Simon ordained that they should keep that day every year with gladness. He made the hill of the temple that was by the citadel stronger than before, and he lived there with his men.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 52. Days; the octave, or the 23rd of the second month, annually. Bible.—This was like one of the days appointed. Calmet. 10:34. The festival was observed perhaps only during his reign. Josephus takes no notice of it: but informs us ( Calmet.) that Simon reflecting on the miseries inflicted on the city by this castle, and fearing lest it should fall again into the hands of the enemy, advised the people to level it to the ground; which they did in the space of three years. Ant. xiii. 11. They did not commence immediately, as Sidetes reclaimed it three years hence. Calmet.