Ezra 5:2

Zerubbabel. The political and spiritual leaders of the people were still the same as in the time of Cyrus (see ch. 2:2). Haggai’s first message was especially directed to these leaders, and other messages of Haggai and Zechariah, given upon various occasions, aided and encouraged them in their work (Haggai 1:1; 2:21–23; Zech. 3:1–10; 4:6–10).

Began to build. The data given by Haggai reveal the successive stages that marked the resumption of building activity. The first call for action was sounded Aug. 29, 520 B.C. (Haggai 1:1). This appeal proved successful, for the leaders apparently began laying plans immediately, and actually set to work about three weeks later, Sept. 21, 520 B.C. (Haggai 1:15). When the site was cleared and the trenches were being dug for the new foundation, it again became apparent that the new Temple would not compare well in size and beauty with that of Solomon’s, and some expressions of disappointment were heard (Haggai 2:3, 9; cf. Ezra 3:12, 13). For this reason Haggai addressed another message of encouragement, this time to the people, on October 17 (Haggai 2:1). Two months later everything was ready for the laying of the foundation, and that great occasion, Dec. 18, 520 B.C. (Haggai 2:10, 18), was celebrated, in keeping with Oriental custom. On that day Haggai delivered two speeches, the last of which we have any record. In the meantime, two months after Haggai delivered his first recorded message, Zechariah joined him (Zech. 1:1). A study of the books of Haggai and Zechariah emphasizes the accuracy of the statement of Ezra 5:2, that “the prophets of God” were “helping them” in rebuilding the Temple. Their stirring messages of exhortation, instruction, and encouragement contributed much to the task; in fact, except for their inspired ministry, the Temple might have continued to lie desolate.