Ezra 8:31 On the twelfth day of the first month we set out from the Ahava Canal to go to Jerusalem, and the hand of our God was upon us to protect us from the hands of the enemies and bandits along the way.

◄ Ezra 8:31 ►

New International Version
On the twelfth day of the first month we set out from the Ahava Canal to go to Jerusalem. The hand of our God was on us, and he protected us from enemies and bandits along the way.

New Living Translation
We broke camp at the Ahava Canal on April 19 and started off to Jerusalem. And the gracious hand of our God protected us and saved us from enemies and bandits along the way.

English Standard Version
Then we departed from the river Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go to Jerusalem. The hand of our God was on us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy and from ambushes by the way.

Berean Standard Bible
On the twelfth day of the first month we set out from the Ahava Canal to go to Jerusalem, and the hand of our God was upon us to protect us from the hands of the enemies and bandits along the way.

King James Bible
Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go unto Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was upon us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy, and of such as lay in wait by the way.

New King James Version
Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go to Jerusalem. And the hand of our God was upon us, and He delivered us from the hand of the enemy and from ambush along the road.

New American Standard Bible
Then we journeyed from the river Ahava on the twelfth of the first month to go to Jerusalem; and the hand of our God was upon us, and He rescued us from the hand of the enemy and the ambushes by the road.

NASB 1995
Then we journeyed from the river Ahava on the twelfth of the first month to go to Jerusalem; and the hand of our God was over us, and He delivered us from the hand of the enemy and the ambushes by the way.

NASB 1977
Then we journeyed from the river Ahava on the twelfth of the first month to go to Jerusalem; and the hand of our God was over us, and He delivered us from the hand of the enemy and the ambushes by the way.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then we set out from the river Ahava on the twelfth of the first month to go to Jerusalem; and the hand of our God was upon us, and He delivered us from the hand of the enemy and the ambushes by the way.

Amplified Bible
We set out from the river Ahava on the twelfth [day] of the first month to go to Jerusalem; and the hand of our God was upon us, and He rescued us from the hand of the enemy and those who lay in ambushes along the way.

Christian Standard Bible
We set out from the Ahava River on the twelfth day of the first month to go to Jerusalem. We were strengthened by our God, and he kept us from the grasp of the enemy and from ambush along the way.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
We set out from the Ahava River on the twelfth day of the first month to go to Jerusalem. We were strengthened by our God, and He protected us from the power of the enemy and from ambush along the way.

American Standard Version
Then we departed from the river Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go unto Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was upon us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy and the lier-in-wait by the way.

Contemporary English Version
On the twelfth day of the first month, we left the Ahava River and started for Jerusalem. Our God watched over us, and as we traveled along, he kept our enemies from ambushing us.

English Revised Version
Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go unto Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was upon us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy and the lier in wait by the way.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then we left the Ahava River on the twelfth day of the first month to go to Jerusalem. God was guiding us, and he rescued us from our enemies and from ambushes along the way.

Good News Translation
It was on the twelfth day of the first month that we left the Ahava Canal to go to Jerusalem. Our God was with us and protected us from enemy attacks and from ambush as we traveled.

International Standard Version
Then we left the Ahava River for Jerusalem on the twelfth day of the first month. Our God's protection was with us, and he delivered us from the enemy's power and from ambush along the way.

Majority Standard Bible
On the twelfth day of the first month we set out from the Ahava Canal to go to Jerusalem, and the hand of our God was upon us to protect us from the hands of the enemies and bandits along the way.

NET Bible
On the twelfth day of the first month we began traveling from the Ahava Canal to go to Jerusalem. The hand of our God was on us, and he delivered us from our enemy and from bandits along the way.

New Heart English Bible
Then we departed from the river Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go to Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was on us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy and the bandit by the way.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then we departed from the river Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go to Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was upon us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy, and of such as lay in wait by the way.

World English Bible
Then we departed from the river Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go to Jerusalem. The hand of our God was on us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy and the bandits by the way.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And we journey from the river Ahava, on the twelfth of the first month, to go to Jerusalem, and the hand of our God has been on us, and He delivers us from the hand of the enemy and the one lying in wait by the way;

Young's Literal Translation
And we journey from the river Ahava, on the twelfth of the first month, to go to Jerusalem, and the hand of our God hath been upon us, and He delivereth us from the hand of the enemy and the lier in wait by the way;

Smith's Literal Translation
And we removed from the river Ahava in the twelfth to the first month, to go to Jerusalem: and the band of our God was upon us and he will deliver us from the hand of the enemy, and of him lying in wait upon the way.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Then we set forward from the river Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month to go to Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was upon us, and delivered us from the hand of the enemy, and of such as lay in wait by the way.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, we set out from the river Ahava, on the twelfth day of the first month, so that we might travel to Jerusalem. And the hand of our God was over us, and he freed us from the hand of the enemy and of those who lay in ambush along the way.

