SEV Biblia, Chapter 8:22
Porque tuve vergí¼enza de pedir al rey tropa y gente de a caballo que nos defendiesen del enemigo en el camino; porque habíamos hablado al rey, diciendo: La mano de nuestro Dios es sobre todos los que le buscan para bien; mas su fortaleza y su furor sobre todos los que le dejan.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Ezra 8:22
Verse 22. I was ashamed to require-a band] He had represented God, the object of his worship, as supremely powerful, and as having the strongest affection for his true followers: he could not, therefore, consistently with his declarations, ask a band of soldiers from the king to protect them on the way, when they were going expressly to rebuild the temple of Jehovah, and restore his worship. He therefore found it necessary to seek the Lord by fasting and prayer, that they might have from Him those succours without which they might become a prey to their enemies; and then the religion which they professed would be considered by the heathen as false and vain. Thus we see that this good man had more anxiety for the glory of God than for his own personal safety.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 22. For I was ashamed to require of the kings band of soldiers and horsemen , etc.] Which he might have had, only asking for them; so great was the interest he had in the king’s favour: to help us against the enemy in the way ; the Arabs, Samaritans, and others, that might lie in wait for them, to rob them of their substance: because we had spoken unto the king : of the special favour of God to them, his singular providence in the protection of them: saying, the hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him ; that pray unto him, serve and worship him; his hand is open to them to bestow all needful good upon them, temporal and spiritual, and his power and providence are over them, to protect and defend them from all evil: but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him ; his word, his ways and worship; his powerful wrath, or the strength and force of it, is exerted against them and they are sure to feel the weight and dreadful effects of it: and now all this being said to the king, after this, to desire a guard to protect them, it would look as if they had not that favour in the sight of God, and did not believe what they had said, but distrusted his power and providence towards them; therefore, rather than reflect any dishonour on God, they chose to expose themselves to danger, seeking his face and favour, and relying on his goodness and power.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 21-23 - Ezra procured Levites to go with him; but what will that avail, unles he have 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 car should be, to bring none of the guilt of the sins of our forme 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. All our concerns abou ourselves, our families, and our estates, it is our wisdom and duty, by prayer to commit to God, and to leave the care of them with him. And on some occasions, we should decline advantages which are within ou reach, lest we should cause others to stumble, and so our God be dishonoured. Let us ask wisdom of God, that we may know how to use of to refuse lawful things. We shall be no losers by venturing, suffering or giving up for the Lord's sake. Their prayers were answered, and the event declared it. Never have any that sought God in earnest, foun that they sought him in vain. In times of difficulty and danger, to se a season apart for secret or for social prayer, is the best method for relief we can take.
Original Hebrew
כי 3588 בשׁתי 954 לשׁאול 7592 מן 4480 המלך 4428 חיל 2428 ופרשׁים 6571 לעזרנו 5826 מאויב 341 בדרך 1870 כי 3588 אמרנו 559 למלך 4428 לאמר 559 יד 3027 אלהינו 430 על 5921 כל 3605 מבקשׁיו 1245 לטובה 2896 ועזו 5797 ואפו 639 על 5921 כל 3605 עזביו׃ 5800
