and hired counselors against them and hindered their device, as long as Cyrus the king of Persia lived, until the reign of Darius king of Persia.

Then ceased the work of the house of God at Jerusalem, and continued so unto the second year of Darius king of Persia.

But the eye of their God came upon the Elders of the Jews, that they were not inhibited, till the matter was brought before Darius, and till there came a writing thereof again.

This is the copy of the letter that Tattenai the captain on this side the water, and Shetharbozenai, and their counselors of Arphaxad, which were on this side the water, sent unto king Darius;

And this is the intent of the words that they sent unto him: "Unto Darius the king, all peace.

Then commanded king Darius, that search should be made in the library of the king's treasure house which lay at Babylon.

But the God that dwelleth in heaven, destroy all kings and people that put to their hand to alter and to break down the house of God at Jerusalem. I, Darius, have commanded, that this be diligently done."

Then Tattenai the captain beyond the water, and Shetharbozenai, with their counselors to whom king Darius the king had sent did their diligence.

And the Elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo: and they builded, and laid up the foundation, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and after the commandment of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes, kings of Persia.

And the house was finished the third day of the month Adar, even in the sixth year of the reign of king Darius.