
And wherefore hath the LORD brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt? …

Psalm 8:2
Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.

Mark 10:13-16
And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: andhis disciples rebuked those that broughtthem…

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Ezra 8

1.The companions of Ezra, who returned from Babylon
15.He sends to Iddo for ministers for the temple
21.He keeps a fast
24.He commits the treasures to the custody of the priests
31.From Ahava they come to Jerusalem
33.The treasure is weighed in the temple
36.The commission is delivered

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

And there by the Ahava Canal
The Ahava Canal is likely a waterway in Babylon, where the Jewish exiles gathered before their journey to Jerusalem. This location signifies a place of preparation and spiritual readiness. The canal's mention highlights the historical context of the Babylonian exile and the return under Persian rule, emphasizing the physical and spiritual journey of the Israelites.

I proclaimed a fast
Fasting in the Old Testament is often associated with repentance, seeking God's guidance, or preparing for a significant event. Ezra's proclamation of a fast underscores the seriousness of their mission and the need for divine intervention. It reflects a common biblical practice where fasting is used to humble oneself and seek God's favor, as seen in other scriptures likeJoel 2:12 andJonah 3:5.

so that we might humble ourselves before our God
Humility before God is a recurring theme in the Bible, emphasizing the need for dependence on divine strength rather than human ability. This act of humbling is a recognition of God's sovereignty and a plea for His mercy and guidance. It aligns with teachings inProverbs 3:34 andJames 4:10, which highlight the importance of humility in receiving God's grace.

and ask Him for a safe journey
The request for a safe journey reflects the dangers and uncertainties of travel in ancient times, especially for a large group carrying valuable items. This plea for protection is a demonstration of faith in God's providence and echoes other biblical instances where God's protection is sought, such as inPsalm 121:8.

for us and our children
Including children in the prayer for safety highlights the communal aspect of the journey and the continuity of faith across generations. It underscores the importance of family and community in the covenant relationship with God, as seen inDeuteronomy 6:7, where the faith is to be passed down to children.

with all our possessions
The mention of possessions indicates the practical concerns of the journey, as they were transporting valuable items for the temple in Jerusalem. It reflects the stewardship of resources dedicated to God's service and the need for divine protection over material blessings, similar to the protection sought inNehemiah 2:7-9.

Persons / Places / Events

1.Ezra
A scribe and priest who led the second group of exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem. He was devoted to studying and teaching the Law of God.

2.The River Ahava
A location where Ezra gathered the exiles before their journey to Jerusalem. It served as a place of preparation and spiritual reflection.

3.The Exiles
The group of Israelites returning from Babylonian captivity to Jerusalem, seeking to restore their homeland and religious practices.

4.The Fast
A spiritual discipline proclaimed by Ezra to seek God's guidance and protection for the journey ahead.

5.God
The central figure in the account, whose guidance and protection are sought through fasting and prayer.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Humility
Fasting is a way to humble ourselves before God, acknowledging our dependence on Him for guidance and protection.

Seeking God's Guidance
Just as Ezra sought God's direction for a safe journey, we should seek His guidance in our life's journey through prayer and fasting.

Community and Leadership
Ezra's leadership in proclaiming a fast demonstrates the role of spiritual leaders in guiding communities toward God.

Faith in Action
The act of fasting and prayer is a demonstration of faith, trusting that God will provide and protect.

Preparation for the Journey
Spiritual preparation is as important as physical preparation when embarking on significant life changes or challenges.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Ezra 8:21?

2.How does Ezra 8:21 emphasize the importance of fasting and prayer for guidance?

3.What role does humility play in seeking God's protection, as seen in Ezra 8:21?

4.How can we apply Ezra's example of seeking God's direction in our lives?

5.What scriptural connections exist between Ezra 8:21 and other Bible passages on fasting?

6.How can Ezra 8:21 inspire us to trust God in uncertain situations?

7.What is the significance of fasting in Ezra 8:21 for spiritual preparation and guidance?

8.How does Ezra 8:21 demonstrate reliance on God rather than human strength?

9.Why did Ezra proclaim a fast at the Ahava Canal in Ezra 8:21?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezra 8?

11.Ezra 8:21–23 portrays a successful journey relying solely on divine protection; is there historical or archaeological evidence of such a safe passage without royal guards?

12.What does the Bible say about fasting?

13.Does the three-day fast in Esther 4:16 conflict with known historical or cultural practices of the time?

14.What lessons do Ezra and Nehemiah's stories teach us?

What Does Ezra 8:21 Mean

And there by the Ahava Canal

Ezra pauses the caravan at a real, identifiable location—an irrigation canal in Babylon—underscoring the historical reliability of the narrative (Ezra 8:15). Much like the Red Sea camp (Exodus 14:2-3) or the banks of the Jordan (Joshua 3:1), this waypoint becomes a place of spiritual preparation, not merely logistical organization. God’s people often meet Him in seemingly ordinary settings that become holy ground when they stop to seek His face.

