It is the 2nd year of Darius.
After a 15 year hiatus, the prophets Hagai and Zecharia encourage the Jews to renew the building of the Temple.
The Persan governor Tattenai hears of this and enquires whether they have a permit.
Most of our chapter is a letter that Tetennai sends back to central government in Persia relaying what the Jews have told him, and asking that the facts be verified.
Chapter 6 will bring the royal response.
