Problem:According toEzra 3:8–13, the rebuilding of the temple began under the reign of Cyrus the Great (cf.Ezra 5:16), who reigned in Persia from about 559 to 530b.c.However,Ezra 4:24says the rebuilding of the temple took place during the reign of Darius, King of Persia,about 520b.c.Also,Haggai 1:15implies that the building of the temple did not begin until 520b.c.How can these statements be reconciled?

Solution:The statements inEzra 3:10and5:16are references tolaying the foundation,whileEzra 4:24andHaggai 1:15concern theresuming the rebuilding projectafter a long period of delay.Ezra 4:4points out that as soon as the people of the land heard about the rebuilding project, they discouraged the people and frustrated their efforts throughout the reign of Cyrus. The project was abandoned for 16 years. At this point, God directed Haggai to prophesy to the people of Jerusalem to motivate them to begin the project again. This is referred to inEzra 4:24. The rebuilding of the temple was resumed about 520b.c.during the time of Darius and was completed in 516b.c.