The LORD said to him, "I have heard your prayer. I consecrate this Temple which you have built as the place where I shall be worshiped forever. I will watch over it and protect it for all time.

But God was watching over the Jewish leaders, and the Persian officials decided to take no action until they could write to Emperor Darius and receive a reply.

The LORD watches over those who obey him, those who trust in his constant love.

The LORD watches over the righteous and listens to their cries;

I will watch over them and bring them back to this land. I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them and not pull them up.