New American Bible
We set out from the river of Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month to go to Jerusalem. The hand of our God remained over us, and he protected us from enemies and robbers along the way.

New Revised Standard Version
Then we left the river Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go to Jerusalem; the hand of our God was upon us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy and from ambushes along the way.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Then we departed from the river Hawa on the twelfth day of the first month to go to Jerusalem; and the hand of our God was upon us, and he delivered us from the hand of our enemies and of such as lay in wait by the way.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And we moved from the River Hawa in the twelfth of the first month to go to Jerusalem, and the hand of God was upon us, and he saved us from the hand of our enemies, also from the robbers who were on the road.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go unto Jerusalem; and the hand of our God was upon us, and He delivered us from the hand of the enemy and lier-in-wait by the way.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And we departed from the river of Aue on the twelfth day of the first month, to come to Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was upon us, and delivered us from the hand of the enemy and adversary in the way.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Priests to Guard the Offerings
…30So the priests and Levites took charge of the silver and gold and sacred articles that had been weighed out to be taken to the house of our God in Jerusalem. 31On the twelfth day of the first month we set out from the Ahava Canal to go to Jerusalem, and the hand of our God was upon us to protect us from the hands of the enemies and bandits along the way.

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Nehemiah 2:9
Then I went to the governors west of the Euphrates and gave them the king’s letters. The king had also sent army officers and cavalry with me.

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Psalm 121:7-8
The LORD will guard you from all evil; He will preserve your soul. / The LORD will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore.

Exodus 23:20
Behold, I am sending an angel before you to protect you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.

Psalm 91:11-12
For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. / They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

Acts 23:23-24
Then he called two of his centurions and said, “Prepare two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea in the third hour of the night. / Provide mounts for Paul to take him safely to Governor Felix.”

2 Corinthians 1:10
He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. In Him we have placed our hope that He will yet again deliver us,

Psalm 34:7
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them.

Isaiah 52:12
For you will not leave in a hurry nor flee in haste, for the LORD goes before you, and the God of Israel is your rear guard.

Acts 27:23-24
For just last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me / and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And look, God has granted you the lives of all who sail with you.’

2 Timothy 4:18
And the Lord will rescue me from every evil action and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Psalm 37:28
For the LORD loves justice and will not forsake His saints. They are preserved forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off.

Proverbs 2:8
to guard the paths of justice and protect the way of His saints.

1 Peter 1:5
who through faith are shielded by God’s power for the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

Psalm 32:7
You are my hiding place. You protect me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah

Treasury of Scripture

Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go to Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was on us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy, and of such as lay in wait by the way.

the river of Ahava

Ezra 8:15,21
And I gathered them together to the river that runneth to Ahava; and there abode we in tents three days: and I viewed the people, and the priests, and found there none of the sons of Levi…

the hand

Ezra 8:22
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.

Ezra 7:9,28
For upon the first day of the first month began he to go up from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him…

Job 5:19-24
He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee…

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Ezra 8

1. The companions of Ezra, who returned from Babylon
15. He sends to Iddo for ministers for the temple
21. He keeps a fast
24. He commits the treasures to the custody of the priests
31. From Ahava they come to Jerusalem
33. The treasure is weighed in the temple
36. The commission is delivered

Berean Study Bible

On the twelfth day of the first month
This phrase situates the journey within the Jewish calendar, specifically during the month of Nisan, which is significant as it is the month of Passover, a time of deliverance and new beginnings. The twelfth day suggests a period of preparation and readiness, echoing the Israelites' preparation for the original Passover in Egypt. This timing underscores the theme of divine deliverance and providence, as the exiles embark on a journey of restoration to Jerusalem.

we set out from the Ahava Canal
The Ahava Canal is a location of gathering and preparation for the exiles. The term "set out" indicates a decisive action, a step of faith and obedience to God's call. The Ahava Canal, though not precisely identified today, represents a place of spiritual readiness and commitment. It is a reminder of the importance of preparation and unity among God's people before undertaking significant endeavors.

to go to Jerusalem
Jerusalem, the city of God, symbolizes the heart of Jewish worship and identity. The journey to Jerusalem is not merely a physical relocation but a spiritual pilgrimage towards restoration and fulfillment of God's promises. Historically, Jerusalem is the center of Jewish life and worship, and the return signifies a re-establishment of the covenant relationship with God.

