23 So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.
23 So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.
23 So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty.
23 So we fasted and prayed about these concerns. And he listened.
23 So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer.
23 So we fasted and earnestly prayed that our God would take care of us, and he heard our prayer.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ezra 8:23
Commentary on Ezra 8:21-23
(Read Ezra 8:21-23)
Ezra procured Levites to go with him; but what will that avail, unless he have God with him? Those who seek God, are safe under the shadow of his wings, even in their greatest dangers; but those who forsake him, are always exposed. When entering upon any new state 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 peril, let us be at peace with God, and then nothing can do us any real hurt. All our concerns about ourselves, our families, and our estates, it is our wisdom and duty, by prayer to commit to God, and to leave the care of them with him. And, on some occasions, we should decline advantages which are within our reach, lest we should cause others to stumble, and so our God be dishonoured. Let us ask wisdom of God, that we may know how to use or to refuse lawful things. We shall be no losers by venturing, suffering, or giving up for the Lord's sake. Their prayers were answered, and the event declared it. Never have any that sought God in earnest, found that they sought him in vain. In times of difficulty and danger, to set a season apart for secret or for social prayer, is the best method for relief we can take.