The roll of those who returned with Ezra; Ezra leads in prayer for God’s protection, which He provided.

• Read verses 15–20. Ezra depended on and gave praise to God and was diligent in using the means God provided.
• What was the purpose of fasting (vv. 21–23)?
• Note the contrasting “hands” in verse 31. What is meant by “hand” here?