47
So Simon was appeased towards them and fought no more against them, but put them out of the city and cleansed the houses wherein the idols were, and so entered into it with songs and thanksgiving.
48
Yea, he put all uncleanness out of it, and placed such men there as would keep the law, and made it stronger than it was before, and built therein a dwelling place for himself.
49
Those also in the tower in Jerusalem were kept in such straits that they could neither come forth nor go into the country, nor buy nor sell; therefore they were in great distress for want of victuals, and a great number of them perished from famine.
50
Then cried they to Simon, beseeching him to be at one with them, which thing he granted them. And when he had put them out from thence, he cleansed the tower from pollutions,
51
and entered into it the three and twentieth day of the second month in the hundred seventy and first year with thanksgiving and branches of palm trees, and with harps and cymbals and with viols, and hymns and songs, because there was destroyed a great enemy out of Israel.
52
He ordained also that that day should be kept every year with gladness. Moreover, the hill of the temple that was by the tower he made stronger than it was, and there he dwelt himself with his company.
53
And when Simon saw that John his son was a valiant man, he made him captain of all the hosts; and he dwelt in Gazara.