The Biblical Backstory Of Hanukkah

We travel back into the timeline of the Bible to uncover a fascinating connection between the stories of Antiochus Epiphanes IV and Jesus.

While Hanukkah is widely known as the Festival of Lights, and is enjoyed by millions around the world each year, many are unaware of its Biblical backstory.

From the perspective of the Old Testament book of Daniel, we can draw a connection between Hanukkah and Antiochus Epiphanes IV, who, in 167 BCE, desecrated a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem and attempted to ban their religious, cultural and civil practices. His oppressive rule acted as a trigger for the Maccabees, who eventually liberated the Jews from their oppressor.

Over two thousand years later, this brave stand still has an impact on us all—for although we may not change our circumstances overnight, we still must learn from them how to fight oppression and maintain our faith in ourselves against all odds.

This crucial link can help us think differently about the Festival of Lights, known as Hanukkah. We must remember that one day there will be another "Antiochus" to come onto the scene, so we must always remain vigilant and prepared for his arrival.

Through this episode, we can better understand Hanukkah's significance, and also discover why it is so important to be ready for another tumultuous time in Jewish history.