Post by R' Y'hoshua Moshe on Dec 12, 2004 19:31:34 GMT -8
The following is an article by Rabbi Davis that many of you may enjoy...
Happy Chanukkah! As Messianic Believers, Chanukkah has an important message
for us.
Hanukkah: In Hebrew it Means Dedication but it is variously called The
Festival of Lights as Well
As a Jewish believer in Yeshua HaMashiach celebrating the Festival of
Hanukkah, I soon saw a correlation between this festival and Yeshua.
Hanukkah though not a commanded festival is obviously G-d approved as
Yeshua also celebrated it. In John 10:22-23 we read the following:
And it was at Jerusalem "the feast of the dedication," and it was winter.
And Verse 23 And Jesus (Yeshua) walked in the temple in Solomon's porch.
Hanukkah carries a relevant message for Christians as well as Jews. We all
know that G-d's (7) Festivals are but a rehearsal or prophetic
foretelling of events now come and to come. The Hebrew word for festivals
Moadim tells us that. On the Festival prophetic time table Yeshua has
fulfilled (4) of the Festivals: Passover (He was the Passover Lamb); Feast
of Unleavened Bread (He was without sin); Feast of First Fruits (He was the
first to be resurrected); and Pentecost or Shavuot; (YHVH Elohim gave us the
(Law) on this date and then in NT times gave us the Ruach HaKodesh
(Holy Spirit) empowering us to live it). In the time line of prophetic
history we have now arrived at Festival number (5) The Feast of Trumpets
which foretells the "gathering up of the saints."
Tonight we celebrate Hanukkah; a unique festival that foretells some very
exciting events and confirms G-d's plans for his "called out" people through
Yeshua HaMashiach, "Jesus" the Messiah.
We first need to look at this festival historically. Traditionally, on the
25th of Kislev, Jews everywhere celebrate the miracle associated with the
defeat of the Syrian king Antiochus (175-163-B.C.), who titled himself
Epiphanies, Greek for "god- manifest." Antiochus has come to typify the
anti-Messiah, the "anti-Christ" of the latter days, and also is the one
responsible for the "abomination of desolation" referred to in Daniel
8:11-13 and in Matthew 24:15 where Yeshua spoke of him as a forerunner of
what we are to look for in the end of days.
Mat 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken
of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him
understand)
Now Yeshua was speaking after the event that produced this festival and
therefore was using the historical example of Antiochus Epiphanies as a
signpost to look for in these "end of days."
Antiochus undertook a systematic effort to stamp out Judaism: prohibiting
circumcision, Sabbath observance and even possession of the Holy Scriptures.
He murdered Jewish mothers and their children when the mothers had their
children circumcised. In the face of stubborn resistance, he intensified his
oppression and later ordered his soldiers to set up a statute of the Greek
god Jupiter (also known as Zeus) in the Holy of Holies and sacrificed pigs
to it. This action led to a revolt by Mattathias (Matityahu) a priest, and
the Maccabees, so called after Judah who was nicknamed Maccaheus, "The
Hammer," because of his aggressive fighting style. The Jews fought so
fiercely that in two years the Syrians sued for peace.
In December 164 B.C. (the 25th day of Kislev) three years to the day
since the Syrians had begun sacrificing pigs at the Temple, the Jewish
rebels rededicated the Temple and brought sacrifices in G-d's honor. The
miracle associated with this festival occurred after the Jewish troops
retook the Temple. They could only find one cruse of uncontaminated olive
oil, which was necessary to rededicate the Temple. The amount they found was
sufficient for only one day, and it took eight days to prepare ritually
permitted oil. However, a miracle happened and the small quantity of oil
continued to burn the full eight days.
Each Hanukkah the Jewish family gathers for eight nights and lights one
candle on the special Hanukkah Menorah each successive night. Prayers or
said and songs chanted. The Menorah is placed in a window so that the
passersby can see it from the street to "publicize the miracle" of G-d's
grace. This is the sole function for the Hanukkah candles and it is
forbidden to use them for any other purpose. It is traditional that while
the candles burn Jewish women relax and do not work.
A popular children's game during Hanukkah is the spinning of the
dreidl, a four sided figure that spins like a top. On each side a Hebrew
letter is printed: nun, gimmel, hay, shin, which makes the acronym, "nes
gadol haya sham"-a great miracle happened there (Israel).
During repressions of Judaism where even Hebrew was forbidden this
same dreidl was used to teach Hebrew to Jewish Children by their parents. It
being permitted because the authorities thought it was a game of chance.
