UNIT STUDY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Story of Hanukkah

Resources

Books and Videos

Reproducible Worksheets/Handouts

Websites

Reference Books/ Research Resources/Maps

Lists

Bible Verses

People

Dates

Places

Vocabulary

Spelling Words

Hanukkah Crossword

Maps of Maccabean Period

“Watch out, and beware the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” ~Yeshua (Matthew 16:6-12)

The Story of Hanukkah1 Maccabees

Alexander the Great was king of Greece, after having defeated Darius of the Persians and the Medes. He developed a mysterious disease, and he died at his height of power. Having no heirs, his dynasty was split between his officials who, Scripture describes, “caused many evils on the earth.” {1:9}

Out of this evil lineage came an even more “sinful root” {1:10}, Antiochus Epiphanes, who became king of Greece in 175 BCE. During this time many “renegade” Jews, began encouraging others to reconnect with the Gentiles. Fearing further disaster, this solution pleased many, and “some of the people eagerly went to the king, who authorized them to observe the ordinances of the Gentiles. So they built a gymnasium in Jerusalem, according to Gentile custom, and removed marks of circumcision; and abandoned the holy covenant. They joined with the Gentiles and sold themselves to do evil.” {1:13-15}

Antiochus, upon having success in the eastern kingdoms, now sought to become king of Egypt. He defeated King Ptolemy and captured Egypt. Then, in 169 BCE, when Egypt was under his control, Antiochus set upon Israel, With sinful arrogance, he plundered the temple in Jerusalem, taking all of the holy vessels back to his own land. This brought great mourning to Israel.

Two years later, to a lamenting Jerusalem, Antiochus promised peace, but brought war. “Then the king wrote to his whole kingdom that all should be one people, and that all should give up their particular customs” {1:41} Antiochus forbid Jews from observing YHVH’s commandments, such as outlawing Sabbath worship, and demanded they worship him and his gods. He even bribed Jews, like Menelaus, into exacting his orders to “hellenize” their kinsmen. In a large part he succeeded, appointing inspectors to enact his orders, and many Jews willingly adopted the pagan customs and gave their allegiance to Antiochus. “They were to make themselves abominable by everything unclean and profane, so that they would forget the law and change all the ordinances.” under penalty of death. {1:48-50}

In the winter, what would be the middle of December, on 15 Kislev 167 BCE, those who forsook the law, placed a “desecrating sacrilege” (the abomination that causes desolation prophesied in Daniel 11:31), a statue of the pagan god, Zeus, upon the temple’s altar. And it only got worse. They built altars in the surrounding cities of Judah. “The books of the law that they found they tore to pieces and burned with fire. Anyone found possessing the book of the covenant, or anyone who adhered to the law, was condemned to death by decree of the king.” {1:56-58}

On the 25th day of Kislev 167 BCE, on the day recognized as the birthday of many pagan gods, the people offered a sacrifice to their god upon the holy altar of YHVH. They caused even more tragedy and evil in Israel, making profaning all that was holy, and murdering those who opposed them.

But like Daniel and his friends, there were faithful men to be found yet. ”Many in Israel stood firm and were resolved in their hearts not to eat unclean food. They chose to die rather than to be defiled by food or to profane the holy covenant; and they did die. Very great wrath came upon Israel.” {1:49-50}

Mattathias, a Jewish priest of Modein, a neighboring city of Jerusalem, saw the atrocities being committed, and gathered his five sons to mourn. They and refused to obey Antiochus’ blasphemous commands. He refused to be coerced through the officials soothsaying, and instead boldly announced,

“Even if all the nations that live under the rule of the king obey him, and have chosen to obey his commandments, everyone of them abandoning the religion of their ancestors, I and my sons and my brothers will continue to live by the covenant of our ancestors. Far be it from us to desert the law and the ordinances. We will not obey the king’s words by turning aside from our religion to the right hand or the left.” {2:19-22}

He “burned with zeal for the law” {2:26} and cried out for all those who were also zealous for the law to flee with him to the mountains. The king received word of this, and many were found and slaughtered without even a fight (for it was the Sabbath). Mattathias and his friends heard of this and decided to fight back.

