Ezra 5:16
Then came the same Sheshbazzar, and laid the foundation of the house of God which is in Jerusalem: and since that time even until now hath it been in building, and yet it is not finished. Then came the same Sheshbazzar, and laid the foundation of the house of God which is in Jerusalem: and since that time even until now hath it been in building, and yet it is not finished.
Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundation of the house of God which is in Jerusalem. From that laying of the foundation until the time of the statement, the house had been in building but was still not finished. The work went forward over time amid opposition, delays, and uncertainty.
The house was still unfinished when officials investigated who had authorized the restoration. The returned exiles kept working by faith, with God watching over them and His prophets helping them. Darius's decree removed the hindrances and prepared the way for the temple's early completion.