Ezra 8

“I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road …” (v22). Ezra had boldly told the Assyrian king “the gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him" (v22). Now, as the Jews prepared to make the months-long journey back to Israel with their children, their trust in God was tested. Would He be enough for them, or would they ask the Assyrians for more help?

“So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayed” (v23). We don’t have to look elsewhere protection or power; He is all we need.