So I sent messengers to them, saying, I am doing a great work, and I shall not be able to come down, lest the work should cease; as soon as I have finished it, I will come down to you.

For all were trying to alarm us, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from this work, and it shall not be done. Now therefore I have strengthened my hands.

But the mirth of the ungodly is a signal downfall, and the joy of transgressors is destruction:

Therefore we desired to come to you--I, Paul, time and again--but Satan hindered us.

But the eyes of God were upon the captivity of Judah, and they did not cause them to cease till the decree was brought to Darius; and then was sent by the tax collector concerning this.

Then Darius the king made a decree, and caused a search to be made in the record offices, where the treasure is stored in Babylon.

[ 1:14A] on the twenty-fourth [day] of the sixth month, in the second year of Darius the king.