Did you know that the only place Hanukkah is mentioned in the Bible is in the New Testament? The Hebrew word Hanukkah means “dedication,” which is why the apostle John referred to it as the “Feast of Dedication” in John 10:22. This holiday commemorates the Jewish people’s rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem to the LORD. In fact, Yeshua Himself taught in the Temple during this Feast (John 10:22–38).

The history of Hanukkah goes back to 168 BC, when the Greco-Assyrians under Antiochus IV captured Jerusalem. They desecrated the Temple of the LORD and tried to erase Jewish faith and culture. In one village, soldiers ordered the priest Mattathias to sacrifice a pig to Zeus. Fearing God more than man, he refused. When another Jew stepped forward to comply, Mattathias struck him down in righteous zeal.

Mattathias’s bold stand inspired his people to rise up against their oppressors. Under the leadership of his son Judah, the Jewish army drove out the Greco-Assyrians and reclaimed Jerusalem. Their triumph culminated in the cleansing and rededication of the Temple in 164 BC, establishing the Feast of Dedication—Hanukkah.

When the priests prepared to relight the Menorah, they found only one day’s supply of consecrated oil. Yet, according to tradition, the oil miraculously burned for eight days. For this reason, Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days, and the Hanukkah Menorah holds eight candles plus a ninth “servant” candle used to light the others.

A Hanukkah Application—
“Let Your Light Shine”

Just as the servant candle ignites the rest, Yeshua has ignited us to shine as lights in the world!

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven!” (Matthew 5:14-16)