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.