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Ezra 8

Ezra 8:21 KJV (With Strong’s)

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21
Then I proclaimed
qara' (Hebrew #7121)
to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
KJV usage: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(- ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say.
Pronounce: kaw-raw'
Origin: a primitive root (rather identical with 7122 through the idea of accosting a person met)
a fast
tsowm (Hebrew #6685)
or tsom {tsome}; from from 6684; a fast: --fast(-ing).
Pronounce: tsome
x there, at the river
nahar (Hebrew #5104)
a stream (including the sea; expec. the Nile, Euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity
KJV usage: flood, river.
Pronounce: naw-hawr'
Origin: from 5102
of Ahava
'Ahava' (Hebrew #163)
Ahava, a river of Babylonia
KJV usage: Ahava.
Pronounce: a-hav-aw'
Origin: probably of foreign origin
, that we mighty afflict
`anah (Hebrew #6031)
to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)
KJV usage: abase self, afflict(-ion, self), answer (by mistake for 6030{/SI}}}6030{/SI}}/SI}}6030}6030{/SI}{/SI}), chasten self, deal hardly with, defile, exercise, force, gentleness, humble (self), hurt, ravish, sing (by mistake for 6030{/SI}}}6030{/SI}}/SI}}6030}6030{/SI}{/SI}), speak (by mistake for 6030{/SI}}}6030{/SI}}/SI}}6030}6030{/SI}{/SI}), submit self, weaken, X in any wise.
Pronounce: aw-naw'
Origin: a primitive root (possibly rather ident. with 6030{/SI}}}6030{/SI}}/SI}}6030}6030{/SI}{/SI} through the idea of looking down or browbeating)
ourselves before
paniym (Hebrew #6440)
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposition (before, etc.)
KJV usage: + accept, a-(be- )fore(-time), against, anger, X as (long as), at, + battle, + because (of), + beseech, countenance, edge, + employ, endure, + enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, X him(-self), + honourable, + impudent, + in, it, look(-eth) (- s), X me, + meet, X more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), X on, open, + out of, over against, the partial, person, + please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, + regard, right forth, + serve, X shewbread, sight, state, straight, + street, X thee, X them(-selves), through (+ - out), till, time(-s) past, (un-)to(-ward), + upon, upside (+ down), with(- in, + -stand), X ye, X you.
Pronounce: paw-neem'
Origin: plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun (paneh {paw-neh'}; from 6437)
our God
'elohiym (Hebrew #430)
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative
KJV usage: angels, X exceeding, God (gods)(-dess, -ly), X (very) great, judges, X mighty.
Pronounce: el-o-heem'
Origin: plural of 433
, toz seek
baqash (Hebrew #1245)
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
KJV usage: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for).
Pronounce: baw-kash'
Origin: a primitive root
of him a right
yashar (Hebrew #3477)
straight (literally or figuratively)
KJV usage: convenient, equity, Jasher, just, meet(-est), + pleased well right(-eous), straight, (most) upright(-ly, -ness).
Pronounce: yaw-shawr'
Origin: from 3474
way
derek (Hebrew #1870)
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
KJV usage: along, away, because of, + by, conversation, custom, (east-)ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-)way(-side), whither(-soever).
Pronounce: deh'-rek
Origin: from 1869
for us, and for ourb little ones
taph (Hebrew #2945)
a family (mostly used collectively in the singular)
KJV usage: (little) children (ones), families.
Pronounce: taf
Origin: from 2952 (perhaps referring to the tripping gait of children)
, and for all our substance
rkuwsh (Hebrew #7399)
from passive participle of 7408; property (as gathered)
KJV usage: good, riches, substance.
Pronounce: rek-oosh'
Origin: or rkush {rek-oosh'}
.
x
2 Chron. 20:3• 3{i}And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek Jehovah, and proclaimed a fast throughout Judah.{/i} (2 Chron. 20:3)
y
Lev. 16:29• 29And this shall be an everlasting statute unto you. In the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls and do no work at all, whether it be one of your own country, or the stranger that sojourneth among you; (Lev. 16:29)
;
Lev. 23:29• 29For whatsoever soul it shall be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people. (Lev. 23:29)
;
Isa. 58:3,5• 3Wherefore have we fasted, [say they,] and thou seest not? [wherefore] have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find [your own] pleasure, and exact all your labours.
 5Is such the fast that I have chosen? the day for a man to afflict his soul—that he should bow down his head as a rush, and spread sackcloth and ashes [under him]? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to Jehovah? (Isa. 58:3,5)
;
Joel 2:13• 13and rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto Jehovah your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. (Joel 2:13)
z
Psa. 5:8• 8Lead me, O Jehovah, in thy righteousness,{HR}On account of mine enemies,{HR}Make thy way straight before me. (Psa. 5:8)
;
Psa. 143:8,10• 8Cause me to hear in the morning thy mercy,{HR}For in thee do I confide;{HR}Make me to know the way that I should go,{HR}For unto thee I lift up my soul.
 10Teach me to do thy pleasure,{HR}For thou [art] my God;{HR}Let thy good spirit lead me in a land of evenness. (Psa. 143:8,10)
;
Prov. 3:6• 6In all thy ways acknowledge him,{HR}And he shall make straight thy paths. (Prov. 3:6)
;
Isa. 30:21• 21And when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left, thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This [is] the way, walk ye in it. (Isa. 30:21)
;
Isa. 42:16• 16And I will bring the blind by a way they know not, in paths they know not will I lead them; I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do to them, and I will not forsake them. (Isa. 42:16)
;
Jer. 10:23• 23{i}I know, Jehovah, that the way of man is not his own; it is not in a man that walketh to direct his steps.{/i} (Jer. 10:23)
b
Psa. 8:2• 2From the mouth of children and sucklings hast thou ordained praise{HR}Because of thine adversaries, to still the enemy and the revenger. (Psa. 8:2)
;
Mark 10:13,16• 13And they brought little children to him, that he might touch them. But the disciples rebuked those that brought [them].
 16And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them. (Mark 10:13,16)

