Before the time of Jesus, before Roman rule, journey by foot was precarious. Roads were not usually protected. Law was not enforced. Bandits were common.

In the lead-up to today’s verse, Ezra is preparing to journey from Babylon to Jerusalem, carrying with him treasure for the temple of God: 30 gold dishes, 1000 silver dishes, and multiple utensils.

With the king’s permission, 220 temple servants, about forty Levite priests, and the prayers of God’s people, Ezra sets out on his journey. He takes no military protection with him, simply the fasting and prayers of God’s people. After several months of journey, the temple treasure arrived safely.

God was enough.

God protects His people in His own way. When Pharaoh’s army set out to stop the fleeing Israelites, God held them back with a cloud and then swept them away with the waters of the Red Sea.

Later, an unexpected rain storm stuck the Canaanites’ chariot wheels in the mud. God tumbled the strong walls of Jericho after seven days of marching around them. He blinded the Syrian army at Elisha’s request.

Like Ezra, we don’t need a military escort. Our God has all the tools of salvation at His hands. He is enough!