18 Since we’re now about to celebrate the purification of the temple in the month Kislev, on the twenty-fifth day, we thought it necessary to notify you, so that you may also keep a feast of tabernacles, and remember the fire which was given when Nehemyah (Nehemiah) offered sacrifices, after he’d built both the temple and the altar.

19 Because indeed when our fathers were about to be led into the land of Paras, the godly priests of that time took some of the fire of the altar, and hid it secretly in the hollow of a well that was without water, where they made sure that the place was unknown to anyone. 20 Now after many years, when it pleased God, Nehemyah, having received a charge from the king of Paras, sent in quest of the fire the descendants of the priests who hid it. When they declared to us that they’d found no fire, but thick liquid, 21 he commanded them to draw some of it out and bring it to him. When the sacrifices had been offered, Nehemyah commanded the priests to sprinkle with that liquid both the wood and the things laid on it. 22 When that was done and some time had passed, and the sun shone out, which before was hidden with clouds, a great blaze was kindled, so that all men marvelled. 23 The priests made a prayer while the sacrifice was being consumed—both the priests and all the others. Yonatan (Jonathan) led and the rest responded, as Nehemyah did.

24 The prayer was like this: “O master, master God, the Creator of all things, who are awesome, strong, righteous, and merciful, who alone are King and gracious, 25 who alone supply every need, who alone are righteous, almighty, and eternal, you who save Yisrael (Israel) out of all evil, who chose the ancestors and sanctified them, 26 accept the sacrifice for all your people Yisrael, and preserve your own portion, and consecrate it. 27 Gather together our scattered people, set at liberty those who are in bondage among the heathen, look on those who are despised and abhorred, and let the heathen know that you’re our god. 28 Punish those who oppress us and in arrogance shamefully entreat us. 29 Plant your people in your holy place, even as Mosheh (Moses) said.”

30 Then the priests sang the hymns. 31 As soon as the sacrifice was consumed, then Nehemyah (Nehemiah) commanded that the rest of the liquid be poured on large stones. 32 When this was done, a flame was kindled; but when the light from the altar shone back, it went out. 33 When the matter became known, and it was told the king of the Persians that, in the place where the priests who were led away had hid the fire, the liquid appeared which Nehemyah and those who were with him purified the sacrifice, 34 then the king enclosed the place and made it sacred after he’d investigated the matter. 35 When the king would show favour to any, he’d exchange many presents and give them some of this liquid. 36 Nehemyah and those who were with him called this thing “Nephthar”, which is by interpretation, “Cleansing”; but most men call it Nephthai.