EZRA 8


22 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 Elohim is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him.

23 So we fasted and besought our Elohim for this: and he was intreated of us.


Ezra was not overconfident or boastful. He did not presume upon the providence of God. But he did not feel he could consistently ask the help of man when he had spoken of the limitless power of his God. Others may have regarded the matter differently, but to him, the situation raised again the same issue of allegiance and dependence - God or man - and whenever that issue arises in whatever form, the answer of faith must be the same.

He well realized the responsibility he had assumed in leading his unprotected company through wild and hostile country. It is clear that this weighed heavily upon him. There were many other lives besides his own involved - many who trusted him and depended upon him, and who were prepared to make the journey with him relying on his judgment and wisdom.

It would have been far easier to have asked for an armed guard, but he felt that the honour of his God was at stake, and so in prayerful hope, and with no armour but faith, they ventured forth.

And no harm befell them.


Bro Growcott - The hand of our God is upon all them for good