The prophet Jeremiah had predicted of the manner in which the people should return, both the dispersed of Judah and Jerusalem; going and weeping. Jeremiah 50:4-5. Ezra therefore, in a most pious manner, proclaims a fast to seek the Lord's presence, like the pillar to Israel, to go before them. And though the way from Babylon to Jerusalem exposed the people to much danger, from the several enemies through whose territories they must pass; yet, from a well grounded confidence in the Lord, Ezra would not seek any convoy from Artaxerxes. And as Ezra confided in the Lord, the Lord honoured Ezra's faith. Oh! Reader! what hath a well grounded faith in God's mercy in Jesus Christ accomplished in all ages? For I hope I need not remind the Reader that the confidence of Ezra in a God in covenant, implied the covenant made with Abraham. And what was that but, that in Abraham's seed all the families of the earth should be blessed. Galatians 3:16.
Related Commentaries of Ezra 8:21
Ezra 8:21-23
21 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.
22 For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him.
23 So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.