Ezra 8:22

Ezra 8:22 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.”

King James Version KJV

For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him.

American Standard Version ASV

For I was ashamed to ask of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way, because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them that seek him, for good; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him.

Bible in Basic English BBE

For I would not, for shame, make request to the king for a band of armed men and horsemen to give us help against those who might make attacks on us on the way: for we had said to the king, The hand of our God is on his servants for good, but his power and his wrath are against all those who are turned away from him.

Free Bible Version FBV

I had been reluctant to ask the king to give us a military escort to protect us from enemies on the way. We had told the king, “Our gracious God takes care of everyone who follows him, but shows his anger against anyone who abandons him.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

For I was ashamed to require of the King an armie and horsemen, to helpe vs against the enemie in the way, because we had spoken to the King, saying, The hande of our God is vpon all them that seeke him in goodnesse, but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

for I was ashamed to ask from the king a force and horsemen to help us because of the enemy in the way, for we spake to the king, saying, 'The hand of our God [is] upon all seeking Him for good, and His strength and His wrath [is] upon all forsaking Him.'

World English Bible WEB

For I was ashamed to ask of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy on the way, because we had spoken to the king, saying, “The hand of our God is on all those who seek him, for good; but his power and his wrath is against all those who forsake him.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken to the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

For I was ashamed to ask the king for aid and for horsemen, to defend us from the enemy in the way: because we had said to the king: The hand of our God is upon all them that seek him in goodness: and his power and strength, and wrath upon all them that forsake him.

Translation for Translators T4T

Previously we had told the king that our God takes care of all those who truly trust in him, but that he becomes very angry with those who refuse to obey him. So I would have been ashamed if I had asked the king to send soldiers and men riding on horses to protect us from our enemies while we were traveling along the road.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezra 8:22

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Ezra 8:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB כִּ֣י בֹ֗שְׁתִּי לִ/שְׁא֤וֹל מִן הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ חַ֣יִל וּ/פָרָשִׁ֔ים לְ/עָזְרֵ֥/נוּ מֵ/אוֹיֵ֖ב בַּ/דָּ֑רֶךְ כִּֽי אָמַ֨רְנוּ לַ/מֶּ֜לֶךְ לֵ/אמֹ֗ר יַד אֱלֹהֵ֤י/נוּ עַל כָּל מְבַקְשָׁי/ו֙ לְ/טוֹבָ֔ה וְ/עֻזּ֣/וֹ וְ/אַפּ֔/וֹ עַ֖ל כָּל עֹזְבָֽי/ו

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj

בֹ֗שְׁתִּי bûwsh H954 be ashamed V-Qal-Perf-1cs

לִ/שְׁא֤וֹל shâʼal H7592 to ask Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

מִן min H4480 from Prep

הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms

חַ֣יִל chayil H2428 Helech N-ms

וּ/פָרָשִׁ֔ים pârâsh H6571 horse Conj | N-mp

לְ/עָזְרֵ֥/נוּ ʻâzar H5826 to help Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

מֵ/אוֹיֵ֖ב ʼôyêb H341 enemy Prep | V-Qal

בַּ/דָּ֑רֶךְ derek H1870 way Prep | N-cs

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

אָמַ֨רְנוּ ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-1cp

לַ/מֶּ֜לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Prep | N-ms

לֵ/אמֹ֗ר ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

יַד yâd H3027 hand N-cs

אֱלֹהֵ֤י/נוּ ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp | Suff

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

מְבַקְשָׁי/ו֙ bâqash H1245 to seek V-Piel | Suff

לְ/טוֹבָ֔ה ṭôwb H2896 pleasant Prep | Adj

וְ/עֻזּ֣/וֹ ʻôz H5797 strength Conj | N-ms | Suff

וְ/אַפּ֔/וֹ ʼaph H639 face Conj | N-ms | Suff

עַ֖ל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

עֹזְבָֽי/ו ʻâzab H5800 Forsaken V-Qal | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezra 8:22

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

בֹ֗שְׁתִּי bûwsh H954 "be ashamed" V-Qal-Perf-1cs

To be ashamed is what this Hebrew word means, implying a feeling of guilt or disappointment. It is used to describe someone who is disconcerted or delayed, like in the story of Adam and Eve. Shame is a strong emotion.

