Ezra 8:22 For I was ashamed to ask the king for an escort of soldiers and horsemen to protect us from our enemies on the road, since we had told him, "The hand of our God is gracious to all who seek Him, but His great anger is against all who forsake Him."

◄ Ezra 8:22 ►

New International Version
I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, “The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him.”

New Living Translation
For I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to accompany us and protect us from enemies along the way. After all, we had told the king, “Our God’s hand of protection is on all who worship him, but his fierce anger rages against those who abandon him.”

English Standard Version
For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king, “The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him.”

Berean Standard Bible
For I was ashamed to ask the king for an escort of soldiers and horsemen to protect us from our enemies on the road, since we had told him, “The hand of our God is gracious to all who seek Him, but His great anger is against all who forsake Him.”

King James Bible
For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him.

New King James Version
For I was ashamed to request of the king an escort of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy on the road, because we had spoken to the king, saying, “The hand of our God is upon all those for good who seek Him, but His power and His wrath are against all those who forsake Him.”

New American Standard Bible
For I was ashamed to request from the king troops and horsemen to protect us from the enemy on the way, because we had said to the king, “The hand of our God is favorably disposed to all who seek Him, but His power and His anger are against all those who abandon Him.”

NASB 1995
For I was ashamed to request from the king troops and horsemen to protect us from the enemy on the way, because we had said to the king, “The hand of our God is favorably disposed to all those who seek Him, but His power and His anger are against all those who forsake Him.”

NASB 1977
For I was ashamed to request from the king troops and horsemen to protect us from the enemy on the way, because we had said to the king, “The hand of our God is favorably disposed to all those who seek Him, but His power and His anger are against all those who forsake Him.”

Legacy Standard Bible
For 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, “The hand of our God is upon all those who seek Him, for their good, but His strength and His anger are against all those who forsake Him.”

Amplified Bible
For I was ashamed to request troops and horsemen from the king to protect us from the enemy along the way, because we had told the king, “The hand of our God is favorable toward all those who seek Him, but His power and His anger are against all those who abandon (turn away from) Him.”

Christian Standard Bible
I did this because I was ashamed to ask the king for infantry and cavalry to protect us from enemies during the journey, since we had told him, “The hand of our God is gracious to all who seek him, but his fierce anger is against all who abandon him.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I did this because I was ashamed to ask the king for infantry and cavalry to protect us from enemies during the journey, since we had told him, “The hand of our God is gracious to all who seek Him, but His great anger is against all who abandon Him.”

American Standard Version
For I was ashamed to ask of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way, because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them that seek him, for good; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him.

Contemporary English Version
I was ashamed to ask the king to send soldiers and cavalry to protect us against enemies along the way. After all, we had told the king that our God takes care of everyone who truly worships him, but that he gets very angry and punishes anyone who refuses to obey.

English Revised Version
For I was ashamed to ask of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them that seek him, for good; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I was ashamed to ask the king for an armed escort with cavalry to help us against an enemy attack on the way. We had already told the king, "Our God works things out for the good of everyone who dedicates his life to serving him, but his power and his anger oppose everyone who abandons him."

Good News Translation
I would have been ashamed to ask the emperor for a troop of cavalry to guard us from any enemies during our journey, because I had told him that our God blesses everyone who trusts him, but that he is displeased with and punishes anyone who turns away from him.

International Standard Version
because I was ashamed to ask the king for a contingent of soldiers and cavalry to protect us from enemies we might encounter on the way. After all, we had told the king, "The hand of our God seeks the good of all who seek him, but his power and anger are against everyone who forsakes him."

Majority Standard Bible
For I was ashamed to ask the king for an escort of soldiers and horsemen to protect us from our enemies on the road, since we had told him, “The hand of our God is gracious to all who seek Him, but His great anger is against all who forsake Him.”

NET Bible
I was embarrassed to request soldiers and horsemen from the king to protect us from the enemy along the way, because we had said to the king, "The good hand of our God is on everyone who is seeking him, but his great anger is against everyone who forsakes him."

New Heart English Bible
For I was ashamed to ask of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way, because we had spoken to the king, saying, "The hand of our God is on all those who seek him, for good; but his power and his wrath is against all those who forsake him."

Webster's Bible Translation
For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken to the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him.

World English Bible
For I was ashamed to ask of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy on the way, because we had spoken to the king, saying, “The hand of our God is on all those who seek him, for good; but his power and his wrath is against all those who forsake him.”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
for I was ashamed to ask from the king a force and horsemen to help us because of the enemy in the way, for we spoke to the king, saying, “The hand of our God [is] on all seeking Him for good, and His strength and His wrath [is] on all forsaking Him.”

