Ezra 8:23

KJV

So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.

KJV (with Strong's)

So we fasted {H6684} and besought {H1245} our God {H430} for this: and he was intreated {H6279} of us.

Complete Jewish Bible

So we fasted and asked our God for this, and he answered our prayer.

Berean Standard Bible

So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and He granted our request.

American Standard Version

So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was entreated of us.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 8:23 records a profoundly significant moment during the second wave of Jewish exiles' return from Babylon to Jerusalem. Facing a perilous journey laden with valuable Temple treasures, Ezra and the returning community chose to forgo human military protection, instead gathering at the Ahava Canal to humble themselves before God through corporate fasting and earnest prayer. This verse encapsulates their absolute reliance on divine providence, culminating in God's gracious and affirmative response to their fervent supplication, ensuring their safe passage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 8:23 is the culmination of a critical decision made by Ezra, as detailed in the preceding verses. Having received immense wealth from King Artaxerxes for the Jerusalem Temple, Ezra faced the daunting task of transporting these riches across a dangerous, bandit-infested desert. Ezra 8:21-22 reveals his dilemma: he had previously boasted to the king about God's protective hand upon those who seek Him and His fierce wrath against those who forsake Him. To then request a military escort would have undermined his testimony and implied a lack of faith in the very God he proclaimed. Therefore, Ezra proclaimed a fast at the river Ahava, not merely as a ritual, but as a corporate act of humility and desperate supplication, seeking divine protection for themselves, their children, and all their possessions. This verse, then, marks the successful outcome of that spiritual discipline, affirming God's responsiveness to their earnest seeking.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The return from Babylonian exile was a monumental undertaking, fraught with danger. The journey from Babylon to Jerusalem spanned hundreds of miles through arid, often lawless territories, making travelers and their valuable cargo prime targets for bandits and hostile groups. This second wave of returnees, led by Ezra, carried not only their lives but also substantial gold, silver, and articles for the Temple, making them an exceptionally attractive target. In ancient Israel, fasting was a deeply significant spiritual discipline, often accompanied by sackcloth and ashes, signifying profound humility, repentance, and intense earnestness in prayer. It was not merely abstaining from food but a physical manifestation of spiritual desperation and total reliance on God, often undertaken in times of national crisis or personal distress, as seen in the broader biblical narrative.
* **Key Themes:** Ezra 8:23 powerfully underscores several foundational theological themes. First and foremost is **Absolute Reliance on God**, demonstrating that Ezra and the exiles chose divine protection over human security, a profound act of faith in a dangerous world. This decision echoed the principle articulated in [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Some Trust in Chariots, Some in Horses, But We Trust in the Lord"). Second, the verse highlights **The Power and Efficacy of Prayer and Fasting**. Their corporate spiritual discipline was not a mere formality but a sincere and desperate plea, illustrating that such earnest seeking moves the heart of God. This aligns with the examples of Nehemiah's intercession in [Nehemiah 1:4](/nehemiah/1-4 "Nehemiah 1:4 - Nehemiah's Prayer and Fasting for Jerusalem") and Daniel's fervent prayer in [Daniel 9:3](/daniel/9-3 "Daniel 9:3 - Daniel's Prayer and Fasting for Israel"). Finally, the phrase "and he was intreated of us" emphasizes **God's Faithfulness to Answer Humble Supplication**. It serves as a powerful testimony to God's attentiveness and responsiveness to His people's cries, reinforcing the truth that He is indeed a "very present help in trouble," as declared in [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Is Our Refuge and Strength").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fasted (Hebrew, _tsûm'_):** The verb צוּם (_tsûm_), meaning "to fast," denotes a deliberate abstinence from food (and sometimes drink) for a spiritual purpose. In the Old Testament, fasting was typically associated with mourning, repentance, intense supplication, or preparation for a divine encounter. Here, it signifies a corporate act of humility and earnestness, demonstrating the people's total dependence on God and their desperation for His intervention, rather than relying on their own strength or human means.
* **besought (Hebrew, _baqash'_):** The verb בָּקַשׁ (_baqash_), meaning "to seek," "to search," or "to request earnestly," conveys a sense of diligent and fervent pursuit. It implies more than a casual request; it suggests a determined effort to find or obtain something, in this case, God's favor and protection. The phrase "besought our God for this" indicates a specific and intense prayer, a focused plea for the safety of their journey and possessions.
* **intreated (Hebrew, _'athar'_):** The verb עָתַר (_'athar_), meaning "to pray," "to entreat," or "to be prevailed upon," is particularly significant. When used in the passive voice, as it is here ("he was intreated of us"), it highlights God's gracious willingness to respond favorably to the supplications of His people. It implies that their earnest prayers found favor in His sight, and He responded by granting their request for protection. This word underscores God's attentiveness and His readiness to act on behalf of those who humbly seek Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So we fasted":** This clause describes the corporate spiritual discipline undertaken by Ezra and the community. It was a deliberate, unified act of self-denial and humility, signifying their complete dependence on God and their earnestness in seeking His favor. This was not a perfunctory ritual but a profound expression of their spiritual state.
* **"and besought our God for this":** This part specifies the purpose of their fasting: intense, focused prayer to God. "For this" refers directly to the need for protection on their dangerous journey, for themselves, their children, and their valuable Temple treasures, as detailed in the preceding verses. It highlights the direct and specific nature of their petition to the Almighty.
* **"and he was intreated of us":** This concluding clause declares the successful outcome of their spiritual discipline. It is a powerful affirmation of God's responsiveness and faithfulness. It means that God heard their prayers, was moved by their humble entreaty, and graciously granted their request for protection, demonstrating His active involvement in the lives of His devoted people.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 8:23 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The verse exhibits a clear **Cause and Effect** structure, where the human action of "fasting and beseeching" leads directly to the divine response: "he was intreated of us." This highlights the efficacy of humble, corporate prayer. There is also an element of **Contrast** implied by the preceding verses, where Ezra's refusal of a military escort (human protection) is contrasted with the subsequent reliance on divine protection through spiritual means. The phrase "he was intreated of us" functions as a **Theological Statement**, affirming God's character as one who hears and responds to the sincere cries of His people, thereby reinforcing the central theme of divine faithfulness. The entire passage serves as a **Narrative Example** or **Case Study**, illustrating a core biblical principle: when God's people humble themselves and earnestly seek Him, He responds.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 8:23 stands as a profound testament to the power of humble, corporate prayer and God's unwavering faithfulness. It teaches us that true security and success, especially in daunting endeavors, come not from human strength or conventional means, but from absolute reliance on divine providence. The act of fasting underscores the depth of their desperation and the sincerity of their supplication, demonstrating that sometimes, extraordinary circumstances call for extraordinary spiritual discipline. God's response, "he was intreated of us," confirms His attentiveness to the cries of His people and His readiness to intervene on their behalf, solidifying His character as a covenant-keeping God who actively participates in the lives of those who trust Him. This episode serves as a timeless reminder that our God is approachable, responsive, and utterly trustworthy.

