In Ezra five, verse one, the work on the temple was renewed and accomplished because of the prophetic ministries in Haggai and Zechariah. Their prophecies included direct command in Haggai one, verse eight, warning and rebuke, as in chapter one, verses nine through eleven, exhortation in chapter two, verse four, and encouragement through the promise of future blessings. The word of God through Jeremiah had set in motion the beginning of rebuilding the temple in Ezra one, verse one. Likewise, the word of the Lord through Haggai and Zechariah was now inspiring in its completion, as in Ezra six, verse four.
Concerning these prophets, see the books which bear their names. They are both thought to have been born in Babylon during the captivity, and both united zeal encouraged the people to go on with the work of the temple. Upon the accession of Darius to the throne, Haggai, in particular, reproach the people for their indolence and insensibility; by telling them that they were careful enough to lodge themselves very commodiously while the house of the Lord lay buried in its ruins and by putting them in mind that the calamities of drought and famine, wherewith God had afflicted them since their return, were owing to their neglect in repairing the temple, prevailed with them to set about the work in good earnest; so that, by these reproofs, as well as some encouragements which God occasionally authorized him to give them, they brought the whole to a conclusion in a short time. The son of Iddo, which is the grandson for Zechariah, was the son of Barachiah. He prohecies to the chosen people of God, commanding them from God to return to building the temple, with a promise of his favor and assistance.