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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ezra/8-22.htm" title="Ezra 8:22">◄</a> Ezra 8:23 <a href="/ezra/8-24.htm" title="Ezra 8:24">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/ezra/8.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/ezra/8.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ezra/8.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So we fasted and earnestly prayed that our God would take care of us, and he heard our prayer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ezra/8.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ezra/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and He granted our request.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ezra/8.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ezra/8.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ezra/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So we fasted and sought our God concerning this <i>matter,</i> and He listened to our pleading.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ezra/8.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So we fasted and sought our God concerning this matter, and He listened to our entreaty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ezra/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So we fasted and sought our God concerning this <i>matter,</i> and He listened to our entreaty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ezra/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So we fasted and sought our God concerning this <i>matter</i>, and He was moved by our entreaty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ezra/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So we fasted and sought [help from] our God concerning this [matter], and He heard our plea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ezra/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So we fasted and pleaded with our God about this, and he was receptive to our prayer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ezra/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So we fasted and pleaded with our God about this, and He granted our request. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ezra/8.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was entreated of us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ezra/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />So we went without food and asked God himself to protect us, and he answered our prayers. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ezra/8.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was entreated of us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ezra/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />So we fasted and asked our God for a safe journey, and he answered our prayer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ezra/8.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So we fasted and prayed for God to protect us, and he answered our prayers. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ezra/8.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />So we fasted and asked our God about this, and he listened to us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ezra/8.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So we fasted and prayed to our God about this, and he answered us. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ezra/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />So we fasted and begged our God for this: and he was entreated of us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ezra/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was entreated by us.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ezra/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and He granted our request.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ezra/8.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />So we fasted and begged our God for this, and he granted our request. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ezra/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And we fast, and seek from our God for this, and He accepts our plea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ezra/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And we fast, and seek from our God for this, and He is entreated of us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ezra/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And we will fast and seek of our God concerning this; and he will be entreated for us.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ezra/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And we fasted, and besought our God for this: and it fell out prosperously unto us. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ezra/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And so we fasted and begged our God for this; and as a result, we prospered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ezra/8.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />So we fasted, seeking this from our God, and it was granted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ezra/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So we fasted and petitioned our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ezra/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />So we fasted and besought our God for this; and he hearkened to us<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ezra/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And we fasted and we inquired of God for this and he listened to us.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ezra/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />So we fasted and besought our God for this; and He was entreated of us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ezra/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />So we fasted, and asked of our God concerning this; and he hearkened to us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ezra/8-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sh6ec6iQe9M?start=2115" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ezra/8.htm">Fasting for Protection</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>For 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.” <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6684.htm" title="6684: wan·nā·ṣū·māh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cp:: 3fs) -- To abstain from food, fast. A primitive root; to cover over, i.e. To fast.">So we fasted</a> <a href="/hebrew/1245.htm" title="1245: wan·nə·ḇaq·šāh (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-1cp:: 3fs) -- To seek. A primitive root; to search out; by implication, to strive after.">and petitioned</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: mê·’ĕ·lō·hê·nū (Prep-m:: N-mpc:: 1cp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">our God</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">about</a> <a href="/hebrew/2063.htm" title="2063: zōṯ (Pro-fs) -- Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that. Irregular feminine of zeh; this.">this,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6279.htm" title="6279: way·yê·‘ā·ṯêr (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To pray, supplicate. A primitive root; to burn incense in worship, i.e. Intercede.">and He granted our request.