The chapter opens with the children of various families and priests accounted for genealogically, but some could not verify their lineage, leading them to be excluded from the priesthood for being deemed as "polluted."
The Tirshatha (governor) decreed that those excluded could not eat from the holy offerings until a priest would arise with Urim and Thummim for divine guidance.
The total count of the congregation was 42,360, excluding servants and maids, which numbered 7,337 along with 200 singers, both men and women.
The group also had possessions, including horses, mules, camels, and donkeys, detailed numerically.
When the group arrived at the house of the Lord in Jerusalem, the chief family leaders made freewill offerings to aid in the rebuilding of the temple. Donations included gold, silver, and garments for priests.
The priests, Levites, singers, porters, and Nethinims settled in various cities, with all Israel settling in their own cities.
In the seventh month, the Israelites gathered in Jerusalem, uniting in a common purpose.
Jeshua (son of Jozadak) and Zerubbabel (son of Shealtiel) led in building the altar of God as per the Law of Moses, offering regular burnt offerings despite fears from nearby hostile peoples.
They celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles and resumed other regular burnt offerings, including those for new moons and holy feasts, before the temple's foundation was rebuilt.
They collected resources, including hired skilled workers and materials like cedar trees from Lebanon, facilitated by Cyrus, king of Persia.
In the second year, Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and others gathered Levites aged 20 and above to oversee and begin temple construction.
Builders completed the foundation of the temple amid great celebration. The priests, Levites, and people praised God with trumpets, cymbals, and singing, remembering His mercy toward Israel.
While some celebrated joyously, many elders who remembered the former temple wept loudly, creating a mix of joy and sadness that could be heard from afar.
As the construction continued, adversaries of Judah and Benjamin offered to help, claiming they worshipped the same God. However, their help was refused by Zerubbabel and Jeshua, citing that they alone would rebuild as commanded by Cyrus.
The adversaries then troubled and discouraged the builders, hiring counselors to slow their progress throughout the reigns of Cyrus, Darius, and others.
During King Artaxerxes' reign, opposition intensified as adversaries sent accusations against the Jews rebuilding Jerusalem, calling the city rebellious and harmful to kings.
A copy of the letter was sent to Artaxerxes, warning him that a rebuilt Jerusalem would lead to refusal of tribute and damage the king's revenue. The king ordered the work to cease until further notice, which led to the halting of the temple's construction.
Prophets Haggai and Zechariah inspired the Jews to resume building despite ongoing opposition. Zerubbabel and Jeshua led the effort with the prophets supporting them.
Tatnai, the governor, and others questioned their authority to rebuild, to which the Jews cited Cyrus' decree allowing the temple to be rebuilt.
The issue was escalated to King Darius, who ordered a search for Cyrus' decree. The search confirmed the decree, and Darius commanded the continuation of construction, providing resources and warning against interference.
The temple was completed during Darius' sixth year, celebrated with a dedication involving sacrifices and joy. The Passover was observed, with everyone purified and united in worship.