Hanukkah: The Bible tells us we need to support Israel

Hanukkah (Chanukah), the Festival of Lights, starts on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev and lasts for eight days. In 2016 Hanukkah begins at sundown on Dec. 24 and ends sundown on Dec. 31, 2016. With blessings, games and festive foods, Hanukkah celebrates the triumphs — both religious and military — of ancient Jewish heroes.

Hanukkah is not as prominent in the Jewish year as is Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur or the Passover. However, in the United States, Christmas and its gift-giving tradition have brought attention to Hanukkah; and I would like you to know about this important episode.

The events preceding Hanukkah took place during a turbulent phase of Jewish history. Antiochus III, the King of Syria, who reigned from 222-186 B.C., fought with King Ptolemy of Egypt over the possession of the land of Israel. Antiochus III was victorious and Israel was annexed to the Syrian Empire. At first, he ruled favorably toward the Jews. Later on, however, when the Romans conquered him and demanded heavy tribute or taxes, the people of his empire, including Jews, were forced to furnish the gold and silver.

But perils also threatened Judaism from within, for Hellenistic influence was increasing. Yochanan, the High Priest, realized that the pagan influence was overtaking the Holy Land, and the observant Jews would never give up their faith in God and accept the Syrian idol-worship. But many of the Jews were leaving the faith, and were in favor of this “modernization” which generated civil strife.

Antiochus IV Epiphanes began ruling around 175 B.C. One of his major goals was to Hellenize his empire which entailed replacing local customs with Greek culture, including Greek religion and philosophy. In Judah that would have drastic consequences.

He outlawed the Jewish religion and ordered the Jews to worship Greek gods. In 168 B.C., his soldiers attacked Jerusalem, killing thousands of people and desecrating the Second Temple by setting up an altar to Zeus inside the Temple. He also sacrificed pigs both on the altar and within the Temple.

Led by the Jewish priest Mattathias and his five sons, the Jews rebelled against Antiochus and the Seleucid monarchy. When Mattathias died in 166 B.C., his son Judah, known as “Judah the Hammer” (or Judah Maccabee), took the lead. Within two years the Jews (called the Maccabees) drove the Syrians out of Jerusalem, primarily by using guerrilla warfare.

The Maccabees returned to Jerusalem. But Judah and his followers had to cleanse the Temple, rebuild its altar, and light its menorah — that is the candelabrum whose seven branches represented knowledge and creation. The candles were supposed to be burning every night.

The Jews entered the Temple and removed the idols placed there by the Syrians. They also washed the walls, floor, and built a new altar which was dedicated on the 25th of the month of Kislev.

According to the Talmud (a record of rabbinic teachings that spans a period of about 600 years, beginning in the first century A.D. and continuing through the seventh century), Judah Maccabee and the others who took part in the rededication of the Second Temple witnessed a miracle. Even though there was only enough sacred oil to keep the menorah’s candles burning for one day, the flames continued flickering for eight days which gave them time to create a fresh supply. This event inspired the Jewish leaders to proclaim a yearly eight-day Festival of Lights: Hannukah. (The first Book of the Maccabees makes no reference to the miracle of the oil.)

Judea was again free (temporarily), and all neighboring nations who had oppressed Israel were defeated. Within seven months of defeating the Syrians, celebrations and festivity transformed Jerusalem and the Holy Temple. The Jewish people expressed their joy and gratitude to God in the form of psalms and offerings, for once again He restored glory and liberty throughout the Land.

In the past several decades Israel has been going through exceedingly tough times, and several of our presidents and congressional leaders have not supported her. But we need to work for and pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Genesis 12:3 says, “I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you.”

If we do not support Israel, we might find ourselves on the wrong side of God’s favor. Let our voices and votes resound in Washington, and let’s bless Israel.

— Gene Linzey is a speaker, author, and former pastor. He is president of the Siloam Springs Writers Guild. Send comments and questions to masters. servant@cox.net. The opinions expressed are those of the author.