Ezra 8:21
Verse
Context
Fasting for Protection
20They also brought 220 of the temple servants, all designated by name. David and the officials had appointed them to assist the Levites.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.”
Sermons
John Piper
Roy Pointer
Shane Idleman
Zac Poonen
Chuck SmithSummary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
A FAST PROCLAIMED. (Ezra 8:21-36) Then I proclaimed a fast there--The dangers to travelling caravans from the Bedouin Arabs that prowl through the desert were in ancient times as great as they still are; and it seems that travellers usually sought the protection of a military escort. But Ezra had spoken so much to the king of the sufficiency of the divine care of His people that he would have blushed to apply for a guard of soldiers. Therefore he resolved that his followers should, by a solemn act of fasting and prayer, commit themselves to the Keeper of Israel. Their faith, considering the many and constant perils of a journey across the Bedouin regions, must have been great, and it was rewarded by the enjoyment of perfect safety during the whole way.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For I was ashamed to require of the kings band of soldiers and horsemen,.... Which he might have had, only asking for them; so great was the interest he had in the king's favour: to help us against the enemy in the way; the Arabs, Samaritans, and others, that might lie in wait for them, to rob them of their substance: because we had spoken unto the king: of the special favour of God to them, his singular providence in the protection of them: saying, the hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; that pray unto him, serve and worship him; his hand is open to them to bestow all needful good upon them, temporal and spiritual, and his power and providence are over them, to protect and defend them from all evil: but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him; his word, his ways and worship; his powerful wrath, or the strength and force of it, is exerted against them and they are sure to feel the weight and dreadful effects of it: and now all this being said to the king, after this, to desire a guard to protect them, it would look as if they had not that favour in the sight of God, and did not believe what they had said, but distrusted his power and providence towards them; therefore, rather than reflect any dishonour on God, they chose to expose themselves to danger, seeking his face and favour, and relying on his goodness and power.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Ezra has procured Levites to go along with him; but what will that avail, unless he have God with him? That is therefore his chief care. In all our ways we must acknowledge God, and in those particularly wherein we are endeavouring to serve the interest of his kingdom among men. Ezra does so here. Observe, I. The stedfast confidence he had in God and in his gracious protection. He told the king (Ezr 8:22) what principles he went upon, that those who seek God are safe under the shadow of his wings, even in their greats dangers, but that those who forsake him are continually exposed, even when they are most secure. God's servants have his power engaged for them; his enemies have it engaged against them. This Ezra believed with his heart, and with his mouth made confession of it before the king; and therefore he was ashamed to ask of the king a convoy, lest thereby he should give occasion to the king, and those about him, to suspect either God's power to help his people or Ezra's confidence in that power. Those that trust in God, and triumph in him, will be ashamed of seeking to the creature for protection, especially of using any sorry shifts for their own safety, because thereby they contradict themselves and their own confidence. Not but that those who depend upon God must use proper means for their preservation, and they need not be ashamed to do so; but, when the honour of God is concerned, one would rather expose one's-self than do any thing to the prejudice of that, which ought to be dearer to us than our lives. II. The solemn application he made to God in that confidence: He proclaimed a fast, Ezr 8:21. No doubt he had himself begged of God direction in this affair from the first time he had it in his thoughts; but for public mercies public prayers must be made, that all who are to share in the comfort of them may join in the request for them. Their fasting was, 1. To express their humiliation. This he declares to be the intent and meaning of it. "that we might afflict ourselves before our God for our sins, and so be qualified for the pardon of them." When we are entering upon any new condition of life our care should be to bring none of the guilt of the sins of our former condition into it. When we are in any imminent peril let us be sure to make our peace with God, and then we are safe: nothing can do us any real hurt. 2. To excite their supplications. Prayer was always joined with religious fasting. Their errand to the throne of grace was to seek of God the right way, that is, to commit themselves to the guidance of the divine Providence, to put themselves under the divine protection, and to beg of God to guide and keep them in their journey and bring them safely to their journey's end. They were strangers in the road, were to march through their enemies' countries, and had not a pillar of cloud and fire to lead them, as their fathers had; but they believed that the power and favour of God, and the ministration of his angels, would be to them instead of that, and hoped by prayer to obtain divine assistance. Note, All our concerns about ourselves, our families, and our estates, it is our wisdom and duty by prayer to commit to God, and leave the care of with him, Phi 4:6. III. The good success of their doing so (Ezr 8:23): We besought our God by joint-prayer, and he was entreated of us. They had some comfortable assurance in their own minds that their prayers were answered, and the event declared it; for never any that sought God in earnest sought him in vain.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
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.
