Ezra 8:22 “For I was ashamed to ask the king for an escort of soldiers and horsem…”

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.”

Berean Standard Bible

Other translations

King James Version

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.

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.”

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.

Geneva Bible 1599

For I was ashamed to require of the King an armie and horsemen, to helpe vs against the enemie in the way, because we had spoken to the King, saying, The hande of our God is vpon all them that seeke him in goodnesse, but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him.

Darby 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; for 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 anger is against all them that forsake 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.'

Bible in Basic English

For I would not, for shame, make request to the king for a band of armed men and horsemen to give us help against those who might make attacks on us on the way: for we had said to the king, The hand of our God is on his servants for good, but his power and his wrath are against all those who are turned away from him.

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Cross references

“I was ashamed”

2 Corinthians 7:14 1 Corinthians 9:15

2 Corinthians 7:14 · BSB

Indeed, I was not embarrassed by anything I had boasted to him about you. But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting to Titus has proved to be true as well.

1 Corinthians 9:15 · BSB

But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this to suggest that something be done for me. Indeed, I would rather die than let anyone nullify my boast.

“The hand”

1 Peter 3:12 2 Chronicles 16:9 Lamentations 3:25 Psalm 34:22 Romans 8:28 1 Chronicles 28:9

1 Peter 3:12 · BSB

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

2 Chronicles 16:9 · BSB

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 a…

Lamentations 3:25 · BSB

The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him.

Psalm 34:22 · BSB

The LORD redeems His servants, and none who take refuge in Him will be condemned.

Romans 8:28 · BSB

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

1 Chronicles 28:9 · BSB

As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve Him wholeheartedly and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands the intent of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be fou…

“his power and his wrath”

2 Chronicles 15:2 Hebrews 10:38 Joshua 23:16 Zephaniah 1:2–6 Psalm 90:11 Psalm 21:8

2 Chronicles 15:2 · BSB

So he went out to meet Asa and said to him, “Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The LORD is with you when you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you…

Hebrews 10:38 · BSB

But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him.”

Joshua 23:16 · BSB

If you transgress the covenant of the LORD your God, which He commanded you, and go and serve other gods and bow down to them, then the anger of the LORD will burn against you, and you will quickly perish from this good…

Zephaniah 1:2–6 · BSB

“I will completely sweep away everything from the face of the earth,” declares the LORD.

Psalm 90:11 · BSB

Who knows the power of Your anger? Your wrath matches the fear You are due.

Psalm 21:8 · BSB

Your hand will apprehend all Your enemies; Your right hand will seize those who hate You.

Cross references adapted from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0) and the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

In context

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.

23So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and He granted our request.

Read Ezra 8