Young's Literal Translation
for I was ashamed to ask from the king a force and horsemen to help us because of the enemy in the way, for we spake to the king, saying, 'The hand of our God is upon all seeking Him for good, and His strength and His wrath is upon all forsaking Him.'

Smith's Literal Translation
For I was ashamed to ask from the king strength and horsemen to help us from the enemy in the way: for we said to the king, saying, The hand of our God upon all seeking him for good; and his strength and his anger against all forsaking him.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
For I was ashamed to ask the king for aid and for horsemen, to defend us from the enemy in the way: because we had said to the king: The hand of our God is upon all them that seek him in goodness: and his power and strength, and wrath upon all them that forsake him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For I was ashamed to petition the king for assistance and for horsemen, who would defend us from the enemy along the way. For we had said to the king: “The hand of our God is over all those who seek him in goodness. And his authority, and his strength and fury, is over all those who forsake him.”

New American Bible
For I was ashamed to ask the king for troops and horsemen to protect us against enemies along the way, since we had said to the king, “The favoring hand of our God is over all who seek him, but his fierce anger is against all who forsake him.”

New Revised Standard Version
For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and cavalry to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king that the hand of our God is gracious to all who seek him, but his power and his wrath are against all who forsake him.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
For I was ashamed to ask of the king a band of soldiers, an army and horsemen to help us against the enemy on the way, because we had spoken to the king, saying, The hand of our God is with all of those who seek him for good; but his power and his wrath are against all who forsake him.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Because I was embarrassed that I would ask from the King an army and horsemen that they would help us from our enemies in the way, because we were saying to the King: “The hand of God is with everyone who seeks him for good, and his strength and his anger is against all who leave him.”

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
For I was ashamed to ask of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way; because we had spoken unto the king, saying: 'The hand of our God is upon all them that seek Him, for good; but His power and His wrath is against all them that forsake Him.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
For I was ashamed to ask of the king a guard and horsemen to save us from the enemy in the way: for we had spoken to the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all that seek him, for good; but his power and his wrath are upon all that forsake him.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Fasting for Protection
21And there by the Ahava Canal I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask Him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. 22For I was ashamed to ask the king for an escort of soldiers and horsemen to protect us from our enemies on the road, since we had told him, “The hand of our God is gracious to all who seek Him, but His great anger is against all who forsake Him.” 23So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and He granted our request.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; / in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Psalm 34:7
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them.

Psalm 37:5
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it.

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Nehemiah 2:8
And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the king’s forest, so that he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel to the temple, for the city wall, and for the house I will occupy.” And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests.

Psalm 121:7-8
The LORD will guard you from all evil; He will preserve your soul. / The LORD will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore.

2 Chronicles 16:9
For the eyes of the LORD roam to and fro over all the earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him. You have acted foolishly in this matter. From now on, therefore, you will be at war.”

Psalm 91:11
For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.

Psalm 146:5
Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God,

Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze.

1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

Philippians 4:6-7
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. / And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.

Romans 8:28
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

Hebrews 13:5-6
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” / So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

Treasury of Scripture

For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken to the king, saying, The hand of our God is on all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him.

I was ashamed

1 Corinthians 9:15
But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.

2 Corinthians 7:14
For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth.

The hand

Ezra 7:6,9,28
This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him…

1 Chronicles 28:9
And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.

2 Chronicles 16:9
For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.

his power and his wrath

Joshua 23:16
When ye have transgressed the covenant of the LORD your God, which he commanded you, and have gone and served other gods, and bowed yourselves to them; then shall the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and ye shall perish quickly from off the good land which he hath given unto you.

2 Chronicles 15:2
And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.

Psalm 21:8,9
Thine hand shall find out all thine enemies: thy right hand shall find out those that hate thee…

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Ezra 8

1. The companions of Ezra, who returned from Babylon
15. He sends to Iddo for ministers for the temple
21. He keeps a fast
24. He commits the treasures to the custody of the priests
31. From Ahava they come to Jerusalem
33. The treasure is weighed in the temple
36. The commission is delivered

Berean Study Bible

For I was ashamed
The Hebrew word for "ashamed" is "בּוֹשׁ" (bosh), which conveys a sense of embarrassment or feeling disgraced. In the context of Ezra, this shame is not merely personal but reflects a deep spiritual conviction. Ezra, a scribe and leader, felt a profound sense of responsibility to demonstrate his faith in God's protection. This highlights the importance of living out one's faith publicly, trusting in God's provision even when it might seem more practical to rely on human means.

to ask the king
Ezra's relationship with the king, likely Artaxerxes I, was one of respect and diplomacy. The Persian kings were known for their administrative prowess and often supported the religious practices of their subjects. However, Ezra's decision not to ask for military protection underscores his commitment to relying on divine rather than earthly power. This decision reflects a broader biblical theme of faith over fear, where reliance on God is prioritized over human alliances.

