Hanukkah, often referred to as the Festival of Lights, holds a profound historical and spiritual significance. It is not only a Jewish holiday that celebrates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem but also a story of divine providence, resilience, and courage. This miraculous account centers on the Maccabees’ revolt against the oppressive Seleucid Empire and, in a broader spiritual sense, connects to the coming of Yeshua (Jesus), whose birth and ministry would fulfill the promises of God to Israel. Understanding Hanukkah in its historical context reveals the importance of this holiday as both a victory of faith and a preparatory event for the advent of the Messiah.
To fully grasp the story of Hanukkah, which begins at sundown on December 25th this year – it is important to understand the Seleucid Empire and its oppressive policies toward the Jewish people. The Seleucid dynasty arose from the fragmentation of Alexander the Great’s empire into four kingdoms. Following Alexander’s death in 323 BCE, his vast empire was divided among his generals, known as the Diadochi. One of these generals, Seleucus I Nicator, established the Seleucid Empire, which extended across large portions of the Middle East, including Judea.
Initially, the Jews under Seleucid rule retained some degree of religious autonomy, as the Seleucids generally allowed diverse cultures and religions to continue under their dominion. However, this changed dramatically under the reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes (175–164 BCE). Antiochus sought to unify his empire through Hellenization—imposing Greek culture, philosophy, and religious practices on the various peoples he governed. For the Jewish people, this cultural imposition became a direct assault on their faith and identity.
Antiochus IV issued decrees that outlawed Jewish religious practices, including circumcision, Sabbath observance, and Tanakh (Old Testament) study. He also desecrated the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem by erecting an altar to Zeus and sacrificing pigs—a profound violation of Jewish law. This act of sacrilege, often referred to as the “abomination of desolation,” shocked the Jewish community and sparked outrage. Antiochus’ policies were not merely political but targeted the core of Jewish belief and worship. It was in this climate of persecution that the Maccabean Revolt was born.
The Maccabees were a family of Jewish priests who emerged as the leaders of a rebellion against the Seleucid Empire. The term “Maccabee” is derived from the Hebrew word makkaba, meaning “hammer,” a fitting description for their relentless and forceful opposition to Antiochus IV. The Maccabean Revolt began in 167 BCE, when Mattathias, a priest from the village of Modiin, refused to comply with Antiochus’ edicts.
Mattathias, along with his five sons, sparked the revolt by defying the Seleucid officials who demanded that they offer sacrifices to Greek gods. In a dramatic moment, Mattathias killed a Jewish man who complied with the order and the Seleucid officer overseeing the event. With this act of defiance, Mattathias and his sons fled to the wilderness, where they gathered a growing band of Jewish rebels committed to reclaiming their religious freedom.
After Mattathias’ death, leadership of the revolt passed to his son Judah, who came to be known as Judah Maccabee. Judah was a brilliant military strategist and a man of deep faith. Under his leadership, the Maccabean forces employed guerrilla warfare tactics, utilizing the rugged terrain of Judea to their advantage. They launched surprise attacks, disrupted supply lines, and struck fear into the much larger and better-equipped Seleucid armies.
Despite being vastly outnumbered, the Maccabees’ commitment to their cause and reliance on God enabled them to achieve a series of stunning victories. Their courage and determination rallied the Jewish people, who saw the rebellion as a holy war to defend the covenant between God and Israel.
The most significant moment in the Maccabean Revolt came in 164 BCE, when the Jewish rebels successfully recaptured Jerusalem and the desecrated Temple. After years of hardship and sacrifice, Judah Maccabee and his forces entered the holy city and found the Temple defiled and in ruins. The sight of the pagan altar and idols within the sacred space must have been heart-wrenching, yet it also fueled their resolve to restore the Temple to its rightful purpose.
The Maccabees cleansed the Temple , removing the pagan altar and all remnants of idolatry. They rebuilt the altar to the Lord and rededicated the Temple to the worship of the one true God. According to tradition, when the time came to relight the menorah—the seven-branched candelabrum that symbolized God’s eternal presence—the priests found only a single jar of consecrated oil, enough to burn for one day. Miraculously, (as the legend holds) the oil burned for eight days, allowing time for new oil to be prepared and consecrated. This miracle is the foundation of the Hanukkah celebration, commemorating God’s provision and faithfulness.
The rededication of the Temple was a profound moment of spiritual renewal for the Jewish people. It was not only a victory over their physical oppressors but also a reaffirmation of their covenant with God. The Maccabees’ triumph ensured the survival of Jewish worship and paved the way for the continued practice of the faith.
Judah Maccabee’s resolve to restore righteousness in Israel is an inspiring example of courage and faithfulness. Despite overwhelming odds, he led the charge to uphold God’s laws and restore proper worship. His story reminds us of Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:33:
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Like the Maccabees, we are called to fight against the forces of sin and corruption in our lives. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us:
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
This fight often requires perseverance, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to God’s truth. Judah’s example also echoes the call of 1 Timothy 6:12:
“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called.”
