55
And all the people fell upon their faces, and adored, and blessed up to heaven, him that had prospered them.
56
And they kept the dedication of the altar eight days, and they offered holocausts with joy, and sacrifices of salvation, and of praise.
57
And they adorned the front of the temple with crowns of gold, and escutcheons, and they renewed the gates, and the chambers, and hanged doors upon them.
58
And there was exceeding great joy among the people, and the reproach of the Gentiles was turned away.
59
And Judas, and his brethren, and all the church of Israel decreed, that the day of the dedication of the altar should be kept in its season from year to year for eight days, from the five and twentieth day of the month of Casleu, with joy and gladness.
60
They built up also at that time mount Sion, with high walls, and strong towers round about, lest the Gentiles should at any time come, and tread it down as they did before.
61
And he placed a garrison there to keep it, and he fortified it to secure Bethsura, that the people might have a defence against Idumea.