The temple project is well planned. The people have funds, both from the freewill offerings (2:68–69) and from the Persian treasury. The “authorization” by Cyrus (3:7) includes permission and expenses for securing and transporting the lumber from the mountains of Lebanon. Again the continuity of this community with the preexilic community is emphasized, here by conscious parallels with the construction of Solomon’s temple. Just as Solomon did, the Jews send to Lebanon for lumber (cf. Ezra 3:7 with 2 Chron. 2:16); both constructions begin in the second month (3:8; 2 Chron. 3:2); both are overseen by Levites (3:9; 1 Chron. 23:4); and both temples are celebrated with songs, instruments, and thanksgiving (3:10–11; 2 Chron. 5:11–13). In this celebration the restora…