Ezra 8:23 - So we fasted and begged our God for this: and he granted our request.

Generated Verse: Ezra 8:23

What does "Ezra 8:23" mean?


Ezra 8:23 says, "So we fasted and begged our God for this: and he granted our request."

This verse, taken in context of Ezra Chapter 8, refers to a specific situation: Ezra and a large group of Jews were returning to Jerusalem from exile in Babylon. They were carrying a significant amount of gold, silver, and other valuables for the temple. The journey was long and dangerous, and they were at risk of being attacked by bandits.

Here's a breakdown of the verse's meaning:

"So we fasted...": Fasting in the Bible is often a sign of humility, repentance, and intense prayer. It demonstrated to God that Ezra and his companions were serious about their dependence on Him and were setting aside even basic needs (like food) to seek His protection.

"...and begged our God for this...": This phrase emphasizes the earnestness and urgency of their prayers. They were not simply asking in a casual way, but were pleading with God for protection during their journey. The "this" refers specifically to the safe passage and protection from enemies on their long journey from Babylon to Jerusalem.

"...and he granted our request.": This is the key point. It means that God heard their prayers and answered them. They successfully reached Jerusalem with the valuables intact, implying that God protected them from harm as they requested.

In essence, the verse highlights the power of prayer and fasting, emphasizing that when people humbly and sincerely seek God's help, He listens and responds. In this specific narrative, it reinforces the themes of divine providence, faith, and the importance of relying on God during times of difficulty. This story serves as an example that when people entrust their needs to God, He honors that faith.

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