²⁴ Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem; and it ceased until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.

¹⁵ in the four and twentieth day of the month, in the sixth `month', in the second year of Darius the king.

⁵ But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, and they did not make them cease, till the matter should come to Darius, and then answer should be returned by letter concerning it.

¹ Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the archives, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon.

³ And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?

⁹ For they all would have made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. But now, `O God', strengthen thou my hands.

⁵ That the triumphing of the wicked is short, And the joy of the godless but for a moment?

¹⁸ because we would fain have come unto you, I Paul once and again; and Satan hindered us.