עזרא, פרק ה׳, פסוק ב׳

After a long period of stagnation and fierce opposition, a profound turning point occurs in Jerusalem. The political and spiritual leaders unite, deciding to heed the voice of the prophets and finally resume the construction of the Temple. At this critical moment, two central figures step forward to lead the effort: Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, a governor descended from the House of David, and Jeshua son of Jozadak, the priest [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Together, they initiate the renewed building of God's House [רש"י, מצודת ציון].

This resumption follows a difficult history. Previously, during the reign of the kings of Media and Persia, adversaries from Judah and Benjamin used slander to successfully force a halt to the construction. Yet, on a deeper level, the delay occurred because the proper, appointed time for the Temple to be built had not yet arrived. Now that the designated time has finally come, the leaders rise to the task, carrying a promise that their hands will successfully finish what they are restarting [ר' סעדיה גאון].

Throughout this renewed effort, the prophets of God stand alongside the builders to offer their assistance [מצודת ציון]. This help goes far beyond physical labor; it is a profound spiritual support. The prophets—Haggai, Zechariah, Ezra, and Joshua the High Priest—uplift the hearts of the workers and encourage them through their prophecies. They assure the people that just as they laid the foundation of the House in the beginning, they will now be privileged to see it through to its completion [ר' סעדיה גאון].