Charles Ellicott Commentary Ezra 5:2

"Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem; and with them were the prophets of God, helping them." — Ezra 5:2 (ASV)

Then rose up. —This does not suggest that they had become indifferent. But the voice of prophecy inspired them to go on without formal permission from Darius, who was known to secretly favor them already.

The prophets of God helping them. —In these two prophets, we can read the invigorating sayings that encouraged the people almost from day to day and from stage to stage of their work.