Hanukkah at EMJC

Historical Background

Hanukkah, or "The Feast Of Dedication," stands out among the celebrations of the Bible. This is because it does not appear among the Feasts of the Lord in Leviticus 23. Despite the fact that Hanukkah is not spoken of by Moses, we should not assume that it is therefore non-biblical. As we shall see, it is indeed mentioned in later scriptural passages.

Some people may question our inclusion of Hanukkah with the "biblical" holy days. It is not mentioned in the feasts of Leviticus 23. However, the Tanakh (Older Testament) reveals that Hanukkah is clearly predicted in later prophetic writings.

The vision given to the prophet Daniel is an amazingly, detailed description of the events surrounding Hanukkah. As he describes the coming kingdoms that would have impact on Israel, Daniel writes:

The shaggy goat is the king of Greece, and the large horn between his eyes is the first king. The four horns that replaced the one that was broken off represent four kingdoms that will emerge from his nation but will not have the same power.
(Daniel 8:21-22)

This is a graphic description of the rise of the Hellenistic empire with its strong central leader (the large horn). Alexander the Great was indeed broken by his early death. His four generals (the four horns) split the kingdom between themselves. Yet there were even more specific details given by Daniel:

In the latter part of their reign, when rebels have become completely wicked, a stern-faced king, a master of intrigue, will arise. He will become very strong, but not by his own power. He will cause astounding devastation and will succeed in whatever he does. He will destroy mighty men and the holy people. He will cause deceit to prosper, and he will consider himself superior. When they feel secure, he will destroy many and take his stand against the Prince of princes. Yet he will be destroyed, but not by human power.
(Daniel 8:23-25)

Traditional Jewish Observance

Hanukkah is an enjoyable holy day with many meaningful customs. Every year, starting on the twenty-fifth of Kislev, the Jewish community begins its eight-day celebration. The holy day focuses on the hanukkiyah, the nine-branched Hanukkah menorah. The usual menorah, like the modern symbol of the State of Israel, is seven-branched. Eight branches remind us of the eight-day miracle of oil; and, the appropriate numbers of candles are kindled each day. The ninth branch (in the center with four branches on either side) stands out. It is used to light the other candles and is called the shamash (Hebrew for "servant"). The menorah is lit after dark, usually in connection with a festive meal.

New Testament Observance

Then came Hanukkah in Yerushalayim. It was winter, and Yeshua was walking around inside the Temple area, in Shlomo's Colonnade (John 10:22-23).

Hanukkah is a beautiful holy day celebrated by Jewish people. Many are aware of the customs and history of Hanukkah. Perhaps some even know Scripture well enough to know that this holy day is prophetically mentioned in the book of Daniel. Most surprising to both the Jewish and the Christian communities is that the most clear mention of Hanukkah in the Bible is in the New Testament!

The people who normally celebrate this holy day, the Jewish people, have scant biblical references for it; yet the people who do not normally celebrate Hanukkah have the most explicit reference to it, in the New Testament!

The Prophetic Fulfillment

As with all the biblical holy days, there are spiritual lessons to be learned from Hanukkah-light, courage, and faith, to name a few. Perhaps the most vital one is seen in its name. This festival commemorates a time when the true worship of God was restored in Jerusalem. The Temple in Jerusalem no longer stands today. The heart of each true believer in Yeshua the Messiah and savior is the temple where the Spirit of God dwells. Too often believers endanger the cleanliness of this Temple by allowing idolatry into their lives. Hence the timeless exhortation from Scripture:

Run from sexual immorality! Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the fornicator sins against his own body. Or don't you know that your body is a Temple for the Ruach HaKodesh (the Holy Spirit) who lives inside you, whom you received from God? The fact is, you don't belong to yourselves; for you were bought at a price. So use your bodies to glorify God (I Corinthians 6:18-20).

May we indeed be temples for the Messiah, cleansed and dedicated for the master's use!

A Practical Guide for Believers in Messiah

In seeking a practical expression for this holy day, believers in Messiah Yeshua can incorporate many beautiful traditions. The observance is centered on the menorah and what it represents. Each evening during Hanukkah the family and friends can gather to light the menorah with the appropriate number of candles. The branches of the hanukkiyah represent the eight days of Hanukkah, plus one shamash candle used to light the others.