So we fasted and prayed to our God about this, and he answered us.

They searched for their records in the genealogical materials, but did not find them. They were therefore excluded from the priesthood.

I called for a fast there by the Ahava Canal, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and seek from him a safe journey for us, our children, and all our property.

I was embarrassed to request soldiers and horsemen from the king to protect us from the enemy along the way, because we had said to the king, “The good hand of our God is on everyone who is seeking him, but his great anger is against everyone who forsakes him.”