The returnees fast for a safe journey
At the Ahava River Ezra proclaimed a fast so the travelers could humble themselves and ask God for a safe journey. Ashamed to request soldiers after testifying that God's hand was for good on those who seek Him, Ezra entrusted the silver, gold, and vessels to chosen priests (Ezra 8:21-30).
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.