More on:

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Ahava,
Fast; Fasting,
God,
River

Cross References

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Ministry on This Verse

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I proclaimed.
Judg. 20:26• 26Then all the children of Israel, and all the people, went up, and came unto the house of God, and wept, and sat there before Jehovah, and fasted that day until even, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before Jehovah. (Judg. 20:26)
;
1 Sam. 7:6• 6And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before Jehovah, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against Jehovah. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh. (1 Sam. 7:6)
;
2 Chron. 20:3• 3{i}And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek Jehovah, and proclaimed a fast throughout Judah.{/i} (2 Chron. 20:3)
;
Joel 1:14• 14Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of Jehovah your God, and cry unto Jehovah. (Joel 1:14)
;
Joel 2:12‑18• 12Therefore also now, saith Jehovah, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:
 13and rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto Jehovah your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.
 14Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat-offering and a drink-offering unto Jehovah your God?
 15Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly:
 16gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.
 17Let the priests, the ministers of Jehovah, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O Jehovah, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where [is] their God?
 18Then will Jehovah be jealous for his land, and pity his people. (Joel 2:12‑18)
;
Jonah 3:5• 5So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, {i}from the greatest of them even to the least of them.{/i} (Jonah 3:5)
afflict ourselves.
Lev. 16:29,31• 29And this shall be an everlasting statute unto you. In the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls and do no work at all, whether it be one of your own country, or the stranger that sojourneth among you;
 31It is a Sabbath of solemn rest among you, and ye shall afflict your souls; it is a Sabbath forever. (Lev. 16:29,31)
;
Lev. 23:29• 29For whatsoever soul it shall be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people. (Lev. 23:29)
;
Isa. 58:3,5• 3Wherefore have we fasted, [say they,] and thou seest not? [wherefore] have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find [your own] pleasure, and exact all your labours.
 5Is such the fast that I have chosen? the day for a man to afflict his soul—that he should bow down his head as a rush, and spread sackcloth and ashes [under him]? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to Jehovah? (Isa. 58:3,5)
;
Jer. 31:8‑9• 8Behold I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the coasts of the earth, and with them the blind and the lame, the woman with child and her that travaileth with child together: a great company shall return thither{i}.
 9They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them. I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn. (Jer. 31:8‑9)
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Jer. 50:4‑5• 4In those days, and in that time, saith Jehovah, the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together, going and weeping: they shall go and seek Jehovah their God.
 5They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward, saying, Come and let us join ourselves to Jehovah in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten. (Jer. 50:4‑5)
to seek.
Psa. 5:8• 8Lead me, O Jehovah, in thy righteousness,{HR}On account of mine enemies,{HR}Make thy way straight before me. (Psa. 5:8)
;
Psa. 107:2‑8• 2Let the redeemed of Jehovah say [so],{HR}Whom he redeemed from the oppressor's hand;
 3And he gathered them from the lands,{HR}From east and from west, from north and from south (sea).
 4They wandered in the wilderness, in a desert way;{HR}No city of habitation they found.
 5Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.
 6And they cried unto Jehovah in their distress:{HR}Out of their strait he delivereth them.
 7And he led them by the right way{HR}To go to a city of habitation.
