[Opening Proclamation] Cyrus of Persia sent word through the land: The God of heaven had given command. Let Judah's people go upward and build; Let neighbors send silver, beasts, goods, and yield. The vessels of worship once carried away Returned with the remnant toward Jerusalem's day. [Verse 1] Families numbered, the altar was raised, Morning and evening the sacrifices blazed. Before walls or chambers, before roof or frame, Worship returned to the place of the name. Then masons and carpenters measured the ground, And priests stood with trumpets when footing was found. [Chorus] The foundation laid again, Young men shouted, old men cried. Joy and grief became one thunder Rolling through the valley wide. The foundation laid again, After exile, ash, and chain; Promise stood in ordered stones, The foundation laid again. [Verse 2] Enemies weakened the hands of the builders, Letters accused them and forced labor still. Years held the structure until Haggai thundered And Zechariah awakened their will. Darius searched and found Cyrus's decree; The work gained provision and legal release. [Final Chorus] The house was completed; the Passover came. The remnant kept feast in the covenant name. The foundation laid again Became a temple standing plain: Smaller than Solomon's remembered height, Yet witness that mercy had brought them from night.