3 But Governor Sisinnes of Southwest Syria Province 4 Give us the names of the workers!”

5 But God was kind to the Jewish leaders, because he was looking after the Jews who had come back from being exiles. 6 And so the governor and his group decided not to make the people stop working until they could report to Darius and get his advice.

7 Governor Sisinnes, Sathrabuzanes, and their advisors sent a report to Darius, which said: 8 Greetings, King Darius! We went to Jerusalem in Judah, where the leaders of the Jews who came from Babylon now live. 9 The Jews are building a large temple for the Lord and are using huge stones and expensive wooden beams set in the walls. 10 Everyone is working carefully but quickly, and this beautiful building is going up fast. 11 We asked those in charge to tell us who gave them permission to rebuild the temple. 12 We also asked for the names of their leaders, so that we could write them down for you. 13 The leaders claimed that the Jews are the servants of the Lord, who created heaven and earth. 14 And they said they were rebuilding the temple that was built many years ago by a famous and powerful king of Israel. 16 who took them away as captives to Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar also tore down and burned their temple, 20 Sheshbazzar then went to Jerusalem and laid the foundation for the temple, and the work is still going on. 21 Your Majesty, please have your servants look up the old records in Babylon. 22 Tell them to find out if King Cyrus really did give orders to rebuild the Lord's temple in Jerusalem. Then you can let us know if he did, and whether or not you approve of those orders. Of course, we will do whatever you think we should.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version ®. Copyright © 1995 American Bible Society. Used by permission.