45
And they thought it best to tear it down, so that it would not be a lasting shame to them that the Gentiles had defiled it. So they tore down the altar,
46
and stored the stones in a convenient place on the temple hill until a prophet should come to tell what to do with them.
47
Then they took unhewn stones, as the law directs, and built a new altar like the former one.
48
They also rebuilt the sanctuary and the interior of the temple, and consecrated the courts.
49
They made new holy vessels, and brought the lampstand, the altar of incense, and the table into the temple.
50
Then they offered incense on the altar and lit the lamps on the lampstand, and these gave light in the temple.
51
They placed the bread on the table and hung up the curtains. Thus they finished all the work they had undertaken.
52
Early in the morning on the twenty-fifth day of the ninth month, which is the month of Chislev, in the one hundred forty-eighth year,
53
they rose and offered sacrifice, as the law directs, on the new altar of burnt offering that they had built.
54
At the very season and on the very day that the Gentiles had profaned it, it was dedicated with songs and harps and lutes and cymbals.
55
All the people fell on their faces and worshiped and blessed Heaven, who had prospered them.