Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezra 8:21. It's a really important passage about forgiveness and seeking help from God. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says: “I declared a fast – a period of rest and reflection – at the river of life (Ahava), and we went to God to ask for a way out of our problems and to find guidance.” Let's unpack that a little bit: “Ezra 8:21” : This is the verse itself, which is part of a larger story in the Old Testament. “I proclaimed a fast…” : Ezra was essentially saying, “I wanted to take a break from our normal lives and focus on God.” It wasn't just about eating a special meal; it was about taking time for reflection and prayer. “…at the river of Ahava” : This is a beautiful place – the River of Life! It’s often associated with peace, healing, and renewal. It's a significant location in Jewish tradition. “that we might…” : This means "so that" or "in order to." Ezra was doing this because he felt like they needed to do something important. “…afflict ourselves before our God” : "Afflict ourselves" means to struggle with problems, difficulties, or pain. It's a bit dramatic – it suggests a deep need for help. “to seek of him a right way…” : This is the core of the verse. They weren’t just looking for any solution; they were asking God for a correct and good path to overcome their challenges. “for our little ones, and for all our substance” : This part emphasizes that this wasn't just about them personally. It was about the whole community – their families, their future, and their well-being. It speaks to a sense of responsibility to the group as a whole. So, putting it all together: Ezra was urging the people to take a break from their daily lives and go to God for guidance and help when they were facing difficult times. It shows a deep belief in God's power to provide solutions and protect his people. Why is this important? It’s a story about repentance – acknowledging mistakes, seeking forgiveness, and turning back to God. It’s a reminder that we all need help sometimes, and it's okay to ask for it. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss the significance of the River of Life? Connect this passage to other stories in the Bible?