Old Testament

New Testament

1 Maccabees 4:49-61 World English Bible (WEB)

49. And they made the holy vessels new, and they brought the candlestick, and the altar of burnt offerings and of incense, and the table, into the temple.

50. And they burned incense upon the altar, and they lighted the lamps that were upon the candlestick, and they gave light in the temple.

51. And they set loaves upon the table, and spread out the veils, and finished all the works which they made.

52. And they rose up early in the morning, on the five and twentieth day of the ninth month, which is the month Chislev, in the hundred and forty and eighth year,

53. and offered sacrifice according to the law upon the new altar of burned offerings which they had made.

54. At what time and on what day the Gentiles had profaned it, even on that day was it dedicated afresh, with songs and harps and lutes, and with cymbals.

55. And all the people fell upon their faces, and worshipped, and gave praise to heaven, which had given them good success.

56. And they kept the dedication of the altar eight days, and offered burned offerings with gladness, and sacrificed a sacrifice of deliverance and praise.

57. And they decked the forefront of the temple with crowns of gold and small shields, and dedicated afresh the gates and the priests’ chambers, and made doors for them.

58. And there was exceeding great gladness among the people, and the reproach of the Gentiles was turned away.

59. And Judas and his brethren and the whole congregation of Israel ordained, that the days of the dedication of the altar should be kept in their seasons from year to year by the space of eight days, from the five and twentieth day of the month Chislev, with gladness and joy.

60. And at that season they builded up the mount Sion with high walls and strong towers round about, lest haply the Gentiles should come and tread them down, as they had done aforetime.

61. And he set there a force to keep it, and they fortified Bethsura to keep it; that the people might have a stronghold over against Idumaea.

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