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

They<n id="1" /> searched for their records in the genealogical materials, but did not find them.<n id="2" /> They were therefore excluded<n id="3" /> from the priesthood.

<p class="bodytext">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<n id="1" /> 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<n id="1" /> along the way, because we had said to the king, &#8220;The good hand of our God is on everyone who is seeking him, but his great anger<n id="2" /> is against everyone who forsakes him.&#8221;