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Hanukkah! How does it relate to our faith?

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A STUDY ON HANUKKAH, WHAT IS IT ALL ABOUT?

Hanukkah; 2022; starts December 18th in the evening (light the first candle) until December 26th.


“And it was at Jerusalem the Feast of the Dedication (Hanukkah), and it was winter, and Yeshua (Jesus) walked in the temple in Solomon's porch” (John 10:22,23) the chapter goes on to say that the Jews gathered around him, asking him to tell them plainly if he was the Messiah.

Hanukkah was an important festival, important enough for our Messiah to be at the temple and answer questions. The meaning of word “Hanukkah” means “dedication”. In order to understand this better, we need to go back and read 2 Chronicles 7:8-10. King Solomon finished building the first temple, and he celebrated with the people by having a big sacrifice, sacrificing thousands of bulls and sheep, he invited the people and they shared in the festivity. He celebrated for 8 days, during the time of Sukkot, (Feast of Tabernacles) on the 8th day, “Hoshanah Raba” he blessed the people and sent them home. A lot happened after that time. The priests and many of the people took their eyes off the LORD and went into idolatry.

Years later, the Prophet Malachi prophesied that YHVH would punish the people, and the end result would be that the temple would be desecrated, and the “seed” of Israel would be “contaminated”. You can read this in Malachi 1:6; 2:1,2,8,9. The Prophet Daniel was more precise. He had visions of what would happen in the future.

The visions of Daniel in chapter 8 had to do with “two” end time periods. One, the end time before the first coming of Messiah Yeshua, and the second, the end time before the second coming of Messiah, which is still in the future. In Chapter 8:5 the prophet sees a “he-goat” (Greece) and a “ram” (Persia). This is when Alexander the Great went forth to conquer many nations, he traveled very fast (touched not the ground). This happened around 330 B.C. He went from the West (Greece) towards the East (nations East of Greece) these nations included Persia, Egypt, Syria, and Israel (Judea).

The prophet mentions the “horn that was broken” (Alexander's death) and from that, 4 other horns came out (four generals took over). (Daniel 8:8). “Ptolemy” took control of Egypt, which is why we see the dynasty of “Ptolemy pharaohs” Queen Cleopatra was a “Ptolemy”. Seleucid took control over Syria. From Seleucid, came the “little horn that waxed great”. This was the rise of Antiochus (Daniel 8:9). First there was Antiochus III, and afterward, Antiochus IV (Epiphanes). It was Antiochus Epiphanes who wreaked Havoc in Judea, was a tyrant, a murderer who was satanically controlled. He proclaimed himself “Zeus incarnate” thus the title “Epiphanes” An epiphany is a carnal likeness of a god. But what happened to Judea before the rise of Antiochus?

Alexander had introduced “Hellenism” to the conquered world. Judea could either accept the new Greek ways or reject them. Most Israelites rejected them, they stayed Torah observant and worshiped YHVH. Some accepted the new Greek ways, new Greek style clothing, music, philosophy, gymnastics, drama, language, etc...

Under Alexander, and even under the first Antiochus (III) Judeans had a choice, either accept or reject, it didn't really matter, but when Antiochus III died and his son Antiochus IV came to power, all changed.

Everyone had to convert to Hellenism, accept Antiochus as supreme ruler and “god” manifested in human form, or die. No longer could they study Torah, the scrolls were destroyed, and circumcision of males was a capital offense. So life was “hell” for all of Israel that did not convert or accept Hellenism, and accept Antiochus as “Zeus incarnate”.

On the 25th of the Hebrew month of Kislev, 167 B.C., Antiochus invades the temple in Jerusalem and desecrates it. He sets up a statue of Zeus and to celebrate, he sacrifices pigs on the sacred altar in the temple, he then takes all the temple furniture made of gold and silver, including the Menorah, and takes them to Syria. The temple is now bare and desecrated, and now dedicated to Zeus and pagan sacrifices. (Daniel 8:11-12).

The next thing that Antiochus did was to replace “Onias” the high priest and put his own brother “Jason” as priest instead of Onias. Jason started promoting “Zeus worship, and pig sacrifices” throughout Judea. He went to the city of Modin, where the priest Mattathias lived with his five sons; John, Jonathan, Judah, Simon, and Eleazar. This is where the resistance started.