They joined forces with the Hasideans, mighty warriors of Israel, and began planning a counter-attack. They tore down the pagan altars, forcibly circumcised all the uncircumcised males they found and hunted down the arrogant. YHVH was with them, and their plans prospered.

At Mattathias’ death {166 BCE}, he blessed his son, Judas, leaving him in charge of the armies, with this message:

“Arrogance and scorn have now become strong; it is a time of ruin and furious anger. Now, my children, show zeal for the law, and give your lives for the covenant of our ancestors.

Remember the deeds of the ancestors, which they did in their generations; and you will receive great honor and an everlasting name. Was not Abraham found faithful when tested, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness? Joseph in the time of his distress kept the commandment, and became lord of Egypt. Phinehas our ancestor, because he was deeply zealous, received the covenant of everlasting priesthood. Joshua, because he fulfilled the command, became a judge in Israel. Caleb, because he testified in the assembly, received an inheritance in the land. David, because he was merciful, inherited the throne of the kingdom forever. Elijah because of great zeal for the law, was taken up into heaven. Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael believed and were saved from the flame. Daniel, because of his innocence, was delivered from the mouth of the lions.

And so observe, from generation to generation, that none of those who put their trust in him will lack strength. Do not fear the words of sinners, for their splendor will turn to dung and worms. Today they will be exalted, but tomorrow they will not be found, because they will have returned to the dust, and their plans will have perished. My children, be courageous and grow strong in the law, for by it you will gain honor.

Here is your brother, Simeon who, I know, is wise in counsel; always listen to him; he shall be your father. Judas Maccabeus has been a mighty warrior from his youth; he shall command the army for you and fight the battle against the peoples. You shall rally around you all who observe the law, and avenge the wrong done to your people. Pay back the Gentiles in full, and obey the commands of the law.” ~1 Maccabees 2:49-68

**Abraham- Gen. 22; Joseph- Gen. 39-45; Phinehas- Num. 25; Joshua- Josh. 1; Caleb- Num. 13; David- 2 Sam. 7; Elijah- 1 Kings 18, 2 Kings 2; Hananiah, Azariah, Mishael & Daniel- Dan. 1-6

Judas (known as Maccabeus or “The Hammer”), had many victories in the beginning, but as opposing forces surrounded them with what seemed to be insurmountable odds, they remained faithful. They prayed for mercy and compassion, fasted and studied Scripture in preparation for battle. Judas and his army of 3000 men, barely armed, surprised the king’s official, Gorgias, and overtook the opposing army in Emmaus and pursued them from town to town, killing more than half. Then they turned back, in order not to be too greedy for gain, singing hymns and praises to Heaven “For he is good, for his mercy endures forever.” {4:24}, thus marking YHVH’s deliverance of Israel.

When Lysias, one of the king’s officials, heard that their plans had beenfoiled, he mustered a larger army, but was met with an even larger army led by Judas. Discouraged by the Maccabees’ boldness, Lysias retreated to Antioch to devise a better plan.

For now, Judas and his brothers had won. The set out to reclaim what their enemies had desecrated. Judas and blameless priests devoted to the law cleansed the sanctuary and removed the defiled stones. After some deliberation, they decided it would be best to tear down the defiled altar and build another from unhewn stones, as the law commanded. They rebuilt the sanctuary and inner areas of the temple, made new holy vessels and brought in a lampstand for light.

