The Jews were allowed to return to Jerusalem, but they were still not a free people. They were subjects of the Persian kingdom under King Darius (different from Darius the Mede). As such, they were governed by Darius' appointed governors, one of whom reported the situation regarding the temple construction. It was presumed that this was unlawful behavior and the governor suggested that the King check the scrolls to see if the Jews had in fact been granted permission to rebuild. When Cyrus' decree was found, Dariius instructed his governors to not only allow but to assist the Jews in their effort. The very last sentence of our reading from Zechariah is one of my favorite verses of late. What a cool verse to hope to apply to ourselves or our children...
"And they (people of other nations is Zechariah's meaning but I read it as people of other beliefs) will say, 'Please let us walk with you, for we have heard that God is with you'."
Tomorrow's reading: Zech. 9:1-14:21
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