“Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, even unto them.”
Cross references: : Hag. 1:1 Or, Haggeni.
“Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and with them were the prophets of God helping them.”
Which encouraged them to go forward, and accused them that they were more careful to build their own houses, than zealous to build the Temple of God.
“Then said we unto them after this manner, What are the names of the men that make this building? make: Chaldee, build”
That is, the enemies asked this, as verse 10.
“But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, that they could not cause them to cease, till the matter came to Darius: and then they returned answer by letter concerning this matter.”
His favor and the spirit of strength.
“And thus they returned us answer, saying, We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and build the house that was builded these many years ago, which a great king of Israel builded and set up.”
1 Kings 6:2 ; 2 Chron. 3:2 To wit, Solomon.
“Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let there be search made in the king's treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be so, that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.”
Meaning, in the library, or places where lay the register or records of times.