PART 1: Fighting For The Truth
HANUKKAH SPECIAL
WED - DEC 17 - 8PM ET
The Feasts of the LORD are the key to understanding the Gospel – and so is the often-dismissed feast of Hanukkah. In fact, the events of Hanukkah began with a prophetic vision from Daniel, which has at least two fulfillments. In Hanukkah: Fighting for the Truth, Michael Rood explains these fulfillments, including one that is right on our doorstep.
What is Hanukkah?
Hanukkah is a festival that commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after it had been defiled by a Greek king. It is also known as the Feast of Dedication or the Festival of Lights, because each day a new candle is lit on a nine-branched candelabrum called a hanukiah. Although this festival is not commanded by Yehovah in the Torah, Yeshua went up to the Temple to take part in it, as recorded in John 10:22–23.
In Hebrew, Hanukkah means “dedication.”
Origin of Hanukkah
The origin of Hanukkah is recorded in the historical Book of the Maccabees, part of a collection later removed from most Bibles because the leaders who finalized the biblical canon did not consider these writings inspired.
Antiochus Epiphanes, a Greek king, invaded Jerusalem, outlawed the reading of the Sacred Scriptures, banned the worship of the God of Abraham (Yehovah), and desecrated the Temple by sacrificing a pig on the altar.
Though vastly outnumbered, a man of Israel named Y’hudah led a resistance that defeated Antiochus and reclaimed the Temple. For eight days they carried out its rededication to the Almighty. To commemorate this victory and restoration, the Feast of Hanukkah was established.
What does it mean for us today
Hanukkah calls us to the essential work of rededicating our lives to Yehovah. We are the Temple where His presence dwells, and simply moving through this world exposes us to things that dull and contaminate the soul. This celebration reminds us to stand firm and not yield when the enemy presses in, no matter how powerful he may seem.
Each light we kindle brings to mind the words of King Solomon in Proverbs 4:18:
“The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, shining ever brighter until the day is perfect.”
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