Ezra 8:21

8:21 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 ¹  for us, our children, and all our property.

Yesaya 58:3

58:3 They lament, ²  ‘Why don’t you notice when we fast?

Why don’t you pay attention when we humble ourselves?’

Look, at the same time you fast, you satisfy your selfish desires, ³ 

you oppress your workers. ⁴ 

Yesaya 58:5

58:5 Is this really the kind of fasting I want? ⁵ 

Do I want a day when people merely humble themselves, ⁶ 

bowing their heads like a reed

and stretching out ⁷  on sackcloth and ashes?

Is this really what you call a fast,

a day that is pleasing to the Lord?

Daniel 10:12

10:12 Then he said to me, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel, for from the very first day you applied your mind ⁸  to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard. I have come in response to your words.

[8:21]  ¹ tn Heb “a straight way.”

[58:3]  ² tn The words “they lament” are supplied in the translation for clarification.

[58:3]  ³ tn Heb “you find pleasure”; NASB “you find your desire.”

[58:3]  ⁴ tn Or perhaps, “debtors.” See HALOT 865 s.v. * עָצֵב.

[58:5]  ⁵ tn Heb “choose” (so NASB, NRSV); NAB “wish.”

[58:5]  ⁶ tn Heb “a day when man humbles himself.” The words “Do I want” are supplied in the translation for stylistic reasons.

[58:5]  ⁷ tn Or “making [their] bed.”

[10:12]  ⁸ tn Heb “gave your heart.”