Then the headsof fathers'[households] of Judahand Benjaminand the priestsand the Levitesarose,even everyonewhose spiritGodhad stirredto goup and rebuildthe houseof the LORDwhichis in Jerusalem.
Now in the firstyearof Cyruskingof Persia,in order to fulfillthe wordof the LORDby the mouthof Jeremiah,the LORDstirredup the spiritof Cyruskingof Persia,so that he senta proclamationthroughout allhis kingdom,and also[put it] in writing,saying:
for it is Godwho is at workin you, bothto willand to workfor [His] good pleasure.
But thanksbe to Godwho putsthe sameearnestnesson your behalfin the heartof Titus.
And I arosein the night,I and a fewmenwith me. I did not tellanyonewhatmy Godwas puttinginto my mindto dofor Jerusalemand therewas noanimalwith me exceptthe animalon whichI was riding.
Now in the firstyearof Cyruskingof Persia--in order to fulfillthe wordof the LORDby the mouthof Jeremiah--the LORDstirredup the spiritof Cyruskingof Persia,so that he senta proclamationthroughouthis kingdom,and also[put it] in writing,saying,
Beloved,do not imitatewhat is evil,but what is good.The one who does goodis of God;the one who does evilhas not seenGod.
The plansof the heartbelong to man,But the answerof the tongueis from the LORD.
"ThussaysCyruskingof Persia,'The LORD,the Godof heaven,has givenme allthe kingdomsof the earthand He has appointedme to buildHim a housein Jerusalem,whichis in Judah.
Everysurvivor,at whateverplacehe may live,let the menof that placesupporthim with silverand gold,with goodsand cattle,togetherwith a freewillofferingfor the houseof Godwhichis in Jerusalem.'"
So the LORDstirredup the spiritof Zerubbabelthe sonof Shealtiel,governorof Judah,and the spiritof Joshuathe sonof Jehozadak,the highpriest,and the spiritof allthe remnantof the people;and they cameand workedon the houseof the LORDof hosts,their God,
