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 burned incense on the altar and lighted 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 and forty-eighth year,
53
they rose and offered sacrifice, as the law directs, on the new altar of burnt offering which 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.
56
So they celebrated the dedication of the altar for eight days, and offered burnt offerings with gladness; they offered a sacrifice of deliverance and praise.
57
They decorated the front of the temple with golden crowns and small shields; they restored the gates and the chambers for the priests, and furnished them with doors.