1. Building an altar in a hostile environment (1-6)

After spending six months to settle in their towns and build their homes, the returned exiles gathered in Jerusalem. Though there was no temple, they built an altar in the original location and began to offer the sacrifices described by the Law. They knew that it was not really safe to do this, because it would attract the attention of the surrounding peoples. But they overcame their fear in order to restore their community of worship.

2. Laying the foundation of a new temple (7-13)

The Israelites began to use the offerings they had collected to bring materials and hire workers and supervisors for rebuilding the temple. Israel was blessed with diligent leaders, Zerubbabel and Joshua, to oversee the process. When people saw the foundation of the new temple, they were strongly moved: Some with shouts of joy at God's restoring love, and others with weeping, remembering how Israel had been humbled because of her sins. Both of these reactions were appropriate.