I proclaimed a fast

Ezra, as priest-scribe, calls everyone to abstain from food. In Scripture, corporate fasting is a God-ordained means of aligning hearts with His purposes (2 Chronicles 20:3;Joel 1:14). It is not an empty ritual but a tangible confession that sustenance and success come from the Lord, not from human strength. In that spirit, the travelers set aside physical appetites to focus on spiritual dependence.

• Fasting highlights urgency (Nehemiah 1:4).

• Fasting expresses repentance and faith (Jonah 3:5).

• Fasting invites divine intervention (Acts 13:2-3).

so that we might humble ourselves before our God

Humility is the declared goal of the fast. Scripture promises that God “opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). By bowing low, the exiles acknowledge their unworthiness and God’s sufficiency. This mirrors the covenant pattern: confession precedes deliverance (2 Chronicles 7:14). True humility looks upward in worship and inward in repentance, trusting the Lord to exalt in due time (James 4:10).

and ask Him for a safe journey

Traveling 900 miles across desert and hostile territories with families and temple treasures demanded divine protection. Reliance on God’s guarding hand echoes Moses’ plea, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not lead us up from here” (Exodus 33:15). The psalmist assures, “The LORD will guard your coming and going, both now and forevermore” (Psalm 121:8). Prayer converts anxiety into petition, casting every care on the One who cares (Philippians 4:6-7;1 Peter 5:7).

for us and our children, with all our possessions

Ezra’s prayer covers every sphere—people, families, resources. Scripture consistently depicts God as the faithful guardian of households (Psalm 127:3-5) and the giver of every good gift (James 1:17). By including children and possessions, Ezra models comprehensive stewardship: everything entrusted to the pilgrims belongs to the Lord (Psalm 24:1), and everything needs His safeguarding (Proverbs 3:5-6).

summary

Ezra 8:21 reveals a timeless pattern: pause in the journey, fast to express total dependence, humble yourself before God, and boldly ask for His protection over every aspect of life. The verse invites believers today to exchange self-reliance for God-reliance, certain that the same covenant-keeping Lord who guided the exiles still directs and guards His people.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(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.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 21. -Then I proclaimed afast there. The fight of the civil ruler to "proclaim a fast" was unquestioned among the Jews and Israelites. Jezebel proclaimed one in Ahab's name when she wished to impress the Jezreelites with the notion that a great crime had been committed. Jehoshaphat did the same when he was invaded by the Ammonites, Moabites, and Mehunim (2 Chronicles 20:1-3). A fast was proclaimed in the fifth year of Jehoiakim when the kingdom of Judah was menaced by Nebuchadnezzar (Jeremiah 36:9). Ezra therefore assumes that he may command one now, in connection with the perils of the coming journey.That we might afflict ourselves. The Jews were commanded to "afflict themselves" on the great day of atonement (Leviticus 16:29), and understood that the affliction was to be mainly by fasting and abstaining from the bath.To ask of him a rightway. Or "a direct road,"i.e. a prosperous and unimpeded journey to Jerusalem.For usand our little ones. The colonists went up attended by their families.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

And there by
עַל־(‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, against

the Ahava
אַהֲוָ֔א(’a·hă·wā)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 163:Ahava -- a place and a stream in Babylon

Canal,
הַנָּהָ֣ר(han·nā·hār)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5104:A stream, prosperity

I proclaimed
וָאֶקְרָ֨א(wā·’eq·rā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7121:To call, proclaim, read

a fast,
צוֹם֙(ṣō·wm)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6685:Fasting, a fast

so that we might humble
לְהִתְעַנּ֖וֹת(lə·hiṯ·‘an·nō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hitpael - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6031:To be bowed down or afflicted

ourselves before
לִפְנֵ֣י(lip̄·nê)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440:The face

our God
אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ(’ĕ·lō·hê·nū)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

and ask Him for
לְבַקֵּ֤שׁ(lə·ḇaq·qêš)
Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1245:To search out, to strive after

a safe
יְשָׁרָ֔ה(yə·šā·rāh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 3477:Straight, right

journey for us
דֶּ֣רֶךְ(de·reḵ)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 1870:A road, a course of life, mode of action

and our children,
וּלְטַפֵּ֖נוּ(ū·lə·ṭap·pê·nū)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common plural
Strong's 2945:A family

with all
וּלְכָל־(ū·lə·ḵāl-)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, every

our possessions.
רְכוּשֵֽׁנוּ׃(rə·ḵū·šê·nū)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common plural
Strong's 7399:Property, goods

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OT History: Ezra 8:21 Then I proclaimed a fast there at (Ezr. Ez)