CHANUKAH I: Introduction

Chanukah is a festival derived from the history of Israel. Its celebration lasts 8 days, from the 24^th day of Kislev to the 2^nd day of Tevet. In our calendar this year it begins in the evening of Saturday, December 8, 2012, and ends Sunday, December 16, 2012.

The feast of Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after it was profaned by the Greek. That is why this feast is known as “Festival of Dedication” [Heb. Chanukah: establishing or dedication]. It is also known as “Festival of Lights”, because of the lights that are kindled every day as part of the celebration.

Chanukah is not one of the biblical festivals related to the plan of redemption, listed on Leviticus 23. However, it is mentioned in the Bible and Jesus also celebrated it.

(John 10:22-23)  At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the colonnade of Solomon.

Jesus lived in Galilee, at first in Nazareth with his family, and later in Capernaum during his ministry years. Every time he would go to Jerusalem was to celebrate the festivals, including this one.

HISTORICAL AND PROPHETIC FESTIVAL

The events related to the festival of Chanukah took place during the historical time known as the “Intertestamental Period” (that is, the approximately 400 year period between the Old and New Testaments).  During this time, the Greek had conquered the Promised Land, and had control of the whole region around it. The story of Chanukah is described in the books of the Maccabees. The Septuagint version of the Bible includes these two books in its canon (deuterocanon). However, the Jews and the Protestant church only recognize these as historical books.

Chanukah is not a festival that is celebrated because it is commanded in the Bible. It is a historical celebration in which the miraculous salvation of God during a difficult moment in the history of Israel is recognized.

However, Chanukah is more than just a piece of important history, it also has prophetic significance. What happened in the past will again happen in the last days, as it was prophesized in the books of Daniel and Revelation. That is why it is very important to understand what took place regarding this festival.

In the next few entries we will be learning more about Chanukah…