On the 25th day of Kislev, three years exactly from the date the Gentiles had profaned it, Judas and his men offered sacrifice on the rebuilt altar and worshipped the Lord. “So they celebrated the dedication of the altar for eight days, and joyfully offered burnt offerings; they offered a sacrifice of well-being and a thanksgiving offering. . .There was very great joy among the people, and the disgrace brought by the Gentiles was removed.” {4:56,58}

And so began the celebration of Hanukkah. “Judas and his brothers and all the assembly of Israel determined that every year at that season the days of dedication of the altar should be observed with joy and gladness for eight days, beginning with the twenty-fifth day of the month of Kislev.” {4:59}

"They celebrated it for eight days with rejoicing, in the manner of the festival of booths, remembering how not long before, during the festival of booths, they had been wandering in the mountains and caves like wild animals. Therefore, carrying ivy-wreathed wands and beautiful branches and also fronds of palm, they offered hymns of thanksgiving to him who had given success to the purifying of his own holy place. They decided by public

edict, ratified by vote, that the whole nation of the Jews should observe these days every year." {2 Maccabees 10:6-8}

Resources

Books and Videos used in this Lesson

**be careful if using any of these resources (other than the first), as many do not give a completely truthful account of Hanukkah

o Holy Scriptures: 1 Maccabeeso A Family Guide to the Biblical Holidays (Robin Sampson/Heart of Wisdom)o Jewish Holidays All Year Round ISBN: 0810905507o Celebrate! Stories of Jewish Holidays ISBN: 0590935038o The Little House Cookbook ISBN: 0064460908o Hanukkah Crafts ISBN: 0531112691o Celebrate: A Book of Jewish Holidays ISBN: 0448403021

Reproducible Worksheets and Handouts used in this Lessono I Shpy: http://www.chabad.org/media/pdf/103/hFnD1038888.pdf

Websites used in this Lesson o Torah Tots Chanukah: http://www.torahtots.com/holidays/chanuka/chanuk.htm

o Miracle of the Maccabees (audio): *only until 25:18 http://www.chabad.org/multimedia/media_cdo/aid/219028/jewish/Miracle-of-the-Maccabees.htm

o Karaite Comments: The Truth About Chanukah- http://hubpages.com/hub/Karaite-Comments-The-Truth-About-Chanukah

o What To Do With Chanukah?? http://homeshalom.blogspot.com/2010/11/what-to-do-with-chanukah.html

o Maccabees: The Full Wiki- http://www.thefullwiki.org/Maccabeeso A Rich Tradition, Jewish war lessons-

http://www.factsofisrael.com/blog/archives/000537.html

Reference Books / Research Resources / Mapso Bitsela Gallery of Free Jewish Clipart: http://free-bitsela.com/?page_id=580o Clipart ETC: http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/sitemap/sitemap.phpo Free Bible Clip Art by Phillip Martin: http://bible.phillipmartin.info/index.htmo Bible Maps: http://www.preceptaustin.org/bible_maps.htmo Intertestamental Maps: http://www.bible-history.com/links.php?

cat=14&sub=355&cat_name=Intertestamental&subcat_name=Maps

Lists

Bible Verses

o 1 Maccabeeso 2:19-22o Last words of Mattathias: 2:49-69o 3:17-19

o 2 Maccabees 10o 1 John 1:5

“And this is the message which we have heard from him and proclaim to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him - none!”

o John 8:12 “Yeshua spoke to them again: ‘I am the light of the world; whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light which gives life.’"

o Psalm 27:1 “YHVH is my light and salvation; whom do I need to fear? YHVH is the stronghold of my life; of whom should I be afraid?”

o John 10:22-28 (Yeshua said this on the pagan winter solstice)"Then came Hanukkah in Yerushalayim. It was winter, and Yeshua was walking around inside the Temple area, in Shlomo's Colonnade. So the Judeans surrounded him and said to him, "How much longer are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us publicly!" Yeshua answered them, "I have already told you, and you don't trust me. The works I do in my Father's name testify on my behalf, but the reason you don't trust is that you are not included among my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice, I recognize them, they follow me, and I give them eternal life. They will absolutely never be destroyed, and no one will snatch them from my hands.’”