Jason had sent an officer to offer Mattathias riches and honor if only he would set the example and offer pig sacrifices to Zeus. The officer was not prepared for the reaction of Mattathias. With a loud voice he responded;

“Though all the nations that are under the king's dominion obey him and fall away everyone from the religion of their fathers, and give consent to his commandments, yet will I and my sons and my brethren walk in the covenant of our fathers. God forbid that we should forsake the Torah and the ordinances. We will not harken to the king's words to go from our religion, either on the right hand or the left!” (1st Book of Maccabees)

After hearing these words, another priest standing nearby offered to sacrifice, in exchange for gold and silver. When the priest tried to go forward, Mattathias took a sword and slew him there, and also slew the officer in charge. Now, Mattathias and his sons were wanted criminals in the eyes of Antiochus. Mattathias and his sons had to flee the city and they went into the hills of Judea to hide.

Other faithful Judeans heard what Mattathias had done, and went out to be with him and his sons, thus, forming a small army. What did they have, but perhaps wooden spears, a few knives, pitchforks, and not many swords? Judeans from all classes in society went to join him and his sons. There, out in the wilderness, they prepared for battle. They would strike out against Antiochus and his trained Greek-Syrian forces. They would fight with guerrilla-warfare tactics. They knew the terrain, the Greeks didn't.

This reminds us of the revolutionary war in the United States when the 13 colonies were under British rule. George Washington (America's Mattathias and Judah the Maccabee) took untrained colonists and fought against the well-trained British troops, they fought long and hard, but finally gained independence from Great Britain.

Antiochus now knew that Mattathias and his small army were serious. Mattathias was old and he died during this war. He left his eldest son, Judah, to take command. His surname “Maccabee” comes from the Hebrew/Aramaic word “Makabah” which means “Hammer” so his whole name in Hebrew “Y'hudah Makavi” is telling us “My God YAH is my hammer”. With the strength and blessings of God, Y'hudah and his army went forth to fight against Antiochus and his armies. Antiochus sent out four generals; Apollonius, Georgias, Seron, and Nicanor. The strength of these armies was probably 100,000 or more. Yet Judah fought them all, (guerrilla-style strike and run, strike and hide, ambush, etc...) As these armies were vanquished, Judah and his armies captured their swords, spears, shields, etc... and now they were well-equipped.

Needless to say, Judah pushed forward and finally drove the Greek Syrians out of Judea. He and his army re-took Jerusalem. The temple was in shambles, the altar desecrated with swine blood and guts, and the Temple emptied of its treasures. Judah and his men got to work, they tore down the pagan altar and built an altar for YHVH. He went and “brought in new vessels, the candlestick (Menorah) the table of Shewbread, and the altar of incense, which were made of gold” (Josephus, the complete works, pg. 393).

Another question is where did they “bring in new vessels from?” Did they have them made? Did Judah send a detachment or a regiment of soldiers to Antioch to re-capture the temple furniture and bring them back to Jerusalem? We know that Antioch was the headquarters of Antiochus which was where he probably took the golden temple furniture. That is a possibility.

Judah and his men went to work and made the temple like new again, re-lit the menorah, and made a “feast of dedication” for 8 days, just like in the days of Solomon, when he dedicated the first temple for eight days. Judah offered sacrifices on the newly built brazen altar just like Solomon did. This also happened on the same day, the 25th of Kislev, 164 B.C. three years after it had been desecrated.
 
Some believe that there was just one clay flask or jar of oil left in the temple. The belief is that this flask of oil was only enough for one day of light, but it lasted for eight days. The problem with this is that it was never written down in history that it actually happened. It is believed that it was just a made-up story. Now could it have happened? Sure, anything is possible. However, if a clay jar of oil had been found in the temple after the desecration by Antiochus, what with all the swine sacrifices, blood, etc.… anything in clay jars would have been considered “Tamei” (unclean) and unfit for temple use!

Today, we still celebrate this time of year. Many people have a special 9-branch menorah called a “Hanukkiah”. This is used especially for this time. The middle branch is called the “Shamash” (the helper) from this middle branch which holds and candle or oil with a wick, the other candles are lit each night for 8 nights. As Messianic Jewish believers, we see the symbolism in the middle branch as “Yeshua” who is the “Light of the World” and we are the “little lights” we get our light from Messiah Yeshua. He even said, “Ye are the light of the world.

No one knows exactly when the 9-branch Hanukkiah came into being, to be used only during the 8 days of Hanukkah. One ceramic 9-branch Hanukkiah was found and was dated back to 400 C.E.

We can see 9 aspects of the faith in each of the 9 branches of the special Hanukkah menorah; “Teshuvah” (repentance) “Tzedakah” (charity and giving) “Mitzvot” (good works) “Emunah” (faith) “Yeshua” (Salvation) “Mishpochah” (family) “Ahavah” (love) “HaTorah” (God's Word) “Israel” (the Holy Land) are all inter-related. We can also add “Chen” (grace) because by “grace” we are saved, not of works lest any man should boast.

