Ezra Proclaimed a Fast - Ezra 8:21

In the book of Ezra, Ezra gathered the “chief men” who were to return to Jerusalem with him, and among them were “the Nethinims, whom David and the princes had appointed for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinims: all of them were expressed by name”, and in chapter eight and verse twenty-one of Ezra, Ezra said, “then I proclaimed a fast there” where we read,

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.

The verse reads, “Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, ...”Ezra began with the words, “then I proclaimed a fast there” which means “at that time I, Ezra, called for, commissioned and declared abstinence from food or drink”, “at the river of Ahava” or “in the location of the stream or river named Ahava which means I shall subsist”, “that we might afflict ourselves” which means “so we, Ezra, the chief men and the Nethinims could occupy, busy and humble our own selves, Ezra and the chief men, “before our God” or “in front and in the presence and our, Ezra and the chief men's, Supreme Deity”. Ezra shared how he called for a “fast” or abstinence from food or drink at the location of the “Ahava river” so he, the “chief men and the Nethinims” could humble themselves in the presence of the Supreme God Jehovah. 

The verse continues, “... to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.” Ezra added the words, “to seek of him” which means “to exact, request and inquire from him, the Supreme Deity Jehovah” “a right way for us” or “a straight, correct and pleasing manner and path for us, Ezra and the chief men”, “and for our little ones”which means “and on behalf of our, Ezra and the chief men's, children and offspring”, “and for our substance” or “and on behalf of our, Ezra and the chief men's, property, possessions and goods”. Ezra shared how his “fast” was commissioned so he and the chief men with him might inquire of Jehovah God on behalf of themselves, their children and every one of their possessions. 

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Ezra how he was passionate about knowing God's direction for him and those with him. All of Israel was to be affected by his actions, and there was no better source than Jehovah God to receive direction for their lives. God wants us to rely upon Him for guidance and wisdom, (See James 1:5) and when we yield to His Son Jesus who came into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind, we may be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and given the opportunity to serve under the leading and direction of His Holy Spirit in everything we do. 

Next time Ezra says, “I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".