8:21a And there by the Ahava Canal I proclaimed a fast,

¶ There, at the Ahava river, I announced to everyone that we (excl.) would fast.
-or-
¶ While we were still beside/near the Ahava river, I told the people, “We should/must all stop eating for some time

8:21b so that we might humble ourselves before our God

We would do this as a way to make ourselves (excl.) low in the presence of our (incl.) God
-or-
in order to come to God and be/feel in need of him.

8:21c and ask Him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions.

and to seek/approach him in prayer that we (excl.) would not have any problems on the road/way, not us, our children, or any of our property/belongings.
-or-
We should/must also plead that he would protect us and our little/weak ones and all our things/goods when we travel.”

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