⁹ This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Now hear these words, ‘Let your hands be strong^(A) so that the temple may be built.’ This is also what the prophets^(B) said who were present when the foundation^(C) was laid for the house of the Lord Almighty.

²¹ Ahithophel answered, “Sleep with your father’s concubines whom he left to take care of the palace. Then all Israel will hear that you have made yourself obnoxious to your father, and the hands of everyone with you will be more resolute.”

⁴ But now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ declares the Lord. ‘Be strong,^(A) Joshua son of Jozadak,^(B) the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,’ declares the Lord, ‘and work. For I am with^(C) you,’ declares the Lord Almighty.