Ezra 8:21-23
God’s Protection Sought
21Then I called for aa fast there at bthe river of Ahava, that we might chumble ourselves before our God to seek from Him a 1direct journey for us, our little ones, and all our possessions. 22For I was ashamed to ask from the king for a military force and horsemen to help us against the enemy on the way, because we had said to the king, “aThe hand of our God is upon all those who seek Him, for their good, but bHis strength and His anger are against all those who cforsake Him.” 23So we fasted and sought our God concerning this matter, and He 1,awas moved by our entreaty.