44. They deliberated what ought to be done with the altar for burnt offerings that had been desecrated.
45. They decided it best to tear it down, lest it be a lasting shame to them that the Gentiles had defiled it; so they tore down the altar.
46. They stored the stones in a suitable place on the temple mount, until the coming of a prophet who could determine what to do with them.
47. Then they took uncut stones, according to the law, and built a new altar like the former one.
48. They also repaired the sanctuary and the interior of the temple and consecrated the courts.