Ezra 8:21-23 – Fasting
As Ezra prepared to lead an expedition from Babylonia to Jerusalem, he gathered those who were going at the side of a river or canal that ran into the Euphrates. As we have seen before, King Artaxerxes provided him with enormous amounts of money and supplies for the support of the worship of the LORD. Ordinarily, carrying large amounts of treasure the many hundreds of miles to Jerusalem would have been very dangerous. Without armed guards, such a group of travelers was likely to be attacked by bandits on the vast stretches of road between towns and cities. The prudent thing to do would be to ask Artaxerxes to provide soldiers to escort the retuning Exiles. However, Ezra was too embarrassed to do so. He had spoken so confidently of the LORD’s provision for His faithful servants, that he feared asking the king for aid in this matter would make it appear either that the LORD does not keep His promises or that Ezra lacked faith. If the Jews were to make it safely to Jerusalem, the LORD would have to guard them. So, Ezra proclaimed a fast.
Fasting is a spiritual discipline encouraged in Scripture that consists of the denial of food (or, perhaps, some other comfort or enjoyment) to the body. It can be a sign of repentance or of seeking the LORD’s will in general. Fasting demonstrates faith in God’s power to sustain us and tells the flesh that even its legitimate needs and comforts are second to our spiritual needs. Ezra and his followers fasted and prayed that the LORD might protect them on their journey. As we will see in the days to come, Ezra’s expedition made it safely to Jerusalem with all the treasures for the Temple – an extraordinary feat in that age. Truly God heard their prayers and kept them safe on their journey.
Questions
- What is fasting?
- Why did Ezra proclaim a fast?
Prayer Points
- Pray for the LORD’s guidance and protection as we seek to serve Him.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.