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 twenty-fourth day of the month, in the sixth month, in the second year of Darius the king.

⁵ But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, and they did not make them cease, until 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 I sent messengers to them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I can't come down: why should the work cease, while 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 not be done. But now, [God], strengthen you my hands.

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

¹⁸ because we wanted to come to you--indeed, I, Paul, once and again-- but Satan hindered us.