Hanukkah like Christmas has become
commercialized and because of its close proximity to Christmas it has led
many Jewish parents to convert it into a major gift giving holiday giving a
gift to their children on each of the eight days of celebration.
The Menorah used exclusively for Hanukkah has nine openings or branches
for candles and is unlike the seven branches Menorah, which is the symbol of
Israel. The middle candle is known as the Servant candle. It is lit first
and used to light each of the other candles. The seven branch Menorah is
designed after the almond tree while the Hanukkah Menorah's two extra
branches are designed from the olive tree foreshadowing Paul's (Sha'ul's)
treatise in Roman's 11:17-18 where he speaks of the wild olive tree
(Gentiles) being grafted into Israel. In 520 B.C. two contemporary prophets,
Haggai and Zechariah predicted a special blessing for the 24th of Kislev
(Haggai 2:18-19), and Zechariah (4:1-7) predicted the addition of two more
lamps on the Menorah and added that YHVH (G-d) shall bring forth the
Headstone therefore with shoutings, crying Grace, Grace unto it. The
implication is that these two lamps (olive branches) are added to the other
seven making a total of nine lamps-a Hanukkah Menorah. Moreover, is it not
Yeshua the Headstone ushering in a new age of Grace as the Servant Lamp,
who by virtue of His sacrifice as the Paschal Lamb brings us into
reconciliation with YHVH Elohim. Consider that in Luke 2:30-32 Yeshua is
described as a "light unto the Gentiles". In Revelation 1:16, Yeshua is
described standing in the middle of a Menorah in the position of the Servant
Lamp and Yochanan (John) described "his countenance was like the sun shining
in it strength." It appears He is the fulfillment of the Servant Lamp in the
Menorah. The Jewish sages wrote in the Jerusalem Talmud, (Yoma 43:3) that
when Simeon, the priest described in (Luke 2:29), whose death had been
delayed until he beheld, the Messiah, the infant Yeshua; the Servant Lamp
in the Menorah went out and would not relight for the forty years prior to
the destruction of the Temple by the Romans in 70 AD. The amazing thing
attested to is that it went out during Yeshua's ministry. Further evidence
is found in Hebrew numerology. Eight is a transcendent number in Hebrew
tradition and represents deity and a new beginning. Seven represents perfect
humanity. The Hanukkah Menorah features eight candles (deity) and one candle
(the servant candle). Perfect humanity (represented by the number seven)
obtains life only after the Servant Candle ignites them, having seven
candles contained within the nine candled Menorah may be interpreted as
"perfect humanity" or imputed righteousness by virtue of the work of the
Servant Candle who is also YHVH (Incarnate Deity represented by the number
eight).
The blessing of Hanukah, with its eight days and eight lamps, reminds
us that eight is associated with superabundance and the birth from above. It
speaks of G-d's unmerited favor, chesed, the grace that is extended to the
blessed remnant of the faithful, Jew and Gentile alike. In this century,
another great day took place on the 24th of Kislev, Hanukah. It was the
declaration of the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine. General
Alleby whose name in Arabic means Allah Bey, which means Prophet of G-d
marched upon Jerusalem and the Turks fled leaving a bloodless victory and
this came upon December 9, 1917 which just happened to be the 24th of
Kislev, the eve of Hanukkah. The Holy city was delivered from captivity. The
eight days of Hanukkah may also be associated with the eighth day when
Jewish infants are circumcised, eight different garments worn by the high
priest, and the eight days of Passover. The 25th of Kislev is also the date
the Tabernacle was finished in the wilderness and the day YHVH blessed Noah
with the rainbow. The nine candles of the Hanukkah can also be likened to
the nine blessings of the Beatitudes (Matt. 5:3-11) and the nine fold "fruit
of the Spirit" (Gal. 5:22). Even hasatan, the adversary whose name Lucifer
means "light bearer", suggests his desire to usurp Yeshua in His role as
the Servant Candle.
Lastly, I want you to look at the Shield of Israel that represents a seven
lamp Menorah with two olive branches making two more lamps. The leaves of
the olive branches respectively are twelve in number. In Revelation, we read
of the 24 elders representing the elders of Israel. This also represents the
12 patriarchs and the twelve apostles. So even the shield of Israel carries
the message of Hanukkah. Jew and Gentile, one, under the Kippur (covering)
of the blood of Yeshua.
