The Feast of Hanukkah: Testimony to Bible Prophecy

The Jewish community worldwide lights candles in celebration of the Hanukkah festival. The dramatic story behind this festival not only shows us God's faithfulness, but also the certain reliability of prophecy!

by James Capó

In the year 167 B.C., the worship of God in Judea was on the edge of extinction, ready to be wholly swallowed up by pagan Greek worship being forced on the people by the powerful ruler of Syria and Judea, Antiochus IV, also known as Antiochus Epiphanes. This title meant "Illustrious," but his rule was more gruesome than glorious, as he inflicted intensely cruel punishments and death on any Jew who remained faithful to the worship of God.

But God would prove faithful to those among His people who remained loyal to Him. He had foretold through the prophet Daniel that great troubles would come on the people of Judah, but He also foretold their deliverance in one of the most detailed and astonishing prophecies recorded in the Bible!

The story begins

In preparation for an attack against Egypt, King Antiochus had to unify and strengthen his vast territory, especially his southern border of Judea, which would be the staging area for a push into Egypt.

Part of his plan involved a Jew named Menelaus, who had bribed his way into the office of high priest of the Jews with the promise of high tribute payments and the assurance that he would assist the king in "hellenizing" the Jews; that is, encouraging them to adopt the Greek (Hellenistic) culture.

Though the Jewish leaders at first thought they could hellenize their community while still retaining their unique form of worship, the people perceived pagan Hellenism as a threat. While many in leadership positions within the Jewish community were quick to adopt the trappings of Greek culture, the general populace was slow to follow.

Read the full article at www.gnmagazine.org/issues/gn49/hanukkah.htm

Related Information on UCG Sites:

Table of Contents that includes "The Feast of Hanukkah: Testimony to Bible Prophecy"
Other Articles by James Capo

Hanukkah:

Antiochus:

Jewish history:

Bible prophecy:

Search Our Site
Key Subjects Index
General Topics Index
Biblical References Index
Good News Magazine Index
Booklets and All Literature Index
Home Page of this site