Ezra 8:21
Fasting for Protection
20They also brought 220 of the temple servants, all designated by name. David and the officials had appointed them to assist the Levites.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.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Ezra) ch.7 - ch.10
By Zac Poonen2.4K1:00:37LeadershipCommitment to God's WordFrom Babylon To JerusalemEZR 7:6EZR 8:21Zac Poonen explores the transition of Ezra and the people from Babylon to Jerusalem, emphasizing the significance of Ezra's leadership and his commitment to God's Word. He highlights how Ezra, a skilled scribe and priest, was raised up by God to lead a new generation that chose to leave the comforts of Babylon for the challenges of Jerusalem. Poonen underscores the importance of wholeheartedness in ministry, the necessity of prayer and fasting, and the need for accountability in handling God's resources. He also addresses the dangers of compromise and the importance of maintaining purity in relationships, particularly in marriage. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a radical commitment to God's standards and the building of His house.
Fasting for the King's Coming
By John Piper1.2K29:46DEU 8:3EZR 8:21MAT 4:4MAT 6:33MAT 9:15LUK 2:39ACT 13:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of fasting as a spiritual practice. He explains that fasting is not just for times of crisis, but can be done out of a longing for the presence of God. The speaker references Luke 18:7, where Jesus promises to vindicate those who cry out to him day and night, and suggests that fasting is a means by which we can bring about the return of Jesus. He concludes by encouraging the congregation to participate in a month-long fasting challenge and shares his desire to hear testimonies of God's intervention in their lives.
Fasting for the Safety of the Little Ones
By John Piper1.1K33:27EZR 8:21In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Ezra and the faith-building background leading up to a specific event in chapter 8. The people of Israel are in exile in the Persian empire, and it is now time for their rescue and the rebuilding of the temple. Despite being a small and insignificant minority, God orchestrates their return through the proclamation of Cyrus, the king of Persia. The speaker emphasizes the power of God's word and how He fulfills His promises, highlighting the importance of seeking God through fasting and prayer for protection and guidance.
The Fruit of Obedience
By Roy Pointer1.0K35:26EZR 8:21MAT 6:16MAT 6:33In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Nehemiah chapter 8 and the rebuilding of Jerusalem. He starts by discussing the act of looking in the mirror and how it can reveal our flaws and imperfections. The Word of God is described as powerful and transformative, and the importance of reading and praying is emphasized. The sermon also mentions the example of the people of Israel in Nehemiah's time, who wept over their sins and sought to get right with God through fasting and confession. The speaker also references the contrasting approaches of Charles Simeon and John Wesley in their interpretation and application of the Bible.
If My People Seek My Face Part 4
By Shane Idleman68426:472CH 7:14EZR 8:21PSA 27:8PSA 63:1JER 29:13
This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God with all our hearts, aligning our lives with His will, and removing hindrances that prevent us from truly seeking Him. It highlights the need for spiritual disciplines, repentance, and prioritizing God above all else in our lives. The speaker encourages a deep, earnest desire to seek God continually, acknowledging that seeking involves effort, fighting against distractions, and maintaining a consistent course of seeking Him.
Men With a Burden and a Concern
By Zac Poonen0Burden for God's WorkPrayerEZR 8:21NEH 1:4MAT 9:36Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of having a burden and concern for God's work, drawing parallels between the movements of Israel from Babylon to Jerusalem and the current state of the church. He highlights the examples of Daniel, Ezra, and Nehemiah, who fasted and prayed for the advancement of God's kingdom, showing that true leaders are those who selflessly intercede for others rather than criticize. Poonen urges believers to pray for those who preach God's Word, recognizing that they are often targets of spiritual attacks. He calls for a return to genuine shepherding, where leaders are committed to the well-being of their flock and are driven by a deep concern for their spiritual health. The sermon concludes with a plea for more shepherds who are aligned with God's heart to rise up in the church.
Ezra 8:21
By Chuck Smith0Trusting God's ProvisionFaith in AdversityEZR 8:21Chuck Smith emphasizes the challenges faced by Ezra and the Israelites during their journey back to Jerusalem, highlighting the dangers of the long trek through hostile territory. Ezra's faith in God was put to the test as he had boasted about God's protection to the king, making it difficult to ask for military assistance. Instead, Ezra chose to rely on prayer and fasting, demonstrating the importance of aligning actions with faith. The sermon encourages believers to make their confessions of faith consistent with their actions and to trust in God's provision. Ultimately, Ezra's reliance on God led to a successful arrival in Jerusalem, showcasing the power of faith in challenging circumstances.
