What does Ezra 8:21 mean?

"¶ Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance." - Ezra 8:21

Ezra 8:21-23 - "Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods. For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king, “The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him.” So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty."

The Bible verse Ezra 8:21 in the King James Version (KJV) reads: "Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance."

This verse is a part of the book of Ezra, which is part of the Old Testament and is set during the time of the Israelites' captivity in Babylon. The book of Ezra chronicles the return of the Israelites from exile to their homeland, and their efforts to rebuild their society and their relationship with God.

In this particular verse, the prophet Ezra is leading a group of Jewish exiles who are returning to Jerusalem from Babylon. The group is preparing to make the dangerous journey, and Ezra proclaims a fast at the river of Ahava as a way to seek God's guidance and protection for their journey. Fasting represented a way for the people to humble themselves before God, seek His wisdom, and demonstrate their dependence on Him.

The themes present in this verse are dependence on God, seeking divine guidance, and the importance of spiritual discipline. The act of proclaiming a fast shows the deep commitment and belief that the Israelites had in seeking God's guidance for their journey. They understood that their success and safety depended on God's favor and direction, and they were willing to humble themselves and commit to spiritual discipline in order to seek His guidance.

The context of this verse is significant in understanding its message. The Israelites were about to embark on a dangerous journey back to their homeland. They were leaving the relative safety and security of Babylon, and were venturing into unfamiliar territory, where they could potentially face many dangers and obstacles. In light of this, it's understandable why Ezra would call for a fast to seek God's guidance and protection.

The symbolism in this verse is found in the act of fasting itself. Fasting is a spiritual practice that is found throughout the Bible, and it represents a turning away from worldly concerns and a turning towards God. By abstaining from food and focusing on prayer and seeking God's will, the Israelites were demonstrating their commitment to God and their recognition of His sovereignty and authority.

Furthermore, the river of Ahava itself holds symbolic significance. Rivers are often associated with life, sustenance, and purification in the Bible. The fact that Ezra proclaimed the fast at the river of Ahava could symbolize the Israelites' need for spiritual nourishment and purification as they sought God's guidance for their journey.

In conclusion, Ezra 8:21 in the KJV speaks to the significance of seeking God's guidance and protection through spiritual discipline and humility. It also highlights the Israelites' strong dependence on God and their recognition of His sovereignty and authority. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of turning to God in times of uncertainty and difficulty, and the power of prayer and spiritual discipline in seeking His will.

Ezra 8:21 Artwork

Ezra 8:21 - "¶ Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance."

Ezra 2:21 - "The children of Beth-lehem, an hundred twenty and three."

Ezra 8:8 - "And of the sons of Shephatiah; Zebadiah the son of Michael, and with him fourscore males."

Ezra 10:21 - "And of the sons of Harim; Maaseiah, and Elijah, and Shemaiah, and Jehiel, and Uzziah."

Ezra 8:32 - "And we came to Jerusalem, and abode there three days."

Ezra 2:8 - "The children of Zattu, nine hundred forty and five."

Ezra 8:7 - "And of the sons of Elam; Jeshaiah the son of Athaliah, and with him seventy males."

Ezra 7:21 - "And I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers which are beyond the river, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done speedily,"

Ezra 8:12 - "And of the sons of Azgad; Johanan the son of Hakkatan, and with him an hundred and ten males."

Ezra 7:8 - "And he came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the king."

Ezra 8:19 - "And Hashabiah, and with him Jeshaiah of the sons of Merari, his brethren and their sons, twenty;"

Ezra 8:6 - "Of the sons also of Adin; Ebed the son of Jonathan, and with him fifty males."

Ezra 8:23 - "So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us."

Ezra 8:5 - "Of the sons of Shechaniah; the son of Jahaziel, and with him three hundred males."

Ezra 8:34 - "By number and by weight of every one: and all the weight was written at that time."

Ezra 8:10 - "And of the sons of Shelomith; the son of Josiphiah, and with him an hundred and threescore males."

Ezra 8:14 - "Of the sons also of Bigvai; Uthai, and Zabbud, and with them seventy males."

Ezra 8:4 - "Of the sons of Pahath-moab; Elihoenai the son of Zerahiah, and with him two hundred males."

Genesis 21-8

Ezra 8:2 - "Of the sons of Phinehas; Gershom: of the sons of Ithamar; Daniel: of the sons of David; Hattush."

Ezra 8:11 - "And of the sons of Bebai; Zechariah the son of Bebai, and with him twenty and eight males."

Ezra 8:13 - "And of the last sons of Adonikam, whose names are these, Eliphelet, Jeiel, and Shemaiah, and with them threescore males."

Ezra 8:3 - "Of the sons of Shechaniah, of the sons of Pharosh; Zechariah: and with him were reckoned by genealogy of the males an hundred and fifty."

1 Kings 8:21

Ezra 8:9 - "Of the sons of Joab; Obadiah the son of Jehiel, and with him two hundred and eighteen males."

Ezra 8:24 - "¶ Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests, Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brethren with them,"

1 Kings 8:21