The temple cleansed and rededicated (Hanukkah)

47They took whole stones according to the law, and built a new altar like the former.

48They built the holy place and the inner parts of the house; and they consecrated the courts.

49They made new holy vessels, and they brought the lampstand, the altar of incense, and the table into the temple.

50They burned incense on the altar, and they lit the lamps that were upon the lampstand, and they gave light in the temple.

51They set loaves upon the table, hung up the curtains, and finished all the work which they had done.

52They rose up early in the morning, on the twenty-fifth day of the ninth month, which is the month Chislev, in the one hundred forty eighth year,

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

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

55All the people fell on their faces, worshiped, and gave praise toward heaven, which had given them good success.

56They celebrated the dedication of the altar eight days, and offered burnt offerings with gladness, and sacrificed a sacrifice of deliverance and praise.

57They decorated the front of the temple with crowns of gold and small shields. They dedicated the gates and the priests’ chambers, and made doors for them.

58There was exceedingly great gladness among the people, and the reproach of the Gentiles was turned away.

59Judas and his kindred 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 for eight days, from the twenty-fifth day of the month Chislev, with gladness and joy.