The Stewardship of Fasting
By J.G. Morrison0DEU 9:18EZR 8:21EST 4:16DAN 10:3JOL 2:12MAT 9:14MAT 24:37ACT 13:22CO 11:27J.G. Morrison preaches on the importance of fasting as a duty bestowed upon us by God, highlighting how sincere fasting enables God to do what He otherwise cannot do for us personally, the church, the community, the nation, and the age. The sermon emphasizes the responsibility of God's people to fast sincerely, faithfully, and regularly, drawing examples from the Old Testament where fasting moved God to act in remarkable ways, such as with Moses, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Daniel, and Jonah. The sermon also explores Christ's approval of fasting and the early Church's practice of fasting in connection with their services, urging believers to fast and pray to release God's power and blessings.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
A FAST PROCLAIMED. (Ezra 8:21-36) Then I proclaimed a fast there--The dangers to travelling caravans from the Bedouin Arabs that prowl through the desert were in ancient times as great as they still are; and it seems that travellers usually sought the protection of a military escort. But Ezra had spoken so much to the king of the sufficiency of the divine care of His people that he would have blushed to apply for a guard of soldiers. Therefore he resolved that his followers should, by a solemn act of fasting and prayer, commit themselves to the Keeper of Israel. Their faith, considering the many and constant perils of a journey across the Bedouin regions, must have been great, and it was rewarded by the enjoyment of perfect safety during the whole way.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For I was ashamed to require of the kings band of soldiers and horsemen,.... Which he might have had, only asking for them; so great was the interest he had in the king's favour: to help us against the enemy in the way; the Arabs, Samaritans, and others, that might lie in wait for them, to rob them of their substance: because we had spoken unto the king: of the special favour of God to them, his singular providence in the protection of them: saying, the hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; that pray unto him, serve and worship him; his hand is open to them to bestow all needful good upon them, temporal and spiritual, and his power and providence are over them, to protect and defend them from all evil: but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him; his word, his ways and worship; his powerful wrath, or the strength and force of it, is exerted against them and they are sure to feel the weight and dreadful effects of it: and now all this being said to the king, after this, to desire a guard to protect them, it would look as if they had not that favour in the sight of God, and did not believe what they had said, but distrusted his power and providence towards them; therefore, rather than reflect any dishonour on God, they chose to expose themselves to danger, seeking his face and favour, and relying on his goodness and power.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Ezra has procured Levites to go along with him; but what will that avail, unless he have God with him? That is therefore his chief care. In all our ways we must acknowledge God, and in those particularly wherein we are endeavouring to serve the interest of his kingdom among men. Ezra does so here. Observe, I. The stedfast confidence he had in God and in his gracious protection. He told the king (Ezr 8:22) what principles he went upon, that those who seek God are safe under the shadow of his wings, even in their greats dangers, but that those who forsake him are continually exposed, even when they are most secure. God's servants have his power engaged for them; his enemies have it engaged against them. This Ezra believed with his heart, and with his mouth made confession of it before the king; and therefore he was ashamed to ask of the king a convoy, lest thereby he should give occasion to the king, and those about him, to suspect either God's power to help his people or Ezra's confidence in that power. Those that trust in God, and triumph in him, will be ashamed of seeking to the creature for protection, especially of using any sorry shifts for their own safety, because thereby they contradict themselves and their own confidence. Not but that those who depend upon God must use proper means for their preservation, and they need not be ashamed to do so; but, when the honour of God is concerned, one would rather expose one's-self than do any thing to the prejudice of that, which ought to be dearer to us than our lives. II. The solemn application he made to God in that confidence: He proclaimed a fast, Ezr 8:21. No doubt he had himself begged of God direction in this affair from the first time he had it in his thoughts; but for public mercies public prayers must be made, that all who are to share in the comfort of them may join in the request for them. Their fasting was, 1. To express their humiliation. This he declares to be the intent and meaning of it. "that we might afflict ourselves before our God for our sins, and so be qualified for the pardon of them." When we are entering upon any new condition of life our care should be to bring none of the guilt of the sins of our former condition into it. When we are in any imminent peril let us be sure to make our peace with God, and then we are safe: nothing can do us any real hurt. 2. To excite their supplications. Prayer was always joined with religious fasting. Their errand to the throne of grace was to seek of God the right way, that is, to commit themselves to the guidance of the divine Providence, to put themselves under the divine protection, and to beg of God to guide and keep them in their journey and bring them safely to their journey's end. They were strangers in the road, were to march through their enemies' countries, and had not a pillar of cloud and fire to lead them, as their fathers had; but they believed that the power and favour of God, and the ministration of his angels, would be to them instead of that, and hoped by prayer to obtain divine assistance. Note, All our concerns about ourselves, our families, and our estates, it is our wisdom and duty by prayer to commit to God, and leave the care of with him, Phi 4:6. III. The good success of their doing so (Ezr 8:23): We besought our God by joint-prayer, and he was entreated of us. They had some comfortable assurance in their own minds that their prayers were answered, and the event declared it; for never any that sought God in earnest sought him in vain.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
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.