Believers must stand firm in their faith, resisting the pressures of a sinful world, and strive to live lives that reflect the righteousness of God.
I hope we can see the story of Hanukkah and how it holds deep significance for Believers in Yeshua (Jesus), as it highlights God’s providence in preserving His people and His promises. The Maccabees’ victory ensured that the Jewish faith and traditions would endure, setting the stage for the fulfillment of God’s ultimate plan—the coming of the Messiah.
Yeshua was born into a Jewish world where the worship of the one true God and the observance of Torah remained central. Had the Seleucid Empire succeeded in eradicating Jewish worship and imposing Hellenism, the spiritual foundation upon which Yeshua’s ministry was built could have been lost. The Maccabees’ faithfulness in defending the Temple and their commitment to God’s covenant preserved the Jewish identity and made it possible for Yeshua to be born in Bethlehem, as foretold by the prophets, and subsequently under Roman Empirical rule.
The Temple itself plays a crucial role in understanding Yeshua’s mission. During His ministry, Yeshua often taught in the Temple, and He referred to His own body as the true Temple (John 2:19-21). Just as the Maccabees cleansed and rededicated the physical Temple, Yeshua came to cleanse and restore humanity’s spiritual temple—the heart. His sacrifice on the cross provided the ultimate atonement, bringing reconciliation between God and His people.
This historical event echoes God’s command in Leviticus 11:44:
“For I am the Lord your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy.”
For Christians, the Temple is not a physical building but our own bodies and minds. Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20:
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
Like the Temple of old, our “temples” can become defiled by sin, distractions, and worldly influences. Romans 12:1-2 urges us to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, and to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Just as the Maccabees cleansed the physical Temple, we are called to cleanse ourselves spiritually, through repentance and a commitment to holiness.
Moreover, Hanukkah is a story of light overcoming darkness, a theme that resonates deeply with Yeshua’s identity as the “light of the world” (John 8:12). The menorah’s miraculous light serves as a reminder of God’s enduring presence and provision, pointing to Yeshua’s role in bringing the light of salvation to all who believe. But here, Jesus is the “shamash” (Great Light) – and the picture here is because He is the one who IS the Light – the lighting of the candles as traditionally done with a Hanukkiah, the shamash (taller) candle is lit and them the other candles are lit each day for eight days. This represents how Yeshua described himself in Hanukkah language that we are now light in the world that should not walk in darkness – ever solidifying the idea that we are the temple of the presence and essence of God – those of us who are following after Him.
The miracle of Hanukkah centers on the menorah, which burned for eight days on a single day’s supply of consecrated oil. This oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit, whose presence brings light, life, and power to God’s people. Zechariah 4:6 connects the oil to God’s Spirit:
“Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.”
The Maccabees’ dedication to restoring the articles of worship in the Temple is a reflection of our need to restore our relationship with the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised the gift of the Spirit to His followers in John 14:16-17:
“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth.”
As Christians, we are called to be continually filled with the Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 instructs:
“Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.”
Hanukkah’s alignment with Christmas Day this year is particularly meaningful. While Christmas celebrates the Light of the World—Jesus Christ—Hanukkah reminds us of the importance of being filled with His Spirit, restoring the “light” in our lives, and dedicating ourselves fully to Him.
So, for Believers in Yeshua, Hanukkah is more than a historical commemoration—it is a celebration of God’s faithfulness, provision, and deliverance. The story of the Maccabees challenges us to remain steadfast in our faith, even in the face of opposition and persecution. Just as the Maccabees refused to compromise their beliefs, we are called to stand firm in our commitment to God and His Word.
Hanukkah also serves as a reminder that God uses seemingly impossible circumstances to accomplish His purposes. The Maccabees, a small group of faithful warriors, overcame overwhelming odds because they trusted in God’s power rather than their own strength. Similarly, Yeshua’s humble birth in a manger and His eventual victory over sin and death demonstrate that God’s ways often defy human expectations.
As we light the Hanukkah candles, we are reminded of the light of Yeshua that shines in the darkness. The menorah’s flames symbolize hope, renewal, and the eternal presence of God. For Believers, Hanukkah can be a time to reflect on the miracles God has performed in our own lives and to rededicate ourselves to His service.
As we remember the Maccabees’ triumph and the rededication of the Temple, we are encouraged to remain steadfast in our faith and to let the light of Yeshua shine brightly in our lives. Through Hanukkah, we see the hand of God preparing the way for His ultimate plan of redemption, a plan fulfilled in the coming of Yeshua to Israel and to the world, which all of Christianity will celebrate this year at the same time. So while Hanukkah honors the preparation for the Mesiah to come, Christmas celebrates the advent of Yeshua, the Messiah, Emmanuel, who DID come… His first time. Isn’t it interesting they both fall on the same day this year? Maybe the significance could prove to engage conversations around the world as to who the Messiah really is. I encourage Believers and readers – think about honoring Hanukkah this year through the Shamash of Jesus – and take in more of His light as we understand more and more these things were taught and celebrated by our Jewish Messiah.
