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and laid the foundation for the high double wall and the fortifications of the Temple.
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The reservoir, as big as the bronze tank, was dug while he was in office.
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He made plans to protect his people from attack and fortified the city so that it could withstand a siege.
5
How glorious he was when he came out of the Most Holy Place!
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He was like the morning star shining through the clouds, like the full moon,
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like the sun shining on the Temple of the Most High, like the rainbow gleaming in glory against the clouds,
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like roses in springtime, like lilies beside a stream, like the cedars of Lebanon in summer,
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like burning incense, like a cup made of hammered gold and decorated with all kinds of jewels,
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like an olive tree loaded with fruit, like a cypress tree towering into the clouds.
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When Simon put on his magnificent robe and went up to the holy altar dressed in perfect splendor, he made the Temple courtyard a majestic sight.
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When the priests handed him the portions of the sacrifice as he stood beside the altar with his assistants circling him like a wreath, he was like a young cedar of Lebanon surrounded by palm trees.