Hanukkah – Who Is Your Strength?

Understanding Hanukkah

Hanukkah, a Hebrew word meaning to dedicate or establish, is an eight-day festival celebrated during the Hebrew month of Kislev. It is also known as the Feast of Dedication. This holiday is marked by traditions such as eating fried foods, playing dreidel, and telling the story of Hanukkah. The significance of Hanukkah is also noted in the New Testament, as Jesus, or Yeshua, was present in Jerusalem during this feast.

Historical Context of Hanukkah

The story of Hanukkah is found in the books of Maccabees, historical documents that detail events from 168 to 160 BCE in Israel. The conflict began with Alexander the Great, who, by the age of 32, had conquered a vast empire. Upon his death, the kingdom was divided among his four generals: Cassander, Ptolemy, Antigonus, and Seleucus.

Generations later, Antiochus Epiphanes, a ruler of the Seleucid Empire, sought to control the wealthy trading routes of Syria and Egypt, with Judea as a critical junction. Antiochus aimed to implement Hellenism, a strategy to assimilate conquered peoples into Greek society. This involved introducing Greek customs, which led to a division within Judea between those who adhered to the Torah and those who embraced Greek ways.

The Abomination of Desolation

Antiochus’s ambition led him to desecrate the temple in Jerusalem after an unsuccessful military campaign against Egypt. He plundered the temple, forbade Jewish practices, and erected a statue of Zeus inside. The ultimate desecration was the sacrifice of pigs within the temple, an act referred to as the abomination of desolation. This event is also referenced in the New Testament in Matthew 24, where Yeshua speaks of future tribulations.

The speaker notes the severity of the oppression, where resisting the king’s commands meant death, highlighting the strength and faith required to adhere to God’s laws.

The Maccabean Revolt

The Jews faced a dilemma, obey the laws of the land or the laws of God. The narrative shifts to the story of Hannah and her seven sons, who were tortured and killed for refusing to eat pork. Their deaths, and those of others, were not glorious but brutal, emphasizing the gravity of their choice to remain loyal to their faith.

A priest named Matthias, along with his sons, initiated a revolt against the Seleucid Empire. Matthias, witnessing a fellow Jew about to compromise his faith, killed him and the Greek soldiers present, calling all who stood with him to join him. This act of defiance led to a guerrilla war led by Judah Maccabee after his father died. Despite being outnumbered, the Maccabees used strategic tactics to defeat the Greek armies.

Victories and Rededication

Key battles, such as the Battle of Wadi Haramiya, demonstrated the Maccabees’ strategic prowess. Judah Maccabee’s leadership and faith inspired his soldiers, who clothed themselves in prayers and faith rather than traditional armor. The Maccabees eventually drove out the Greeks and reclaimed Jerusalem, facing challenges such as the desecration of their temple.

After their victory, the Maccabees cleansed and rededicated the temple to God. They rebuilt the menorah and relit the fire, celebrating their rededication with an eight-day feast reminiscent of Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles. This rededication is the essence of Hanukkah, a time to remember the strength and courage of the Maccabees.

Relevance Today

The story of Hanukkah serves as a reminder of the ongoing war against worldly standards. Just as the Maccabees fought against Hellenization, believers today face pressures to conform to the world. The key is to remain dedicated to God, training children in His ways, and finding strength in His teachings.

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Application for Everyday Life

• Recognize Inner Battles: Understand that daily life involves battles against the flesh and worldly pressures.
• Seek God’s Strength: Like the Maccabees, seek strength in God to overcome challenges.
• Rededicate Daily: Use Hanukkah as a reminder to rededicate oneself to God’s purpose and ways.
• Train and Establish Children in God’s Way: Emphasize the importance of raising children in faith, ensuring they remain steadfast in their beliefs.
• Stand Firm in Faith: Be prepared to stand firm in your faith, even when faced with opposition or difficult choices.

References

• John 10:22-23
• Matthew 24:15
• Matthew 24:21
• Leviticus 11
• Numbers 7:10
• Leviticus 23
• Proverbs 22:6
• Psalms 147
• Psalms 144
• Psalms 102:9
• 1 Maccabees 1:18
• 2 Maccabees 7

Additional Resources

• The Bible
• Book of Maccabees