Matthew Poole and continuators on Zechariah 8:9

9 ¶ Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Let your hands be strong , ye that hear in these dayes these words by the mouth of the prophets , which were in the day that the foundation of the house of the LORD of hosts was laid , that the temple might be built .

Be of good courage, and hearten on each other to the expectation of Gods Promise, and the doing your duty.

You returned Captives.

This is an Argument to revive their courage, they hear God by his word very fairly proposing great things.

In these dayes of Darius Hys[illegible: 1 letter]aspis, some 12 or 15, or perhaps 18 years since the time I point [illegible: 1 word]. In these days of hope from Darius favourably helping, but most from God assisting and blessing.

Promises, Exhortations, and Counsels.

Haggai and Zechariah.

In the second year of Cyrus which if reckoned from his succeeding of his Father Cambyses in the Persian Crown, and his Father in law Cyaxares in the Crown of Media; which happened near about, A[illegible: 1 letter]no M. 3467, unto the second of Darius Hystaspis, Anno M. 3485. that is 18 years agone, will make it likely that Haggai and Zechariah are intended here: But to lay it so that this Re-edifying of the Temple be in the second of Darius Noth[illegible: 1 letter]s is to make these two Prophets either to be silent 112 years together or to preach with little success, and less complaint, for I do not remember that either of them chargeth this people with this particular fault.

According to Gods command and your Duty.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 paragraph]