 8O that [they] might give thanks to Jehovah{HR}[For] his mercy and his wonders to the sons of men! (Psa. 107:2‑8)
;
Psa. 143:8‑10• 8Cause me to hear in the morning thy mercy,{HR}For in thee do I confide;{HR}Make me to know the way that I should go,{HR}For unto thee I lift up my soul.
 9Deliver me from mine enemies, Jehovah;{HR}In thee have I hid myself.
 10Teach me to do thy pleasure,{HR}For thou [art] my God;{HR}Let thy good spirit lead me in a land of evenness. (Psa. 143:8‑10)
;
Prov. 3:6• 6In all thy ways acknowledge him,{HR}And he shall make straight thy paths. (Prov. 3:6)
;
Isa. 30:21• 21And when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left, thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This [is] the way, walk ye in it. (Isa. 30:21)
;
Isa. 35:8• 8And a highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called, The way of holiness: the unclean shall not pass over it; but it [shall be] for these. They that go the way, even fools, shall not err [therein]. (Isa. 35:8)
;
Isa. 42:16• 16And I will bring the blind by a way they know not, in paths they know not will I lead them; I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do to them, and I will not forsake them. (Isa. 42:16)
;
Isa. 49:10• 10They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them will lead them, and by the springs of water will he guide them. (Isa. 49:10)
;
Jer. 10:23• 23{i}I know, Jehovah, that the way of man is not his own; it is not in a man that walketh to direct his steps.{/i} (Jer. 10:23)
for our little ones.
Num. 14:3,31• 3{i}And why is Jehovah bringing us to this land that we may fall by the sword, that our wives and our little ones may become a prey? Is it not better for us to return to Egypt?{/i}
 31{i}But your little ones, of whom ye said they should be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall know the land that ye have despised.{/i} (Num. 14:3,31)
;
Psa. 8:2• 2From the mouth of children and sucklings hast thou ordained praise{HR}Because of thine adversaries, to still the enemy and the revenger. (Psa. 8:2)
;
Mark 10:13‑16• 13And they brought little children to him, that he might touch them. But the disciples rebuked those that brought [them].
 14But when Jesus saw [it], he was indignant, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me; forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of God.
 15Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall in no wise enter therein.
 16And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them. (Mark 10:13‑16)
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Acts 2:39• 39For to you is the promise, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, as many as [the] Lord our God shall call to [him]. (Acts 2:39)
• It cannot be I and God, or even God and I, it must be all God; and so they fasted and humbled themselves before their God. (“Fasting by the River of Ahava - Ezra 8:21-23” by N. Simon)
• Fasting results from putting the flesh in its true place, a place of death. What need is there to feed a dead man? (“Fasting by the River of Ahava - Ezra 8:21-23” by N. Simon)
• Ezra, therefore, would have all searched by the light of God's holy presence, that they might learn that nothing would avail to protect and guide them in their journey, and nothing could sustain them by the way or in their after-service but the good hand of their God. Thus it was that he and they together fasted, afflicted their souls, and prayed. (“The Book of Ezra: Restoration From Babylon: Ezra 8” by E. Dennett)
• Acts 13:1, 2. If there were but a revival of such a practice in the power of the Holy Ghost (for to imitate it without the power would be worse than useless), far larger results from service in teaching and ministry might be confidently anticipated. (“The Book of Ezra: Restoration From Babylon: Ezra 8” by E. Dennett)

J. N. Darby Translation

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21
And I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humbleb ourselves before our God, to seek of him a rightc way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.

JND Translation Notes

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b
Or "afflict."
c
Or "plain."

W. Kelly Translation

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21
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.