o John 10:34-38 “Yeshua answered them, ‘Isn't it written in your Torah, “I have said, ‘You people are Elohim' "? If he called `elohim' the people to whom the word of Elohim was addressed (and the Tanakh cannot be broken), then are you telling the one whom the Father set apart as holy and sent into the world, `You are committing blasphemy,' just because I said, `I am a son of Elohim'? "If I am not doing deeds that reflect my Father's power, don't trust me. But if I am, then, even if you don't trust me, trust the deeds; so that you may understand once and for all that the Father is united with me, and I am united with the Father.’"

o Revelation 21:22“I saw no Temple in the city, for YHVH, God of heaven's armies, is its Temple, as is the Lamb.”

People to Know:

o Alexander the Great - King of Greeceo Antiochus Epiphanes - Syrian/Greek kingo Menelaus - Jew who bribed Antiochus to become high priest, in charge of

hellenizing Jewso Lysias - distinguished man of royal lineage, put in charge of king’s affairs from

Euphrates to Egypto Gorgias - led king’s army in Battle of Emmauso Matthias (Mattathias)- Jewish priest of Modin (near Jerusalem)o Judas (Judah) Maccabeus - son of Matthias, led army against Antiochuso Hasideans - mighty warriors of Israel who “offered themselves willingly for

the law” and joined forces with the Maccabeeso Yeshua - “the light of the world”, most likely conceived on Hanukkah

Dates to Know:

o 174 BCE- Antiochus Epiphanes becomes kingo 15 Kislev 167 BCE- king’s people set up desolating sacrilege on the altar of

burnt offering (in the temple)o 25 Kislev, 167 BCE- Antiochus offered sacrifice to Zeus on the altar (on same

day as pagan god’s birthday) **fulfills “abomination of desolation” prophecy in Daniel (Dan. 9:27;11:31)

o 166 BCE- Mattathias dieso 25 Kislev 164 BCE- rededication of the templeo 25 Kislev (Chislev)– beginning of Hanukkah (should be observed with joy &

gladness for 8 days)

Places to Know:

o Egypto Judeao Israel (Jerusalem)

o Jerusalemo Modein- birthplace of Mattathias

o Emmauso Euphrates River

o Mount Zion

Vocabulary:

*definitions from Webster’s 1828 Dictionary: http://www.1828-dictionary.com

o Hellenize - to give a Greek form or character too Gentile - In the scriptures, a pagan; a worshipper of false gods; any person

not a Jew or a christian; a heathen.o abomination - extreme hatred; detestationo sacrilege - the crime of violating or profaning sacred thingso idolatry - the worship of idols, images, or any thing made by hands, or which

is not Godo gymnasium - In Greece, a place where athletic [and academic] exercises were

performedo ordinance - rule established by authority; a permanent rule of action. An

ordinance may be a law or statute of sovereign power, observance commanded

o revolt - to renounce allegiance and subjection to one's prince or stateo persecution - to affliction, harassment, or destruction for adherence to a

particular creed or system of religious principles, or to a mode of worshipo fast - to abstain from food voluntarily, for the mortification of the body or

appetites, or as a token of grief, sorrow and affliction.o feast - a ceremony of dining; joy and thanksgiving on stated days, in

commemoration of some great evento zeal - eagerness of desire to accomplish or obtain some object, and it may be

manifested either in favor of any person or thing, or in opposition to it, and in a good or bad cause

o thanksgiving - the act of rendering thanks or expressing gratitude for favors or mercies.

o dedication - the act of consecrating to a divine Being, or to a sacred use; the act of devoting or giving to

Spelling Words

o Maccabeeso Jerusalem

o Israelo Euphrates

http://www.britannica.com/bps/media-view?1

http://www.bible-history.com/ancient_maps/map_kingdom_alexander_jannaeus_israel.swf