Such were the conditions existing during the early part of the reign of Darius Hystaspes. Spiritually as well as temporally, the Israelites were in a pitiable state. So long had they murmured and doubted; so long had they chosen to make personal interests first, while viewing with apathy the Lord's temple in ruins, that many had lost sight of God's purpose in restoring them to Judea; and these were saying, "The time is not come, the time that the Lord's house should be built." Haggai 1:2.

Således var forholdene i begyndelsen af Darius Hystaspes' regering. Israelitterne var i en ynkelig forfatning både åndeligt og materielt. De havde beklaget sig og tvivlet i lang tid. De havde sat deres egne interesser i første række og set med ligegyldighed på Herrens tempel, som lå i ruiner. Til sidst glemte mange fuldstændig, hvorfor Gud havde ladet dem vende hjem til Judæa, og sagde: "Endnu er det ikke tid at bygge Herrens hus." Hagg. 1,2.