Definition: 1) to put to shame, be ashamed, be disconcerted, be disappointed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to feel shame 1a2) to be ashamed, disconcerted, disappointed (by reason of) 1b) (Piel) to delay (in shame) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to put to shame 1c2) to act shamefully 1c3) to be ashamed 1d) (Hithpolel) to be ashamed before one another

Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: (be, make, bring to, cause, put to, with, a-) shamed(-d), be (put to) confounded(-fusion), become dry, delay, be long. See also: Genesis 2:25; Isaiah 24:23; Psalms 6:11.

לִ/שְׁא֤וֹל shâʼal H7592 "to ask" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

To ask or inquire, this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe seeking information or requesting something. It can also mean to beg or borrow, and is used in many different contexts throughout the Old Testament. The KJV translates it as ask, beg, or borrow.

Definition: 1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to ask, ask for 1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow 1a3) to enquire, enquire of 1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle) 1a5) to seek 1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully 1c2) to beg, practise beggary 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to be given on request 1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to Aramaic equivalent: she.el (שְׁאֵל "to ask" H7593)

Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, [idiom] earnestly, enquire, [phrase] greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, [phrase] salute, [idiom] straitly, [idiom] surely, wish. See also: Genesis 24:47; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 2:8.

מִן min H4480 "from" Prep

This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.

Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)

Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.

הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ melek H4428 "King's" Art | N-ms

This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.

Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)

Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.

חַ֣יִל chayil H2428 "Helech" N-ms

This word represents strength, might, or power, whether physical, financial, or military. In the Bible, it's used to describe the strength of God or the wealth of a nation, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:17-18.

Definition: § Helech = "your army" a place near Arvad and Gammad

Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: able, activity, ([phrase]) army, band of men (soldiers), company, (great) forces, goods, host, might, power, riches, strength, strong, substance, train, ([phrase]) valiant(-ly), valour, virtuous(-ly), war, worthy(-ily). See also: Genesis 34:29; 2 Chronicles 13:3; Psalms 18:33.

וּ/פָרָשִׁ֔ים pârâsh H6571 "horse" Conj | N-mp

This word means a horseman or a cavalry soldier, like those who rode chariots in battle. In the Bible, it describes the riders of horses and chariots, like in Exodus 14:9 where the Egyptian horsemen pursued the Israelites.

Definition: horse, steed, warhorse

Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: horseman. See also: Genesis 50:9; 2 Chronicles 8:6; Isaiah 21:7.

לְ/עָזְרֵ֥/נוּ ʻâzar H5826 "to help" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

To help or aid is the meaning of this Hebrew word, used to describe God's protection or assistance. It is used in the Psalms to express trust in God's help and in the book of Exodus to describe God's aid to the Israelites.

Definition: 1) to help, succour, support 1a) (Qal) to help 1b) (Niphal) to be helped 1c) (Hiphil) to help

Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: help, succour. See also: Genesis 49:25; Job 26:2; Psalms 10:14.

מֵ/אוֹיֵ֖ב ʼôyêb H341 "enemy" Prep | V-Qal

This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.

Definition: 1) (Qal) enemy 1a) personal 1b) national

Usage: Occurs in 275 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe. See also: Genesis 22:17; 2 Samuel 22:1; Psalms 3:8.

בַּ/דָּ֑רֶךְ derek H1870 "way" Prep | N-cs

Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.

Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

אָמַ֨רְנוּ ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Perf-1cp

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

לַ/מֶּ֜לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Prep | N-ms

Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)

Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.

לֵ/אמֹ֗ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

יַד yâd H3027 "hand" N-cs

In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.

Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists

Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.