May the lessons of Hanukkah be a blessing to all, Baruch HaShem (Blessed be
His name)!
Rabbi Davis
for us.
Hanukkah: In Hebrew it Means Dedication but it is variously called The
Festival of Lights as Well
As a Jewish believer in Yeshua HaMashiach celebrating the Festival of
Hanukkah, I soon saw a correlation between this festival and Yeshua.
Hanukkah though not a commanded festival is obviously G-d approved as
Yeshua also celebrated it. In John 10:22-23 we read the following:
And it was at Jerusalem "the feast of the dedication," and it was winter.
And Verse 23 And Jesus (Yeshua) walked in the temple in Solomon's porch.
Hanukkah carries a relevant message for Christians as well as Jews. We all
know that G-d's (7) Festivals are but a rehearsal or prophetic
foretelling of events now come and to come. The Hebrew word for festivals
Moadim tells us that. On the Festival prophetic time table Yeshua has
fulfilled (4) of the Festivals: Passover (He was the Passover Lamb); Feast
of Unleavened Bread (He was without sin); Feast of First Fruits (He was the
first to be resurrected); and Pentecost or Shavuot; (YHVH Elohim gave us the
(Law) on this date and then in NT times gave us the Ruach HaKodesh(Holy Spirit) empowering us to live it). In the time line of prophetic
history we have now arrived at Festival number (5) The Feast of Trumpets
which foretells the "gathering up of the saints."
Tonight we celebrate Hanukkah; a unique festival that foretells some very
exciting events and confirms G-d's plans for his "called out" people through
Yeshua HaMashiach, "Jesus" the Messiah.
We first need to look at this festival historically. Traditionally, on the
25th of Kislev, Jews everywhere celebrate the miracle associated with the
defeat of the Syrian king Antiochus (175-163-B.C.), who titled himself
Epiphanies, Greek for "god- manifest." Antiochus has come to typify the
anti-Messiah, the "anti-Christ" of the latter days, and also is the one
responsible for the "abomination of desolation" referred to in Daniel
8:11-13 and in Matthew 24:15 where Yeshua spoke of him as a forerunner of
what we are to look for in the end of days.
Mat 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken
of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him
understand)
Now Yeshua was speaking after the event that produced this festival and
therefore was using the historical example of Antiochus Epiphanies as a
signpost to look for in these "end of days."
Antiochus undertook a systematic effort to stamp out Judaism: prohibiting
circumcision, Sabbath observance and even possession of the Holy Scriptures.
He murdered Jewish mothers and their children when the mothers had their
children circumcised. In the face of stubborn resistance, he intensified his
oppression and later ordered his soldiers to set up a statute of the Greek
god Jupiter (also known as Zeus) in the Holy of Holies and sacrificed pigs
to it. This action led to a revolt by Mattathias (Matityahu) a priest, and
the Maccabees, so called after Judah who was nicknamed Maccaheus, "The
Hammer," because of his aggressive fighting style. The Jews fought so
fiercely that in two years the Syrians sued for peace.
In December 164 B.C. (the 25th day of Kislev) three years to the day
since the Syrians had begun sacrificing pigs at the Temple, the Jewish
rebels rededicated the Temple and brought sacrifices in G-d's honor. The
miracle associated with this festival occurred after the Jewish troops
retook the Temple. They could only find one cruse of uncontaminated olive
oil, which was necessary to rededicate the Temple. The amount they found was
sufficient for only one day, and it took eight days to prepare ritually
permitted oil. However, a miracle happened and the small quantity of oil
continued to burn the full eight days.
Each Hanukkah the Jewish family gathers for eight nights and lights one
candle on the special Hanukkah Menorah each successive night. Prayers or
said and songs chanted. The Menorah is placed in a window so that the
passersby can see it from the street to "publicize the miracle" of G-d's
grace. This is the sole function for the Hanukkah candles and it is
forbidden to use them for any other purpose. It is traditional that while
the candles burn Jewish women relax and do not work.
A popular children's game during Hanukkah is the spinning of the
dreidl, a four sided figure that spins like a top. On each side a Hebrew
letter is printed: nun, gimmel, hay, shin, which makes the acronym, "nes
gadol haya sham"-a great miracle happened there (Israel).
During repressions of Judaism where even Hebrew was forbidden this
same dreidl was used to teach Hebrew to Jewish Children by their parents. It
being permitted because the authorities thought it was a game of chance.
