The Feast of Dedication
A Memorial of Restoration and Victory
The Feast of Dedication, also known in Hebrew as Hanukkah (חנוכה – Chanukkah), is a holy day sanctified by the Most High, commemorating a miraculous time when the Israelites overcame oppression and rededicated the temple defiled by the Greeks. This eight-day festival celebrates the faithfulness of those who refused to forsake the covenant and were empowered by the Most High to cleanse and restore His sanctuary.
Scriptural Foundation and Historical Background
The foundation of the Feast of Dedication is found in 1 Maccabees 4:36–61, which records how Judas Maccabeus and his followers recaptured and purified the temple after Antiochus Epiphanes had defiled it. This historical event fulfills the prophecy in Daniel 8:14, which states:
“And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.”
The sanctuary was indeed cleansed after 2300 days of desecration by the Greeks.
Origins of the Conflict
The conflict began after Alexander the Great conquered much of the known world (1 Maccabees 1:1–3). Upon his death, his empire was divided among four generals—Cassander, Lysimachus, Seleucus, and Ptolemy—as prophesied in Daniel 8:8–9. From the Seleucid line came Antiochus Epiphanes, who persecuted the Israelites and outlawed the laws of God (1 Maccabees 1:41–50; Daniel 11:31–36).
Rise of the Maccabees
Mattathias, a Levite priest, and his five sons refused to comply with these commands. They rallied the faithful, initiating a revolt (1 Maccabees 2:1–5, 19–23). His son, Judas Maccabeus, later led Israel to military victory through faith and valor (1 Maccabees 3–4).
We believe the Bible is the true word of the Most High, written by and for the children of Israel. We believe the so-called Blacks, Hispanics, and Native Americans are the descendants of the 12 Tribes of Israel, scattered through slavery and colonization, but chosen to return.
The temple was rededicated with songs, instruments, sacrifices, and great joy. This became an annual feast lasting eight days.
New Testament Validation
John 10:22–23 – “And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch.”
Christ Himself observed this feast, affirming its spiritual and cultural significance.
Prophetic Context
The Feast of Dedication is tied directly to the prophecies of Daniel:
- Daniel 8:10–13 – Describes the desecration of the sanctuary.
- Daniel 11:31–35 – Speaks of the placing of the abomination of desolation and the resistance of faithful Israelites.
The exploits of Mattathias and Judas Maccabeus were fulfillments of these prophecies (1 Maccabees 2:19–48).
The True Meaning of the Eight Days
There is no biblical evidence of oil miraculously burning for eight days as is claimed in later Rabbinic traditions from the Talmud. Instead, the real reason for the eight days is found in:
2 Maccabees 1:18 – “…ye also might keep it, as the feast of the tabernacles…”
Since the Israelites had missed observing the Feast of Tabernacles during the conflict, they kept this rededication feast in the same manner.
Spiritual Symbolism and Relevance
The Feast of Dedication symbolizes:
- Cleansing from sin and idolatry (1 Maccabees 4:43–47)
- Renewal of covenant faithfulness
- Victory through obedience and faith in the Most High
- Preservation of the law and temple worship
Application Today
This feast teaches modern Israelites to stand firm in the truth, cleanse our spiritual temples (our bodies and minds), and dedicate our lives to the service of the Most High.
Final Thoughts
The Feast of Dedication is a powerful testimony of how Yahawah raises up deliverers like Judas Maccabeus to restore His people and preserve righteousness. Let us honor this feast not with man-made traditions, but according to the law, with joy, praise, and dedication.
“The people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.” – Daniel 11:32
All praises to the Most High and His Anointed, Yahawashi (Jesus).
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