אֱלֹהֵ֤י/נוּ ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp | Suff

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

מְבַקְשָׁי/ו֙ bâqash H1245 "to seek" V-Piel | Suff

This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.

Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought

Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.

לְ/טוֹבָ֔ה ṭôwb H2896 "pleasant" Prep | Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.

Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)

Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.

וְ/עֻזּ֣/וֹ ʻôz H5797 "strength" Conj | N-ms | Suff

Describes strength or might, including physical power, social status, or boldness, like the strength of God or a strong leader.

Definition: 1) might, strength 1a) material or physical 1b) personal or social or political

Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: boldness, loud, might, power, strength, strong. See also: Exodus 15:2; Psalms 84:6; Psalms 8:3.

וְ/אַפּ֔/וֹ ʼaph H639 "face" Conj | N-ms | Suff

This Hebrew word can mean face, but also anger or nose. It is used to describe someone's countenance or emotions, like anger or patience. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of God's emotions.

Definition: : face 1) nostril, nose, face 2) anger

Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: anger(-gry), [phrase] before, countenance, face, [phrase] forebearing, forehead, [phrase] (long-) suffering, nose, nostril, snout, [idiom] worthy, wrath. See also: Genesis 2:7; Nehemiah 8:6; Psalms 2:5.

עַ֖ל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

עֹזְבָֽי/ו ʻâzab H5800 "Forsaken" V-Qal | Suff

Forsaken means to loosen or relinquish something, often implying abandonment. In the Bible, the word appears in Psalm 22:1, where David cries out to God, saying my God, why have you forsaken me. The term signifies a sense of desperation and isolation.

Definition: This name means to restore, repair Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 206 OT verses. KJV: commit self, fail, forsake, fortify, help, leave (destitute, off), refuse, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:24; Nehemiah 5:10; Psalms 9:11.

Study Notes — Ezra 8:22

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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.”

23So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and He granted our request. 24Then I set apart twelve of the leading priests, together with Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brothers,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Peter 3:12	For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
2	Psalms 33:18–19	Surely the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His loving devotion to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.
3	2 Chronicles 16:9	For the eyes of the LORD roam to and fro over all the earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him. You have acted foolishly in this matter. From now on, therefore, you will be at war.”
4	Psalms 34:15–16	The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their cry. But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to wipe out all memory of them from the earth.
5	Lamentations 3:25	The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him.
6	2 Chronicles 15:2	So he went out to meet Asa and said to him, “Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The LORD is with you when you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.
7	Psalms 34:22	The LORD redeems His servants, and none who take refuge in Him will be condemned.
8	Romans 8:28	And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.
9	1 Chronicles 28:9	As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve Him wholeheartedly and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands the intent of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.
10	Hebrews 10:38	But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him.”

Ezra 8:22 Summary

Ezra 8:22 shows us that Ezra trusted in God's power and protection, and he did not want to ask the king for help because he had already told him about God's greatness, as seen in Ezra 8:22. This teaches us to trust in God and not in human strength, as encouraged in Psalm 20:7-8. We can learn from Ezra's example to have faith in God's sovereignty and provision, and to seek to glorify Him in all our actions, as encouraged in Colossians 3:17. By trusting in God, we can have confidence and peace, even in difficult situations, as promised in Isaiah 26:3.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Ezra ashamed to ask the king for an escort of soldiers and horsemen?

Ezra was ashamed to ask the king for an escort because he had previously told the king about the power and protection of God, as stated in Ezra 8:22, and he did not want to contradict himself by seeking human protection instead of trusting in God, as seen in Psalm 20:7-8.

What does this verse reveal about Ezra's faith?

This verse reveals that Ezra had a strong faith in God's power and protection, as stated in Ezra 8:22, and he was willing to trust in God rather than in human strength, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.

How does this verse relate to the concept of faith and trust in God?

This verse illustrates the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, rather than relying on human strength or resources, as taught in Jeremiah 17:5-8 and Psalm 37:3-7.

