43. They purified the Temple and took the stones that had been defiled and put them in an unclean place.
44. They discussed what should be done with the altar of burnt offerings, which had been desecrated
45. by the Gentiles, and decided to tear it down, so that it would not stand there as a monument to their shame. So they tore down the altar
46. and put the stones in a suitable place on the Temple hill, where they were to be kept until a prophet should appear and decide what to do with them.
47. Then they took uncut stones, as the Law of Moses required, and built a new altar like the old one.
48. They repaired the Temple, inside and out, and dedicated its courtyards.