King James Version

What Does Ezra 8:23 Mean?

Ezra 8:23 in the King James Version says “So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.” — study this verse from Ezra chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.”

Ezra 8:23 · KJV

Context

21

Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.

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 God 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 God for this: and he was intreated of us.

24

Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests, Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brethren with them,

25

And weighed unto them the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, even the offering of the house of our God, which the king, and his counsellors, and his lords, and all Israel there present, had offered:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us—וַנָּצוּמָה וַנְּבַקְשָׁה (vanatzumah vanvaqeshah, so we fasted and we sought) are consecutive imperfects indicating completed actions: they did fast, they did seek. The מֵאֱלֹהֵינוּ (me-Eloheinu, from our God) shows covenant appeal—they approached as His people with legitimate claim on His covenant faithfulness. And he was intreated of us—וַיֵּעָתֵר לָנוּ (vayye'ater lanu, and He was entreated by us) is remarkable: God's response to humble petition. The verb עָתַר (atar) means 'to pray, make supplication,' but in niphal (as here) means 'to be entreated, be responsive to prayer.'

This terse statement carries profound theological weight: the sovereign God who needs nothing allowed Himself to be moved by His people's prayer. Their fast wasn't manipulative ritual but genuine self-humbling that God chose to honor. The verse's brevity makes it more powerful—no lengthy description of answered prayer, just simple affirmation: we prayed, He answered. This testimony would later embolden the remnant community when facing opposition (Nehemiah 4:4-5, 9).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Answered prayer became crucial testimony in post-exilic Judaism, when prophetic revelation had largely ceased and God's presence felt less immediate than in temple/monarchy periods. Ezra's narrative provided concrete example of divine intervention in response to corporate prayer, shaping Jewish piety toward intense petitionary prayer and fasting during crisis. The pattern established here—corporate fast, earnest petition, divine response—became model for later Jewish practice in times of national danger.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does God's being 'entreated' reveal about His character—sovereign yet responsive to humble prayer?
  2. How should Ezra's simple testimony ('we prayed, He answered') shape our expectations in prayer?
  3. In what ways does corporate fasting strengthen community faith more than individual prayer alone?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וַנָּצ֛וּמָה1 of 7

“So we fasted”

H6684

to cover over (the mouth), i.e., to fast

וַנְּבַקְשָׁ֥ה2 of 7

“and besought”

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

מֵֽאֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ3 of 7

“our God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

עַל4 of 7
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

זֹ֑את5 of 7
H2063

this (often used adverb)

וַיֵּֽעָתֵ֖ר6 of 7

“for this and he was intreated”

H6279

to burn incense in worship, i.e., intercede (reciprocally, listen to prayer)

לָֽנוּ׃7 of 7
H0

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezra. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezra 8:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezra 8:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 29:12-13Matthew 7:7-8Ezra 8:312 Chronicles 33:12-13Deuteronomy 4:291 Chronicles 5:20

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