What can we learn from Ezra's example in this verse?

We can learn the importance of trusting in God's power and protection, and being mindful of our witness to others, as Ezra was, and seeking to glorify God in all our actions, as encouraged in Colossians 3:17 and 1 Corinthians 10:31.

Reflection Questions

In what ways can I apply Ezra's example of trusting in God's power and protection to my own life?
How can I balance my desire for safety and security with my need to trust in God's sovereignty?
What are some areas in my life where I am relying on human strength or resources rather than trusting in God?
How can I cultivate a deeper faith and trust in God, like Ezra's, in my own life?

Gill's Exposition on Ezra 8:22

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

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 8:22

For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for

Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 8:22

Ezra 8:22 For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God [is] upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath [is] against all them that forsake him.Ver. 22. For I was ashamed] Heb. I blushed and was abashed, I knew not how to put on the face to do it, neither could I bring my mind to crave a convoy, though it might have been of great use to us; lest the name of God should thereby be dishonoured, and his excellencies questioned. It is the ingenuity of saints to study God’ s ends more than their own, and to be far more troubled when anything crosseth him than when themselves are crossed or disappointed. Propter te, Domine, propter te, Because of you, God, becuase of you, is the good man’ s motto. Choice and excellent spirits are all for God, whatever becometh of themselves. Because we had spoken unto the king, saying] They had spoken good of God’ s name, and amply set forth his power, providence, goodness, and other attributes, being no whit ashamed so to do before kings, as Psalms 119:46 : so did Chrysostom, Basil, Latimer, Lambert, John Colet, Dean of Paul’ s, and founder of the free school there. He, for the bold and faithful discharge of his duty, in a sermon before Henry VIII, at the siege of Tournay, was called to his trial by the king’ s counsellors; but the issue proved happy; for he gave so great content to the king, that he, taking a cup of wine, said, Dean, I drink to you; let every one take whom he will for his confessor, you shall be my doctor (Mr Clark in his Life). Holy Ezra found no less favour with this mighty monarch, whom he had well informed in the manifold excellencies of God, as appeareth by this and sundry other preceding passages. The hand of our God is upon all them, &c.] To hide them in the hollow of it till the indignation be overpast; to hold them by their right hand, and so to guide them by his counsel, that he may afterwards take them to his glory, Psalms 73:23-24. But his power and his wrath] Id est, His powerful wrath, his anger armed with power, for vanae sine viribus irae; but who knoweth the power of thine anger, saith Moses? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath, Psalms 90:11. Let him fear thee never so much, he is sure to feel thee more, if once he fall into thy fingers, into that mighty hand of thine (as St James styleth it, James 4:10), before which ten thousand kings cannot stand. Let God forsakers therefore do as those elders of Israel did, 2 Kings 10:3-5. Is against all them that forsake him] Such are all they, 1.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 8:22

(22) Because we had spoken unto the king.—The whole verse goes back to the past. Ezra had magnified God’s providence before the king: His “hand” upon his own “for good”—the habitual tribute to Providence in this book and Nehemiah—and His power “against” His enemies “for evil” not being expressed. This sublime testimony made the “seeking” God a condition of safety. Hence the solemn fasting and prayer, following many precedents (Judges 20:26; 1 Samuel 7:6).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezra 8:22

Verse 22. I was ashamed to require - a band] He had represented God, the object of his worship, as supremely powerful, and as having the strongest affection for his true followers: he could not, therefore, consistently with his declarations, ask a band of soldiers from the king to protect them on the way, when they were going expressly to rebuild the temple of Jehovah, and restore his worship. He therefore found it necessary to seek the Lord by fasting and prayer, that they might have from Him those succours without which they might become a prey to their enemies; and then the religion which they professed would be considered by the heathen as false and vain. Thus we see that this good man had more anxiety for the glory of God than for his own personal safety.

