5 Nevertheless the elders of the Jews obtained favor, because the Lord had visited the captivity;
6 and they were not hindered from building, until such time as communication was made to Darius concerning them, and his answer signified.
7 The copy of the letter which Sisinnes, governor of Syria and Phoenicia, and Sathrabuzanes, with their companions, the rulers in Syria and Phoenicia, wrote and sent to Darius;
8 To king Darius, greeting: Let all things be known to our lord the king, that being come into the country of Judaea, and entered into the city of Jerusalem, we found in the city of Jerusalem the elders of the Jews that were of the captivity
9 building a house to the Lord, great and new, of hewn and costly stones, with timber laid in the walls.
10 And those works are done with great speed, and the work goes on prosperously in their hands, and with all glory and diligence it is accomplished.
11 Then asked we these elders, saying, By whose commandment build you⌃ this house, and lay the foundations of these works?