had been burned in the siege, and its contents had been plundered. New vessels and furniture were provided, the heathen altar was removed and replaced by another not constructed with iron tools, and the divine worship was restored on the twenty-fifth day of Kislev, 165 B.C., exactly three years from the time of the Temple’s desecration. The joyous celebration lasted for eight days, accompanied by sacrifices, feasting, and singing. The people declared that it should be observed as the annual festival