45
they thought it best to pull it down, lest it should be a reproach to them because the heathen had defiled it. Therefore they pulled it down,
46
and laid up the stones on the mountain of the temple in a suitable place until there should come a prophet to show what should be done with them.
47
Then they took whole stones according to the law and built a new altar according to the former,
48
and rebuilt the sanctuary and the things that were within the temple, and hallowed the courts.
49
They made also new holy vessels; and into the temple they brought the candlestick, and the altar of burnt offerings and of incense, and the table.
50
And upon the altar they burned incense, and the lamps that were upon the candlestick they lighted, that they might give light in the temple.
51
Furthermore they set the loaves upon the table, and spread out the veils, and finished all the works which they had begun to do.
52
Now on the five and twentieth day of the ninth month, which is called the month of Chislev, in the hundred forty and eighth year, they rose up early in the morning
53
and offered sacrifice according to the law upon the new altar of burnt offerings which they had made.
54
Note at what time and what day the heathen had profaned it: even in the same was it dedicated with songs and citharas and harps and cymbals.
55
Then all the people fell upon their faces, worshiping and praising the God of heaven, who had given them good success.