</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·nū (Prep:: 1cp) -- "></a> </span><div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/1-4.htm">Nehemiah 1:4-11</a></span><br />When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven. / Then I said: “O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps His covenant of loving devotion with those who love Him and keep His commandments, / let Your eyes be open and Your ears attentive to hear the prayer that I, Your servant, now pray before You day and night for Your servants, the Israelites. I confess the sins that we Israelites have committed against You. Both I and my father’s house have sinned. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/9-3.htm">Daniel 9:3</a></span><br />So I turned my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and petition, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/20-3.htm">2 Chronicles 20:3-4</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joel/1-14.htm">Joel 1:14</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/58-6.htm">Isaiah 58:6-9</a></span><br />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. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/35-13.htm">Psalm 35:13</a></span><br />Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting, but my prayers returned unanswered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/69-10.htm">Psalm 69:10</a></span><br />I wept and fasted, but it brought me reproach.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jonah/3-5.htm">Jonah 3:5-10</a></span><br />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. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/4-16.htm">Esther 4:16</a></span><br />“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!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/7-6.htm">1 Samuel 7:6</a></span><br />When they had gathered at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the LORD. On that day they fasted, and there they confessed, “We have sinned against the LORD.” And Samuel judged the Israelites at Mizpah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-16.htm">Matthew 6:16-18</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/13-2.htm">Acts 13:2-3</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/14-23.htm">Acts 14:23</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/9-29.htm">Mark 9:29</a></span><br />Jesus answered, “This kind cannot come out, except by prayer.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/2-37.htm">Luke 2:37</a></span><br />and then was a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">So we fasted and sought our God for this: and he was entreated of us.</p><p class="hdg">we fasted</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nehemiah/9-1.htm">Nehemiah 9:1</a></b></br> Now in the twenty and fourth day of this month the children of Israel were assembled with fasting, and with sackclothes, and earth upon them.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/esther/4-16.htm">Esther 4:16</a></b></br> Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which <i>is</i> not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/9-3.htm">Daniel 9:3</a></b></br> And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:</p><p class="hdg">besought</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/29-12.htm">Jeremiah 29:12,13</a></b></br> Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/33-3.htm">Jeremiah 33:3</a></b></br> Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/50-4.htm">Jeremiah 50:4,5</a></b></br> In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together, going and weeping: they shall go, and seek the LORD their God… </p><p class="hdg">and he was intreated</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezra/8-31.htm">Ezra 8:31</a></b></br> Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth <i>day</i> of the first month, to go unto Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was upon us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy, and of such as lay in wait by the way.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/4-29.htm">Deuteronomy 4:29</a></b></br> But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find <i>him</i>, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/5-20.htm">1 Chronicles 5:20</a></b></br> And they were helped against them, and the Hagarites were delivered into their hand, and all that <i>were</i> with them: for they cried to God in the battle, and he was intreated of them; because they put their trust in him.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_chronicles/33-12.htm">Begged</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/33-12.htm">Besought</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/34-26.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/33-19.htm">Entreated</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/33-13.htm">Entreaty</a> <a href="/ezra/8-21.htm">Fast</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/10-12.htm">Fasted</a> <a href="/ezra/6-21.htm">Food</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/33-19.htm">Intreated</a> <a href="/ezra/5-17.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/32-6.htm">Open</a> <a href="/acts/25-24.htm">Petitioned</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/33-19.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/6-24.htm">Requesting</a> <a href="/ezra/8-22.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/ezra/6-1.htm">Sought</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/esther/8-3.htm">Begged</a> <a href="/esther/8-3.htm">Besought</a> <a href="/nehemiah/1-6.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/job/11-19.htm">Entreated</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-11.htm">Entreaty</a> <a href="/esther/4-16.htm">Fast</a> <a href="/nehemiah/1-4.htm">Fasted</a> <a href="/nehemiah/1-4.htm">Food</a> <a href="/job/19-16.htm">Intreated</a> <a href="/ezra/9-3.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/ezra/9-7.htm">Open</a> <a href="/acts/25-24.htm">Petitioned</a> <a href="/nehemiah/1-6.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-2.htm">Requesting</a> <a href="/ezra/9-12.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-64.htm">Sought</a><div class="vheading2">Ezra 8</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezra/8-1.htm">The companions of Ezra, who returned from Babylon</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezra/8-15.htm">He sends to Iddo for ministers for the temple</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezra/8-21.htm">He keeps a fast</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezra/8-24.htm">He commits the treasures to the custody of the priests</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezra/8-31.htm">From Ahava they come to Jerusalem</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezra/8-33.htm">The treasure is weighed in the temple</a></span><br><span class="reftext">36. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezra/8-36.htm">The commission is delivered</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezra/8.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezra/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ezra/8.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>So we fasted</b><br>Fasting in the biblical context is often associated with seeking God's guidance or favor, repentance, and humility. In Ezra's time, fasting was a common practice among the Israelites when they faced significant challenges or sought divine intervention. This act of fasting demonstrates a deep reliance on God and a willingness to deny oneself to focus on spiritual matters. It reflects the tradition seen in other parts of Scripture, such as in the Book of Esther (<a href="/esther/4-16.htm">Esther 4:16</a>) and the teachings of Jesus (<a href="/matthew/6-16.htm">Matthew 6:16-18</a>).