Cambridge Bible on Ezra 8:22

22. I was ashamed] same word as in Ezra 9:6 ‘I am ashamed’, Jeremiah 31:19 ‘I was ashamed’. to require] R.V. to ask. The simplest rendering for the commonest word. a band of soldiers and horsemen] Such an escort as Nehemiah had, Nehemiah 2:9, ‘Now the king had sent with me captains of the army and horsemen’. a band of soldiers] This word is rendered δύναμιν by the LXX. and ‘auxilium’ by the Vulgate. It is the word rendered ‘army’ in the passage just quoted (Nehemiah 2:9) and in Nehemiah 4:2; it is a word of frequent occurrence, e.g. 2 Kings 6:14, ‘horses, and chariots, and a great host’. Here it simply means ‘armed men’. against the enemy in the way] against ‘the enemy’ generally. No enemy in particular, Samaritan (Ezra 4:1) or Syrian, is contemplated. Rather the reference is to the robbers and Bedouins of the desert, who night easily inflict damage upon a large caravan by robbing stragglers and harassing the line of march. The hand of God] cf. on Ezra 7:6. upon all them for good that seek him] R.V. upon all them that seek him, for good. The word rendered ‘seek’ here (biqqκsh) differs from hat rendered by the same English word in Ezra 4:2, Ezra 6:21, Ezra 7:10 (dβrash). Both words occur in the same verse in Deuteronomy 4:29, ‘But if from thence he shall seek (biqqκsh) the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him if thou search after (dβrash) him with all thy heart and all thy soul’. This word (biqqκsh) is the commonest, denoting ‘to look for’, e.g. Ezra 2:62; Genesis 37:16; Psalms 24:6. for good] cf. Ezra 7:9; Nehemiah 2:18. his power and his wrath] cf. the same two words in Psalms 90:11, ‘who knoweth the power of thine anger’, i.e. His might revealed in displeasure. against all them that forsake him] as if Ezra and his companions, if they had relied on the protection of an armed escort rather than of their God, would have ‘forsaken’ Him. A common expression (cf. 1 Samuel 12:10; Isaiah 65:11; 2 Chronicles 7:22; 2 Chronicles 12:5; 2 Chronicles 13:11; 2 Chronicles 21:10; 2 Chronicles 24:20; 2 Chronicles 24:24) for religious faithlessness.

Barnes' Notes on Ezra 8:22

What “enemy” menaced Ezra, and on what account, is wholly uncertain (compare Ezra 8:31). Perhaps robber-tribes, Arab or Syrian, were his opponents.

Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 8:22

22. I was ashamed to require… soldiers — As is immediately explained, Ezra’s representations of the power and goodness of his God toward them that obey him made it appear inconsistent for him to ask

Sermons on Ezra 8:22

	Sermon	Description
	(Through the Bible) 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra by Zac Poonen	The sermon covers the journey of the children of Israel from Babylon back to Jerusalem after 70 years of captivity, focusing on the building of the temple and the challenges faced.
	Ezra 8:22 by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of seeking God, asserting that those who earnestly seek Him will experience His good hand upon their lives. He highlights that true strength
	The Case for a Good Conscience by Warren Wiersbe	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a good conscience as a believer. A good conscience enables consistency in one's walk with God and promotes unity and
	Blessedness of Brokenness by Tom Palmer	In this sermon, the speaker begins by asking the audience to write down five statements that describe their personal relationship with God. The statements range from "All of me, no
	Why Would God Have Mercy on Us by Ralph Sexton Sr.	Ralph Sexton Sr. emphasizes the profound mercy and grace of God, questioning why God chooses to show compassion to humanity despite our unworthiness. He highlights the importance o
	Prayer and Character and Conduct by E.M. Bounds	E.M. Bounds emphasizes the profound connection between prayer, character, and conduct, asserting that prayer governs our actions and shapes our inner character. He explains that wh
	Holiness and Prayer by E.M. Bounds	E.M. Bounds emphasizes that true prayer is rooted in holiness and obedience to God, highlighting that it is not merely the act of saying prayers but rather the prayers of those who