Ezra 8:23
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Ezra 8:23
23 So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.
Chapter Context
Ezra 8 is a historical narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of creation, redemption, hope. Written during the post-exilic return (c. 458-440 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The Persian Empire allowed religious freedom while maintaining political control.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-36: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Ezra and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Ezra 8:23
23 So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.
Analysis
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).
Historical 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
- What does God's being 'entreated' reveal about His character—sovereign yet responsive to humble prayer?
- How should Ezra's simple testimony ('we prayed, He answered') shape our expectations in prayer?
- In what ways does corporate fasting strengthen community faith more than individual prayer alone?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- References God: Ezra 8:31, Deuteronomy 4:29, 1 Chronicles 5:20, Daniel 9:3
- Parallel theme: Esther 4:16