5. But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, and they were not delayed during the time a report went to Darius and a written order came back concerning this matter.
6. A copy of the letter which Tattenai, governor of West-of-Euphrates, along with Shethar-bozenai and their fellow officials from West-of-Euphrates, sent to King Darius;
7. they sent him a report in which was written the following:“To King Darius, all good wishes!
8. Let it be known to the king that we have visited the province of Judah and the house of the great God: it is being rebuilt of cut stone and the walls are being reinforced with timber; the work is being carried out diligently, prospering under their hands.
9. We then questioned the elders, addressing to them the following words: ‘Who issued the decree for you to build this house and complete this edifice?’
10. We also asked them their names, in order to give you a list of the men who are their leaders.
11. This was their answer to us: ‘We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the house built here many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and completed.