By Maria Merola אריאל
© Copyright Double Portion Inheritance, December 2022
Those who do not understand the history, (nor the prophetic significance) of Chanukkah often make erroneous statements such as “Chanukkah is nothing more than a Jewish replacement for Christmas!”
In our Western Culture, it has become politically correct to combine these two “holidays” together, as if they mean the same thing, but they do not. As a matter of fact, these two celebrations are diametrically opposed to one another!
If I could use an analogy, (to put it in a nutshell), Christ-Mass is like celebrating the day you jumped into mud-puddle with your brand new, white wedding gown on. Conversely, Chanukkah celebrates the day you took a bath, and brought your wedding gown to the Dry Cleaners.
Celebrating Christmas is like celebrating the day you cheated on your spouse and got divorced. Chanukkah celebrates the day that you repented; got all cleaned up, and reunited with your spouse. You cannot simultaneously celebrate getting filthy with getting cleaned up at the same time!
To learn more, see my blog: Chanukkah is The Opposite of Christ-Mass!
The word CHANUKKAH is found in Scripture exactly 8 times in connection with the DEDICATION of YaHuWaH’s Temple, and it is quite the opposite of something pagan or secular.
Now, is it wrong for people to pervert Chanukkah, by blending it with Christ-Mass? Absolutely!
Chanukkah is the ANTI-THESIS to Christ-Mass!
Christ-Mass celebrates the defiling of the Temple with Zeus worship on December 25th. Chanukkah celebrates the CLEANSING & REDEDICATION of YaHuWaH’s Temple!
It also celebrates the conception of Messiah on the 24th day of the 9th Hebrew month (Haggai 2:18-20).
In the Towrah & Prophets, we are commanded to dedicate (chanukkah) the Temple and the altar, whenever it becomes defiled. What follows is eight mentions in Scripture where the Temple was dedicated or rededicated to YaHuWaH.
Bemidbar (Numbers) 7:84 This was the
DEDICATION/CHANUKKAH of the altar, in the day when it was anointed, by the princes of Yisra’el: twelve chargers of silver, twelve silver bowls, twelve spoons of gold:
Bemidbar (Numbers) 7:88 And all the oxen for the sacrifice of the peace offerings were twenty and four bullocks, the rams sixty, the he goats sixty, the lambs of the first year sixty. This was the DEDICATION/CHANUKKAH of the altar, after that it was anointed.
2nd Dibre ha’Yamiym (Chronicles) 7:9 And in the eighth day they made a solemn assembly: for they kept the DEDICATION/CHANUKKAH of the altar seven days, and the feast seven days.
Ezra 6:16 And the children of Yisra’el, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the DEDICATION/CHANUKKAH of this house of Elohiym with joy.
Ezra 6:17 And offered at the DEDICATION/CHANUKKAH of this house of Elohiym an hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Yisra’el, twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Yisra’el.
Nechemyah (Nehemiah) 12:27 And at the DEDICATION/CHANUKKAH of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Yerushalayim (Jerusalem), to keep the DEDICATION/CHANUKKAH with gladness, both with thanksgivings, and with singing, with cymbals, psalteries, and with harps.
Yahuwchanon (John) 10:22 And it was at Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) the feast of the DEDICATION/CHANUKKAH, and it was winter.
The Law of the Leper for Seven Days & on the Eighth Day He is Cleansed
In 2nd Kings 5:10-14, the prophet Elisha instructed the Syrian Naaman to wash himself seven times in the Jordan River, and after he did this, his leprosy would be healed!
The prophet Elisha obviously knew what the Towrah instructed concerning “The Law of the Leper,” in Leviticus 14, and that he would be unclean for seven days, but on the eighth day he would be cleansed. Naaman dipped himself seven times (once for each day of uncleanness, and then he was cleansed! So you see, the number “eight” represents salvation and newness of life!
Wayyiqra (Leviticus) 14:
1 And YHWH spoke unto Mosheh, saying,
2 This shall be the Towrah (law) of the leper in the day of his cleansing: He shall be brought unto the priest:
3 And the priest shall go forth out of the camp; and the priest shall look, and, behold, if the plague of leprosy be healed in the leper;
4 Then shall the priest command to take for him that is to be cleansed two birds alive and clean, and cedar wood, and scarlet, and hyssop:
5 And the priest shall command that one of the birds be killed in an earthen vessel over running water:
6 As for the living bird, he shall take it, and the cedar wood, and the scarlet, and the hyssop, and shall DIP them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water:
7 And he shall SPRINKLE upon him that is to be CLEANSED from the leprosy SEVEN TIMES, and shall pronounce him CLEAN, and shall let the living bird loose into the open field.
