Ezra 8:20-22

English Standard Version

^20 (A)besides 220 of the temple servants, whom David and his officials had set apart to attend the Levites. These were all ^(B)mentioned by name.

Fasting and Prayer for Protection

^21 (C)Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river ^(D)Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, ^(E)to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods. ²² 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, ^(F)“The hand of our God is for good on ^(G)all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him.”