During September of 535 BCE and after the alter was rebuilt, the people returned from the towns where they were living to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. This feast was a seven-day celebration in remembrance of Israel wandering in the wilderness for 40 years where they lived in temporary shelters. This section (verses 1-6) also lists sacrifices that were made at the time.
Verse 7 deals with the hiring of laborers and purchasing of building materials for the rebuilding of the Temple, but according to verses 8-9, the actual construction of the Temple foundation began in 533 BCE. The main supervisors of the construction were Levites who had time to study the original construction records.
Verses 10-13 Describe the celebration of the completion of the foundation. There was great rejoicing at this event, but the rejoicing didn’t last long! Though sacrifices were made continuously for the people, the rebuilding soon stopped.