1. In the second year of King Darius, on the first day of the sixth month, the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest:
2. This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘These people say, “The time has not yet come to rebuild the Lord’s house.” ’
3. Then the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai:
4. ‘Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your panelled houses, while this house remains a ruin?’