Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that is celebrated every year for eight days, starting on the 25th day of the Jewish month called Kislev. During the Hanukkah period, lots of traditional activities such as the lighting of the menorah, singing of songs and giving of presents, take place. This holiday symbolizes the struggle of a small group of Jews, known as the Maccabees, against the bigger forces of ancient Greece that tried to stamp out Jewish practices. It stands for faith in the face of opposition and survival against all odds. But many people may not be aware, that Hanukkah is also mentioned in the Bible.
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Where In The Bible Is Hanukkah Mentioned?
The Bible does not specifically mention Hanukkah, `but it does mention an event that most Jewish scholars consider to be the historical basis for the holiday. This event is told in five places in the Bible: 1 Maccabees 1:20-67, 1 Maccabees 4:36-59, 2 Maccabees 5:1-23, 2 Maccabees 7:1-42, and Josephus’ Antiquities of the Jews.
1 Maccabees 1:20-67
This is the most comprehensive account of the events that led up to the Hanukkah celebration. It recounts how the Maccabees rose up to fight against Greek rule, and how they rededicated the desecrated Temple. This account gives a vivid description of how the Jews in Jerusalem responded when they saw the Temple lit with new lights in the celebration of their victory:
- “ Israel had great joy, and they celebrated the rededication of the altar for eight days and offered burnt offerings, and sacrifices of deliverance and praise.” (1 Maccabees 4:56)
- “Judas and his brothers said: ‘Look, our enemies have been crushed. Let us purify the Temple and rededicate it.'” (1 Maccabees 4:36).
1 Maccabees 4:36-59
This passage explains how the Maccabees built a wall around the court of the Temple and set up altars and cleansing vessels to be used in the ceremony of the rededication. It ends with a description of a great celebration that took place at the Temple when it was completed.
2 Maccabees 5:1-23
This passage gives an account of how the Maccabees cleaned out and purified the Temple, and then spread out into the countryside to battle their enemies. It also tells how the Temple was rededicated with great celebration.
2 Maccabees 7:1-42
This passage describes the martyrdom of seven Jewish brothers who were being forced to eat pork by their Greek oppressors, and how their death served to inspire many Jewish people in their struggle for freedom. It also mentions that the Maccabees lit golden lamps to celebrate the dedication of the Temple.
Josephus’ Antiquities of the Jews
Josephus’ book contains a lengthy description of how the Maccabees cleansed and repaired the Temple, and then celebrated their victory with great festivities. It also gives a detailed account of how the menorah was lit and the rituals that took place during the celebration.
In conclusion, Hanukkah is not explicitly mentioned in any of the books of the Bible, but the Biblical accounts of the events that led up to its celebration are vivid and provide an insight into the courage and determination of the Maccabees. The story of Hanukkah is an inspiring reminder of faith in action, and how a small band of people found strength to overcome their oppressors and rededicate the Temple.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.