38. They found the sanctuary deserted, the altar treated with disrespect, and the gates burned. In the courts, bushes had sprung up like in an open field or on one of the mountains. They saw that the priests’ chambers were in ruins as well.
39. So they tore their clothes and mourned with great sorrow. They sprinkled their heads with ashes
40. and fell facedown on the ground. When the trumpets sounded a signal, they cried out to heaven.
41. Then Judas chose some soldiers to fight against those stationed in the elevated fortress until he completed cleansing the sanctuary.
42. He selected priests who were blameless and devoted to the Law.
43. They cleansed the sanctuary and took the polluted stones to a ritually unclean place.
44. They discussed what to do about the altar for entirely burned offerings, since it had been polluted.