Ezra — Chapter 8

Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before the Lord our God, and might ask of him a right way for us and for our children. Ezra calls a public fast before the journey from Babylon to Jerusalem, that God might direct their path. Lapide: fasting prepares the soul for God's help on the journey of life.

For I was ashamed to ask the king for footmen and horsemen, and soldiers, to defend us from the enemy in the way; because we had said to the king: The hand of our God is upon all that seek him in goodness. Ezra trusts wholly in God's protection, not in armed escort. His shame arose from consistency with his own profession of faith to the king. Lapide: those who profess reliance on God must truly live by that profession.

So we fasted, and besought our God for this, and it fell out prosperously. Lapide: prayer armed with fasting is most powerful with God, appearing to compel Him to grant what is asked.