<p><b>and petitioned our God about this</b><br>Petitioning God involves earnest prayer and supplication, seeking His will and intervention in specific matters. The context here is Ezra's journey from Babylon to Jerusalem, which was fraught with potential dangers. By petitioning God, Ezra and the people acknowledged their dependence on Him for protection and guidance. This act of prayer aligns with other biblical examples where God's people sought His help, such as in the prayers of Nehemiah (<a href="/nehemiah/1-4.htm">Nehemiah 1:4-11</a>) and Daniel (<a href="/daniel/9-3.htm">Daniel 9:3-19</a>).<p><b>and He granted our request</b><br>This phrase highlights God's faithfulness and responsiveness to the prayers of His people. It underscores the belief that God hears and answers prayers according to His will. The granting of their request can be seen as a fulfillment of God's promises to protect and guide His people, as seen throughout the Old Testament. It also serves as a testament to the power of collective prayer and fasting, reinforcing the idea that God is attentive to the needs of His followers when they earnestly seek Him. This assurance is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus teaches about the power of prayer (<a href="/matthew/7-7.htm">Matthew 7:7-11</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/e/ezra.htm">Ezra</a></b><br>A scribe and priest who led a group of exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem. He was instrumental in the spiritual and religious reform of the Jewish people.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_exiles.htm">The Exiles</a></b><br>A group of Israelites returning from Babylonian captivity to Jerusalem, seeking to restore their homeland and religious practices.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/f/fasting_and_petitioning.htm">Fasting and Petitioning</a></b><br>The act of humbling oneself before God through fasting and prayer, seeking divine intervention and guidance.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The central figure in the account, who responds to the prayers and fasting of His people.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_journey_to_jerusalem.htm">The Journey to Jerusalem</a></b><br>A significant event where Ezra and the exiles sought God's protection and guidance for their journey back to their homeland.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_fasting_and_prayer.htm">The Power of Fasting and Prayer</a></b><br>Fasting and prayer are powerful spiritual disciplines that demonstrate humility and dependence on God. They are means through which believers can seek God's guidance and intervention in their lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness_in_answering_prayers.htm">God's Faithfulness in Answering Prayers</a></b><br>God is attentive to the prayers of His people. When we approach Him with sincere hearts, He is faithful to respond according to His will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_community_in_seeking_god.htm">The Importance of Community in Seeking God</a></b><br>Ezra and the exiles sought God together, highlighting the strength and encouragement found in communal prayer and fasting.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trusting_god_in_uncertain_journeys.htm">Trusting God in Uncertain Journeys</a></b><br>Just as Ezra and the exiles trusted God for their journey, believers today are called to trust God in their life's journey, relying on His protection and guidance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preparation_for_spiritual_endeavors.htm">Preparation for Spiritual Endeavors</a></b><br>Before undertaking significant spiritual tasks, it is crucial to seek God's direction and blessing, as demonstrated by Ezra's preparation for the journey to Jerusalem.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ezra_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ezra 8</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_biblical_fasting_types.htm">What are the biblical types of fasting?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_the_nomina_sacra.htm">How can you purify your hearts, double-minded ones?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_of_safe_passage_without_guards.htm">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? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_public_prayer_acceptable.htm">Is public prayer acceptable?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ezra/8-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">So we fasted</span><br /><span class="heb">וַנָּצ֛וּמָה</span> <span class="translit">(wan·nā·ṣū·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common plural | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6684.htm">Strong's 6684: </a> </span><span class="str2">To abstain from food, fast</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and petitioned</span><br /><span class="heb">וַנְּבַקְשָׁ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(wan·nə·ḇaq·šāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - first person common plural | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1245.htm">Strong's 1245: </a> </span><span class="str2">To search out, to strive after</span><br /><br /><span class="word">our God</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵאֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ</span> <span class="translit">(mê·’ĕ·lō·hê·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">about</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">this,</span><br /><span class="heb">זֹ֑את</span> <span class="translit">(zōṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2063.htm">Strong's 2063: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that, </span><br /><br /><span class="word">and He granted our request.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֵּעָתֵ֖ר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yê·‘ā·ṯêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6279.htm">Strong's 6279: </a> </span><span class="str2">To burn incense in worship, intercede</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ezra/8-23.htm">Ezra 8:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ezra/8-23.htm">Ezra 8:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ezra/8-23.htm">Ezra 8:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ezra/8-23.htm">Ezra 8:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ezra/8-23.htm">Ezra 8:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ezra/8-23.htm">Ezra 8:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ezra/8-23.htm">Ezra 8:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ezra/8-23.htm">Ezra 8:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ezra/8-23.htm">Ezra 8:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ezra/8-23.htm">Ezra 8:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ezra/8-23.htm">OT History: Ezra 8:23 So we fasted and begged our God (Ezr. Ez) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ezra/8-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ezra 8:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ezra 8:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ezra/8-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ezra 8:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ezra 8:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>