Hanukkah like Christmas has become
commercialized and because of its close proximity to Christmas it has led
many Jewish parents to convert it into a major gift giving holiday giving a
gift to their children on each of the eight days of celebration.
The Menorah used exclusively for Hanukkah has nine openings or branches
for candles and is unlike the seven branches Menorah, which is the symbol of
Israel. The middle candle is known as the Servant candle. It is lit first
and used to light each of the other candles. The seven branch Menorah is
designed after the almond tree while the Hanukkah Menorah's two extra
branches are designed from the olive tree foreshadowing Paul's (Sha'ul's)
treatise in Roman's 11:17-18 where he speaks of the wild olive tree
(Gentiles) being grafted into Israel. In 520 B.C. two contemporary prophets,
Haggai and Zechariah predicted a special blessing for the 24th of Kislev
(Haggai 2:18-19), and Zechariah (4:1-7) predicted the addition of two more
lamps on the Menorah and added that YHVH (G-d) shall bring forth the
Headstone therefore with shoutings, crying Grace, Grace unto it. The
implication is that these two lamps (olive branches) are added to the other
seven making a total of nine lamps-a Hanukkah Menorah. Moreover, is it not
Yeshua the Headstone ushering in a new age of Grace as the Servant Lamp,
who by virtue of His sacrifice as the Paschal Lamb brings us into
reconciliation with YHVH Elohim. Consider that in Luke 2:30-32 Yeshua is
described as a "light unto the Gentiles". In Revelation 1:16, Yeshua is
described standing in the middle of a Menorah in the position of the Servant
Lamp and Yochanan (John) described "his countenance was like the sun shining
in it strength." It appears He is the fulfillment of the Servant Lamp in the
Menorah. The Jewish sages wrote in the Jerusalem Talmud, (Yoma 43:3) that
when Simeon, the priest described in (Luke 2:29), whose death had been
delayed until he beheld, the Messiah, the infant Yeshua; the Servant Lamp
in the Menorah went out and would not relight for the forty years prior to
the destruction of the Temple by the Romans in 70 AD. The amazing thing
attested to is that it went out during Yeshua's ministry. Further evidence
is found in Hebrew numerology. Eight is a transcendent number in Hebrew
tradition and represents deity and a new beginning. Seven represents perfect
humanity. The Hanukkah Menorah features eight candles (deity) and one candle
(the servant candle). Perfect humanity (represented by the number seven)
obtains life only after the Servant Candle ignites them, having seven
candles contained within the nine candled Menorah may be interpreted as
"perfect humanity" or imputed righteousness by virtue of the work of the
Servant Candle who is also YHVH (Incarnate Deity represented by the number
eight).
The blessing of Hanukah, with its eight days and eight lamps, reminds
us that eight is associated with superabundance and the birth from above. It
speaks of G-d's unmerited favor, chesed, the grace that is extended to the
blessed remnant of the faithful, Jew and Gentile alike. In this century,
another great day took place on the 24th of Kislev, Hanukah. It was the
declaration of the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine. General
Alleby whose name in Arabic means Allah Bey, which means Prophet of G-d
marched upon Jerusalem and the Turks fled leaving a bloodless victory and
this came upon December 9, 1917 which just happened to be the 24th of
Kislev, the eve of Hanukkah. The Holy city was delivered from captivity. The
eight days of Hanukkah may also be associated with the eighth day when
Jewish infants are circumcised, eight different garments worn by the high
priest, and the eight days of Passover. The 25th of Kislev is also the date
the Tabernacle was finished in the wilderness and the day YHVH blessed Noah
with the rainbow. The nine candles of the Hanukkah can also be likened to
the nine blessings of the Beatitudes (Matt. 5:3-11) and the nine fold "fruit
of the Spirit" (Gal. 5:22). Even hasatan, the adversary whose name Lucifer
means "light bearer", suggests his desire to usurp Yeshua in His role as
the Servant Candle.
Lastly, I want you to look at the Shield of Israel that represents a seven
lamp Menorah with two olive branches making two more lamps. The leaves of
the olive branches respectively are twelve in number. In Revelation, we read
of the 24 elders representing the elders of Israel. This also represents the
12 patriarchs and the twelve apostles. So even the shield of Israel carries
the message of Hanukkah. Jew and Gentile, one, under the Kippur (covering)
of the blood of Yeshua.
May the lessons of Hanukkah be a blessing to all, Baruch HaShem (Blessed be
His name)!
Rabbi Davis