Many also “spin the dreidel” which is a four-sided top, with the letters N, G, H, S, (but in Hebrew) which symbolize, “Nez, Gadol, Haya, Sham,” (A great miracle happened there). What was the miracle? That a small army of about 10,000 men fought against a superior army of 100,000 or more, yet not through the might of swords and spears, but through the might and power of YHVH, they won and achieved victory.

These 4 letters when added up in gematria, = 358, the word “Mashiach” (Messiah) also adds up to the sum of 358. Mashiach gave the victory. He also gives us victory in our lives against sin. We can think of “Dedication” at this time of year to re-dedicate our lives to Messiah Yeshua, to serve him, and keep on serving him, and to be “lights” in dark places. Our work and service in Messiah Yeshua end on earth when we are called home, and even in heaven, we will continue to serve, and see His LIGHT forever.

Families celebrate Hanukkah in different forms. They get together like many people get together during the Christmas season, they share their love, make potato latkes (fried potatoes with flour and egg mixture) play games (with the dreidel) give small gifts, many times food gifts; packets or boxes of imported teas, coffees, and chocolates.

The most important is lighting the special 9-branched Menorah or “Hanukkiah” They come in all sizes and forms, some traditional, others abstract. One creative way of having the “9-lights” is purchasing 8 small jars of fragrance candles and 1 large jar. The small jar candles can be of different fragrances and spices, like pumpkin spice, vanilla, almond butter, etc. Then the middle jar is larger, The middle jar is lit as the “Shamash” (Helper) and each night, the jars on each side are lit.

The first night is the Shamash and the end jar-candle, the second night, the middle jar-candle and two more, etc. This creates the lights of Hanukkah and a lovely fragrance in the living room. You might also have an electric Menorah in the window.

The last point I would like to share is the word “Hanukkah” (dedication) . It comes from the Hebrew letters which are “Chet” “Nun” and “Kaf” in English, we would see “Ch” “n” and “k”. The base word in Hebrew is “Chanakh” which has the meaning of “to initiate, discipline, dedicate, train up, and habituate. From this verb comes the noun “Hanukkah” In the ancient Hebrew symbolism, the Paleo-Hebrew letters symbolize “The fence gives an anointed life” or “The fence of life that brings anointing” The “Fence” being the Torah and the “Living Torah” which is Yeshua, They “surround” us and give us protection from the ways of the world.

How do we apply “Chanakh” and “Hanukkah” in our lives today? Since the temple in Jerusalem is no more, our own bodies are now the “Temple of the Holy Spirit”. At this time of year, we might look inwardly and re-dedicate ourselves to the LORD, by disciplining ourselves in Torah study, doing Mitzvoth (good works) training up others to study and understand God’s Word, and putting it into action. Make Torah study a “habit” (habituate) every day in our lives.

We shouldn’t have to wait for Hanukkah to re-dedicate our lives to Adonai, we should do this every waking morning of every day, but this is the time we should really look at our lives with a fine tooth comb, because the enemy “HaSatan” is the Antiochus who wants to see us defeated, yet Yeshua has won the war. Baruch HaShem!!



HAPPY 8 DAYS AND NIGHTS OF HANUKKAH.
 
According to Christ,the abomination that causes desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel will be placed in Jerusalem on the day of the Lord.You can tell by the verses he quotes to describe that day.

Mathew 24
15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)

16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:

17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:

18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.

19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!

20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:

21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

here Jesus has quoted Daniel 12:1
Daniel 12:1

And at that time Michael the great prince shall stand up, that stands over the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of tribulation, such tribulation as has not been from the time that there was a nation on the earth until that time: at that time thy people shall be delivered, even every one that is written in the book.

And in verse 16 ,Jesus was describing how those in judae will flee for the mountains when they see the abomination of desolation placed in Jerusalem .

16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:

This is also recorded in zech 14 on the day of the Lord.

Zech 14:5
You will flee by my mountain valley, for it will extend to Azel. You will flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the LORD my God will come, and all the holy ones with him.

Now these in Judea who flee to the mountains when they see the abomination that causes desolation will hide in the caves and dens of the mountains.

Revelation 6
15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;
If I had been raised to celebrate traditions such as Hanukkah,I probably wouldn't understand as much as I do.I could see it being a distraction from the word of God.

I believe John gave an outstanding description of the abomination that causes desolation in revelation 6.I don't believe I could have given a better description of the nuclear explosion and missiles if I tried.

Revelation 6

12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;

13 And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.

14 And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.


Alot of people will be walking through fire that day.At least all of them that are saved.
Luke 21:28
And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
 
PS
I do believe the little horn will be persecuting the messianic Jews in Israel in a few short years.I hope they are ready for testing.They will need to patience of Job.

Daniel 11:33
Those who are wise will instruct many, though for a time they will fall by the sword or be burned or captured or plundered.
 
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