1. Enemies became helpers (1-12)

When King Darius received the letter from Tattenai the governor, he had the imperial archives searched, and Cyrus' decree commanding the rebuilding of the temple was found. Darius ordered Tattenai and his officials not to interfere with the temple building, and even to help the Jews and pay for the work out of the royal treasury! God turned opposition into a great source of help for his people.

2. The dedication and the Passover (13-22)

The temple was completed in the sixth year of King Darius. It had been 20 years since the work was started. The temple was dedicated in a celebration with great joy, and the priests and Levites were restored to their regular service. In the first month, they celebrated the Passover for the first time since the exile. As God had originally brought his people out of slavery in Egypt, he now restored his backsliding people from exile to worship and serve him. Jesus, our Passover Lamb, restores us sinners to worship and serve God.