The hand of our God was upon us
This phrase emphasizes divine favor and guidance. The "hand of God" is a biblical metaphor for God's power, protection, and active involvement in the lives of His people. It reassures the exiles of God's presence and support, echoing the biblical theme that God is with His people in their journeys and challenges.

and He protected us from enemies and bandits along the way
Protection from "enemies and bandits" highlights the real dangers faced during the journey. In the ancient Near East, travel was perilous, with threats from hostile groups and robbers. This protection is a testament to God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises to safeguard His people. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the assurance that He watches over those who trust in Him, even in the face of adversity.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(31) The hand of our God was upon us.--This sums up the history of the journey.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 31. - The river of Ahava. Rather, "the river Ahava," as in the Vulgate ("a fiumine Ahava"). The place had probably taken its name from the stream. The twelfth day of the first month. Compare Ezra 7:9, and Ezra 8:15, from which it appears that Ahava was reached by Ezra and his company on the ninth day after they left Babylon, which helps to identify Ahava with Is, since Is (according to Herodotus) was eight days' journey from Babylon (see comment on ver. 15). God delivered us from ... . such as lay in wait. The boast of Ezra (ver. 22) was justified by the event. He "trusted in God," and was "delivered" - how delivered we are not told, but evidently through no "arm of flesh." The hand of God led him safely through all the perils of the way, and brought him and his companions without loss or damage to the "city of their rest." EZRA'S THREE DAYS' REST AT JERUSALEM, AND SUBSEQUENT EXECUTION OF THE MORE PRESSING OF THE COMMISSIONS INTRUSTED TO HIM (Ezra 8:32-36). After the fatigues of a four months' journey, a brief period of complete rest was well-nigh necessary. Like Nehemiah (Nehemiah 2:11), Ezra was content with a rest of three days. On the fourth he discharged himself of his commission to present to the temple treasury the offerings of the Persian king, his counsellors and lords (ver. 25), together with that spontaneously contributed by the Israelites who had accompanied him (Ezra 7:16). This he did by appearing in person before the priests and Levites who were in charge of the temple, and making over to them the entire offering of gold, silver, and vessels which had been brought to Jerusalem from Babylon. At the same time the exiles whom he had induced to return, and whom he had conducted in safety through so long a journey, sacrificed on the altar of burnt offerings a number of bullocks, rams, lambs, and he-goats, as a token of their thankfulness to God for delivering them from the perils of the way. After this Ezra proceeded to make known to the satraps and other governors of the provinces lying west of the Euphrates the terms of the permanent commission which he had received from the king. The result was that these officials thenceforth helped the Jews instead of hindering them, and furnished the necessary supplies for the temple service.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

On the twelfth
בִּשְׁנֵ֤ים (biš·nêm)
Preposition-b | Number - md
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)

day of the first
הָרִאשׁ֔וֹן (hā·ri·šō·wn)
Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7223: First, in place, time, rank

month,
לַחֹ֣דֶשׁ (la·ḥō·ḏeš)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2320: The new moon, a month

we set out
וַֽנִּסְעָ֞ה (wan·nis·‘āh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common plural | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5265: To pull up, the tent-pins, start on a, journey

from the Ahava
אַֽהֲוָ֗א (’a·hă·wā)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 163: Ahava -- a place and a stream in Babylon

Canal
מִנְּהַ֣ר (min·nə·har)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5104: A stream, prosperity

to go
לָלֶ֖כֶת (lā·le·ḵeṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

to Jerusalem,
יְרוּשָׁלִָ֑ם (yə·rū·šā·lim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel

and the hand
וְיַד־ (wə·yaḏ-)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3027: A hand

of our God
אֱלֹהֵ֙ינוּ֙ (’ĕ·lō·hê·nū)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

was
הָיְתָ֣ה (hā·yə·ṯāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

upon us
עָלֵ֔ינוּ (‘ā·lê·nū)
Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

to protect us
וַיַּ֨צִּילֵ֔נוּ (way·yaṣ·ṣî·lê·nū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common plural
Strong's 5337: To strip, plunder, deliver oneself, be delivered, snatch away, deliver

from the hands
מִכַּ֥ף (mik·kap̄)
Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3709: Hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot), a pan

of the enemies
אוֹיֵ֛ב (’ō·w·yêḇ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 341: Hating, an adversary

and bandits
וְאוֹרֵ֖ב (wə·’ō·w·rêḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 693: To lie in wait

along
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the way.
הַדָּֽרֶךְ׃ (had·dā·reḵ)
Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

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OT History: Ezra 8:31 Then we departed from the river Ahava (Ezr. Ez)