² then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel [heir to the throne of Judah] and Jeshua the son of Jozadak arose and began to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem; and the prophets of God [Haggai and Zechariah] were with them, supporting and encouraging them.^(A)

³ At that time Tattenai, the governor of the province ^[a]on the west side of the [Euphrates] River, and Shethar-bozenai and their colleagues came to them and said, “Who ^[b]issued you a decree and authorized you to rebuild this temple and to restore this wall (shrine)?” ⁴ Then, accordingly, we told them the names of the men who were reconstructing this building.