Ezra 8:22-24

Easy-to-Read Version

²² I was embarrassed to ask King Artaxerxes for soldiers and horsemen to protect us as we traveled. There were enemies on the road. The reason I was embarrassed to ask for protection was because of what we had told the king. We had said to King Artaxerxes, “Our God is with everyone who trusts him, but he is very angry with everyone who turns away from him.” ²³ So we fasted and prayed to our God about our trip. He answered our prayers.

²⁴ Then I chose twelve of the priests who were leaders. I chose Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brothers.