2 Then rose up Zerub´babel the son of She-al´ti-el, and Jesh´u-a the son of Joz´adak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and with them were the prophets of God helping them.
3 At the same time came to them Tat´nai, governor on this side the river, and She´thar–boz´nai, and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall?
4 Then said we unto them after this manner, What are the names of the men that make this building?
5 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 Dari´us: and then they returned answer by letter concerning this matter.
6 The copy of the letter that Tat´nai, governor on this side the river, and She´thar–boz´nai, and his companions the Aphar´sachites, which were on this side the river, sent unto Dari´us the king:
7 they sent a letter unto him, wherein was written thus; Unto Dari´us the king, all peace.
8 Be it known unto the king, that we went into the province of Judea, to the house of the great God, which is builded with great stones, and timber is laid in the walls, and this work goeth fast on, and prospereth in their hands.