for an escort of soldiers and horsemen
The mention of "soldiers and horsemen" indicates the real and present danger of the journey from Babylon to Jerusalem. In the ancient Near East, travel was perilous, with threats from bandits and hostile territories. The request for such protection would have been reasonable, yet Ezra's choice to forgo it in favor of divine protection is a testament to his faith. This decision serves as an inspiration for believers to trust in God's sovereignty and protection in the face of life's uncertainties.

to protect us from enemies on the road
The phrase "enemies on the road" highlights the constant threat faced by travelers in ancient times. The roads were fraught with danger, and the need for protection was genuine. However, Ezra's reliance on God rather than military might serves as a powerful reminder of the biblical principle that God is our ultimate protector. This trust in divine protection is echoed throughout Scripture, encouraging believers to place their confidence in God's providence.

because we had told the king
Ezra's previous declaration to the king about God's protection placed him in a position where he needed to live out his faith. This statement reflects the importance of integrity and consistency in one's testimony. When believers profess their faith, they are called to demonstrate it through their actions, even when it requires courage and trust in God's promises.

The hand of our God is upon all who seek Him
The "hand of our God" is a metaphor for God's power and favor. In Hebrew, "hand" (יָד, yad) often symbolizes strength and authority. This phrase reassures believers that God's guidance and blessing are available to those who earnestly seek Him. It emphasizes the relationship between divine favor and the pursuit of God, encouraging believers to actively seek God's presence and guidance in their lives.

but His great anger is against all who forsake Him
The contrast between God's favor and His "great anger" serves as a warning. The Hebrew word for "anger" (אַף, aph) can also mean "nose" or "face," suggesting a vivid image of God's displeasure. This part of the verse underscores the consequences of turning away from God. It serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and the serious implications of forsaking one's relationship with God. This duality of blessing and judgment is a recurring theme in Scripture, urging believers to remain steadfast in their faith.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(22) Because we had spoken unto the king.--The whole verse goes back to the past. Ezra had magnified God's providence before the king: His "hand" upon his own "for good"--the habitual tribute to Providence in this book and Nehemiah--and His power "against" His enemies "for evil" not being expressed. This sublime testimony made the "seeking" God a condition of safety. Hence the solemn fasting and prayer, following many precedents (Judges 20:26; 1Samuel 7:6).

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 22. - I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers. Before he apprehended danger Ezra had boasted to Artaxerxes of the power and goodness of God, and had spoken of himself and his brethren as assured of the Divine protection. Now that peril threatened he found himself afraid, and would have been glad of such an escort as Nehemiah obtained at a later date (Nehemiah 2:9). But after his boasts he was ashamed to confess his fear. Who the enemy in the way was it is impossible to decide; but we may gather from ver. 31 that it was no imaginary foe. Probably some of the Arab tribes, who owed no allegiance to Persia, had formed a design to intercept the caravan and plunder it.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

For
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

I was ashamed
בֹ֗שְׁתִּי (ḇō·šə·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 954: To pale, to be ashamed, to be disappointed, delayed

to ask the king
הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

for
לִשְׁא֤וֹל (liš·’ō·wl)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7592: To inquire, to request, to demand

an [escort of] soldiers
חַ֣יִל (ḥa·yil)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2428: A force, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

and horsemen
וּפָרָשִׁ֔ים (ū·p̄ā·rā·šîm)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6571: A steed, a driver, cavalry

to protect
לְעָזְרֵ֥נוּ (lə·‘ā·zə·rê·nū)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | first person common plural
Strong's 5826: To surround, protect, aid

us from
מִן־ (min-)
Preposition
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

our enemies
מֵאוֹיֵ֖ב (mê·’ō·w·yêḇ)
Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 341: Hating, an adversary

on the road,
בַּדָּ֑רֶךְ (bad·dā·reḵ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

since
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

we had told him,
אָמַ֨רְנוּ (’ā·mar·nū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common plural
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“The hand
יַד־ (yaḏ-)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3027: A hand

of our God
אֱלֹהֵ֤ינוּ (’ĕ·lō·hê·nū)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

is gracious
לְטוֹבָ֔ה (lə·ṭō·w·ḇāh)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

to
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

who seek Him,
מְבַקְשָׁיו֙ (mə·ḇaq·šāw)
Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1245: To search out, to strive after

but His great
וְעֻזּ֣וֹ (wə·‘uz·zōw)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5797: Strength, might

anger
וְאַפּ֔וֹ (wə·’ap·pōw)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 639: The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ire

is against
עַ֖ל (‘al)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

who forsake Him.”
עֹזְבָֽיו׃ (‘ō·zə·ḇāw)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5800: To loosen, relinquish, permit

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OT History: Ezra 8:22 For I was ashamed to ask (Ezr. Ez)