The Jews preferred the date for their dedication celebration to be on the Feast of Tabernacles, the 15th day of the seventh month, the same date that King Solomon had dedicated the first Temple.
As He had done in the past and continues to do today, God intervened and gave Judah a miraculous victory. After three years of heroic fighting, the Jews regained their country from the oppressors and had self-rule for 100 years.
This message is crucial for us today, because the prophesy of Daniel was NOT completely fulfilled by Antiochus and Judah Maccabee. Although so many details are historical facts, there are details that remain for some time in the future. After a deceptive season of peace this very charismatic man will turn against the God of Israel and His people. This will be a time of great persecution unlike any other. The Bible calls this the time of Jacob’s Trouble. Two thirds of the Jewish people will die as will many non-Jews who support Israel and follow Yeshua the Messiah of Israel.
Sadly, not all the Jews were against Antiochus. Many were willing to forsake their Covenant relationship with God and did whatever it took to get ahead financially and socially. There was a complete moral breakdown in society. There was a great cry against all restraints as people demanded “tolerance” of their sin.
We don’t understand God’s ways. It looked as though the enemy had retreated. But instead, life got much worse for Israel. Antiochus sought to divide the people. He persecuted and tortured those who remained faithful to YHWH and extended favor and benefits to those who would turn away from God.
Daniel received a vision of Israel’s future in 539 B.C. but like most prophesies it foretold the future in several layers. The first fulfillment began after the death of Alexander The Great in 323 B.C.
The story is foreshadowed in Daniel Chapters 10-12. The prophecy is so accurate some people believe that it was written AFTER the event. But the prophecy was not fully completed, evidence that it will be completely fulfilled in the future.
December 18th, the Jewish people (and some Christians) lit the first of the eight candles on the Hanukkah menorah. Actually there are nine candles, but one is always separated in some way. That “special” candle is called “The Servant” candle. The Servant candle is lit and then lights all the other candles. So now let’s consider the history of Hanukkah.
Soon, the world will celebrate two different but linked holidays – Christmas and Hanukkah. The first candle of Hanukkah is lit at sundown on December 28th.
In ancient days when people, or nations made covenants (contracts) they “cut” the covenant by sacrificing an animal. The blood of the sacrifice was a warning what would happen to either side if they broke the covenant.
During the end of the 19th century as the Jewish people returned to the land, the deserts began to blossom. Today farms and flowers cover what had been as wilderness and wasteland for centuries.
God’s destiny for the Jewish people has always included their stewardship of the land of Israel for His return.
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