Matthew Henry Commentary Ezra 8:21-23

"Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek of him a straight way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance. 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. So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was entreated of us." — Ezra 8:21-23 (ASV)

Ezra procured Levites to go with him; but what will that avail, unless he has God with him? Those who seek God are safe under the shadow of his wings, even in their greatest dangers; but those who forsake him are always exposed. When entering upon any new state of life, our concern should be to bring none of the guilt of the sins of our former condition into it.

When we are in any peril, let us be at peace with God, and then nothing can do us any real hurt. It is our wisdom and duty to commit all our concerns about ourselves, our families, and our estates to God by prayer, and to leave the care of them with him. And, on some occasions, we should decline advantages that are within our reach, lest we cause others to stumble and our God be dishonored.

Let us ask wisdom from God, so that we may know how to use or to refuse lawful things. We will be no losers by venturing, suffering, or giving up for the Lord's sake. Their prayers were answered, and the outcome demonstrated it. Never have any who sought God in earnest found that they sought him in vain.

In times of difficulty and danger, to set a season apart for secret or for social prayer, is the best method for relief.