* [Psalm 34:15](/psalms/34-15 "Psalm 34:15 - The Eyes of the Lord are on the Righteous")
* [Matthew 6:16-18](/matthew/6-16-18 "Matthew 6:16-18 - Jesus' Teaching on Fasting")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do Not Be Anxious, But Pray")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 8:23 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers navigating their own "perilous journeys." In a world that often prioritizes self-reliance, strategic planning, and human ingenuity, this verse challenges us to re-evaluate our sources of security and strength. It calls us to cultivate a posture of humble dependence on God, recognizing that His power far surpasses any human resource. When faced with significant challenges, daunting decisions, or uncertain paths, the example of Ezra and the exiles encourages us to prioritize spiritual disciplines like prayer and fasting, not as a means to manipulate God, but as expressions of our complete trust and desperation for His divine intervention. This passage assures us that when we genuinely seek God with earnest hearts, He hears and responds, often providing supernatural protection, guidance, and provision that transcends our expectations. It invites us to experience the peace and confidence that come from knowing our God is actively involved in our lives and that He is indeed "intreated of us."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to rely on human strength or resources rather than God's protection?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper practice of prayer and fasting as expressions of humble dependence, especially when facing significant challenges?**
* **What specific "journeys" or undertakings am I currently facing where I need to "beseech our God" for His intervention and protection?**
* **How does the assurance that God "was intreated of us" impact my confidence in approaching Him with my needs?**

### FAQ
**Why did Ezra refuse a military escort if the journey was so dangerous?**

Answer: Ezra had previously made a bold declaration to King Artaxerxes, stating that "the hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and his power and his wrath are against all who forsake him" ([Ezra 8:22](/ezra/8-22 "Ezra 8:22 - Ezra's Declaration of Faith")). To then ask for a military escort would have been a public contradiction of his own testimony and an admission that he did not fully trust in God's protective power. His refusal was an act of faith, demonstrating to the king and to the people that their God was indeed capable of providing supernatural protection without human aid. It was a matter of integrity and a powerful witness to God's sovereignty.

**Is fasting still relevant for Christians today?**

Answer: Yes, fasting remains a valuable and relevant spiritual discipline for Christians. While the Old Testament often linked fasting to specific national crises or acts of repentance, Jesus Himself assumed His followers would fast ("when you fast," [Matthew 6:16](/matthew/6-16 "Matthew 6:16 - Jesus' Teaching on Fasting")). The early church also practiced fasting, often in conjunction with prayer, when making significant decisions or seeking God's guidance, as seen in [Acts 13:2-3](/acts/13-2-3 "Acts 13:2-3 - The Church at Antioch Sends Out Paul and Barnabas"). For believers today, fasting can deepen spiritual sensitivity, humble the soul, intensify prayer, clarify God's will, and express profound dependence on Him in times of personal or corporate need.

**Does "he was intreated of us" mean God always gives us what we ask for?**

Answer: The phrase "he was intreated of us" signifies that God heard their earnest prayer and responded favorably, granting them the protection they sought. It does not, however, guarantee that God will grant every specific request precisely as we ask. Rather, it affirms God's attentiveness and His willingness to act on behalf of His people when they humble themselves and seek Him. God always responds according to His perfect will, which is ultimately good and for our ultimate benefit. Sometimes His answer is "yes," sometimes "no," and sometimes "wait," but He always hears and acts faithfully, as He did for Ezra and the exiles.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 8:23, while an Old Testament account of physical protection, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate spiritual protection and provision found in Jesus Christ. Ezra's decision to trust God for safe passage, rather than human armies, points to a deeper truth: our greatest dangers are not physical but spiritual, and our only true refuge is not in human strength but in divine intervention. Just as the exiles entrusted their lives and treasures to God, believers are called to entrust their eternal souls and spiritual well-being to Christ. He is the ultimate "intreated" one, not merely responding to our prayers but actively interceding for us as our Great High Priest, ensuring our spiritual safety on our journey from the exile of sin to the promised land of eternal life ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our Great High Priest")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness into Light")), providing the ultimate protection that no earthly army could ever offer. Our "fasting and beseeching" today find their truest efficacy in Him, for it is through Him that we have access to the Father, and in Him, we are assured that if God is for us, who can be against us ([Romans 8:31-39](/romans/8-31-39 "Romans 8:31-39 - God Is For Us")). He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, the only true path to safe passage and eternal security ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, The Way, The Truth, The Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.