How solemnly the foundation of the temple was laid we read in Ezra 3:1–13 How slowly the building went on, and with how much difficulty, we found in Ezra 4:1—5:17 But how gloriously the topstone was at length brought forth with shoutings we find in this chapter; and even we, at this distance of…

We have here, I. The decree of Cyrus for the building of the temple repeated. To this the Samaritans referred because the Jews pleaded it, and perhaps hoped it would not be found, and then their plea would be over-ruled and a stop put to their work.

Here we have, I. The Jews’ enemies made their friends. When they received this order from the king they came with as much haste to encourage and assist the work as their predecessors had done to put a stop to it, Ezra 4:23.