Old Testament

New Testament

1 Maccabees 4:59-61 Good News Bible Anglicised (GNBDC)

59. Then Judas, his brothers, and the entire community of Israel decreed that the rededication of the altar should be celebrated with a festival of joy and gladness at the same time each year, beginning on the 25th of the month of Kislev and lasting for eight days.

60. Then they built high walls and strong towers round Mount Zion, so that the Gentiles could not come in and trample and defile it again.

61. Judas placed a detachment of soldiers there to guard the Temple. He also fortified the town of Bethzur, so that the people of Israel would have a fortress facing Idumea.

Read complete chapter 1 Maccabees 4