Ezra 8:21

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וָֽאֶקְרָ֨א

H7121

Then I proclaimed

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

שָׁ֥ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

צוֹם֙

H6685

a fast

עַל

H5921

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

הַנָּהָ֣ר

H5104

there at the river

a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity

אַֽהֲוָ֔א

H163

of Ahava

ahava, a river of babylonia

לְהִתְעַנּ֖וֹת

H6031

that we might afflict

to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)

לִפְנֵ֣י

H6440

ourselves before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ

H430

our God

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

#10

לְבַקֵּ֤שׁ

H1245

to seek

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

#11

מִמֶּ֙נּוּ֙

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#12

דֶּ֣רֶךְ

H1870

way

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

#13

יְשָׁרָ֔ה

H3477

of him a right

straight (literally or figuratively)

#14

לָ֥נוּ

#15

וּלְטַפֵּ֖נוּ

H2945

for us and for our little ones

a family (mostly used collectively in the singular)

#16

וּלְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#17

רְכוּשֵֽׁנוּ׃

H7399

and for all our substance

property (as gathered)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezra, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Ezra.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Ezra Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?