53
And offered sacrifice according to the law upon the new altar of burnt offerings, which they had made.
54
Look, at what time and what day the heathen had profaned it, even in that was it dedicated with songs, and citherns, and harps, and cymbals.
55
Then all the people fell upon their faces, worshipping and praising the God of heaven, who had given them good success.
56
And so they kept the dedication of the altar eight days and offered burnt offerings with gladness, and sacrificed the sacrifice of deliverance and praise.
57
They decked also the forefront of the temple with crowns of gold, and with shields; and the gates and the chambers they renewed, and hanged doors upon them.
58
Thus was there very great gladness among the people, for that the reproach of the heathen was put away.
59
Moreover Judas and his brethren with the whole congregation of Israel ordained, that the days of the dedication of the altar should be kept in their season from year to year by the space of eight days, from the five and twentieth day of the month Casleu, with mirth and gladness.
60
At that time also they builded up the mount Sion with high walls and strong towers round about, lest the Gentiles should come and tread it down as they had done before.
61
And they set there a garrison to keep it, and fortified Bethsura to preserve it; that the people might have a defence against Idumea.