Ezra 8:22

Because we had spoken unto the king. — The whole verse goes back to the past. Ezra had magnified God’s providence before the king: His “hand” upon his own “for good” — the habitual tribute to Providence in this book and Nehemiah — and His power “against” His enemies “for evil” not being expressed. This sublime testimony made the “seeking” God a condition of safety. Hence the solemn fasting and prayer, following many precedents (Judges 20:26; 1 Samuel 7:6).