Ezra 8:21-23

3. Leave-taking ceremonies were conducted.

TEXT, Ezra 8:21-23

21

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.

22

For I was ashamed to request from the king troops and horsemen to protect us from the enemy on the way, because we had said to the king, The hand of our God is favorably disposed to all those who seek Him, but His power and His anger are against all those who forsake Him.

23

So we fasted and sought our God concerning this matter, and He listened to our entreaty.

COMMENT

Ezra 8:21 mentions that they fasted as a mark of their humility, in seeking God's care for their journey. Here we have definite mention that children were included in their band.

Ezra 8:22 states Ezra's reticence to ask the king for any help further than what was already given. The reason expressed is that they had spoken of the great power of God, and to ask for a guard would imply distrust in God's power to protect. Had Ezra opened his mouth rashly, and now found himself too embarrassed and too proud to seek necessary military protection? Was he forcing God to go to unusual measures to protect them? If this was the case, it would sound much like tempting God. It may well be that his action rose also out of a distrust of any military escort which may have been furnished; some have been known to be as thieving as any marauders they might encounter on the road. At any rate, Ezra's trust in God was greater than any trust in human help. If he had to choose between one or the other, we would judge he made the wiser choice.

Ezra 8:23 indicates that God confirmed this decision of Ezra'S.

WORD STUDIES

AHAVA (Ezra 8:15; Ezra 8:21): possibly means water; it may be akin to the Latin, aqua.

BABYLON (Ezra 8:1): gate, i.e., court, of Bel (the god of the Babylonians).

CASIPHIA (Ezra 8:17): this comes from a word meaning pale, silver, white, or shining. Perhaps it was a city known for its brightness, or for its money.

HOLY (Kodesh: Ezra 8:28): pure, consecrated, separated. Because a thing was entirely or purely separated to one purpose, it was sacred for that use. With little change the word is used of men devoted to pagan temples and practicing the lowest vices and perversions. It makes a great deal of difference to what purpose, or God, a person devotes his life.