The Decree of Darius and the Resumption of the Temple's Construction

Cyrus's decree of 3390 had permitted return and rebuilding, but the work stalled almost at once. The Samaritans and officials of the province Beyond the River first offered to build jointly, and when refused, sent denunciation after denunciation to the capital. Under Ahasuerus the work was formally banned, and the foundation stood exposed for eighteen years.

In the second year of Darius the prophets Haggai and Zechariah confronted the people: 'Is it a time for you to dwell in your panelled houses while this House lies in ruins?' Their preaching moved Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, a descendant of David, and the High Priest Joshua son of Jehozadak; building resumed without new authorization.

The governor Tattenai demanded an explanation and wrote to the court. In the archives of Ecbatana the original scroll of Cyrus's decree was found. Darius confirmed it and went further: he ordered the builders paid from the province's royal revenue, supplied with bulls, rams, wheat, wine and oil for the offerings, and threatened severe punishment for anyone who interfered. Four years later the House was finished — what began as the initiative of a handful of returnees was now backed by the power of an empire.