8 And he that is to be CLEANSED shall wash his clothes, and shave off all his hair, and wash himself in water, that he may be clean: and after that he shall come into the camp, and shall tarry abroad out of his tent SEVEN DAYS.
9 But it shall be ON THE SEVENTH DAY, that he shall shave all his hair off his head and his beard and his eyebrows, even all his hair he shall shave off: and he shall wash his clothes, also he shall wash his flesh in water, and he shall be CLEAN.
10 And ON THE EIGHTH DAY he shall take two he lambs without blemish, and one ewe lamb of the first year without blemish, and three tenth deals of fine flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, and one log of oil.
11 And the priest that make him CLEAN shall present the man that is to be made CLEAN, and those things, before YHWH, at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation:
What we see from the law for the leper is a microcosm of Chanukkah! It is a personal cleansing of our body (our temple) and then a rededication on the eighth day!
Leprosy is a metaphor for becoming unclean due to sinfulness. Therefore, whenever we become unclean, due to sinfulness, it is commanded that we cleanse ourselves by repenting and by rededicating ourselves to YaHuWaH. And since our body is a Temple for the Holy Spirit, we should also do the same for our own personal lives.
Those who are opposed to celebrating Chanukkah or Puwriym falsely claim that these two holidays are “extra-biblical,” even though they are found throughout the Scriptures.
These biblical holidays have rich historical and prophetic meaning, even though they are not part of the seven festivals commanded in Leviticus 23.
I often hear those in the community believers claim that to celebrate Chanukkah & Puwriym (Purim) is “Adding to the Towrah.”
However, this is not scripturally sound reasoning, because it flies in the face of what our Messiah taught us in Matthew 5:17-19:
However, this is not scripturally sound reasoning, because it flies in the face of what our Messiah taught us in Matthew 5:17-19:
Mattithyahuw (Matthew) 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the Towrah (law), or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
Mattithyahuw (Matthew) 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Mattithyahuw (Matthew) 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
What we understand from the above verses, is that 100% of the Towrah & Prophets are still in effect until heaven and earth passes away! This includes the book of Esther and the prophets.
Throughout the entire counsel of scripture, leprosy is a metaphor for sin. And since our body is also a temple (1st Corinthians 6:19-20), it is expressly commanded that we cleanse and rededicate ourselves to YaHuWaH. Therefore, to make the claim that it is man-made or unbiblical to do so, is the highest form of ignorance and hypocrisy.
Some would make the argument that we should only keep the seven feasts that are commanded in Leviticus 23, and nothing more.
However, Chanukkah & Puwriym did not exist yet when the Towrah was first given by Moses, because those events had not taken place yet. They were given as a decree under the inspiration of Elohiym by three anointed servants of Elohiym: Queen Esther, her cousin Mordechai and Judah the Maccabee.
Therefore, we must ask ourselves, “Why did our Messiah make a point of attending the Temple for the Feast of Dedication in John 10:22-23?”
We see no such feast in Leviticus 23, and yet, our Messiah made a point of traveling from Galilee during the rainy season to Jerusalem to make his appearance for this important memorial.
To those who accuse me of “Adding to Towrah” by observing Chanukkah & Puwriym, I would ask you the following questions:
1.) How can these observances be adding to the Scriptures, when they are already in the Scriptures to begin with?
2.) Would you agree that we are commanded to cleanse the altar and the temple whenever it becomes defiled?
3.) Would you agree that our body is the Temple for the Ruwach ha’Qodesh/Holy Spirit?
4.) Would you agree that our Messiah commanded us to observe all things written in both the Towrah & Prophets (Matthew 5:17-19)?
5.) Would you agree that the Law for the Leper in Leviticus 13-14 is a Towrah command?
6.) Would you agree that 2nd Timothy 3:16 tells us that ALL Scripture (to include the Book of Esther & the Prophets) are inspired by Elohiym?
7.) Do you think Esther & Mordechai were inspired by the Ruwach ha’Qodesh when they gave the decree to remember the days of Puwriym?
And if you say “no,” then 2nd Timothy 3:16 is wrong, and the Book of Esther should be removed, and everything Paul wrote would have to be removed also, because he wrote 2nd Timothy.
8.) Do you agree that we should walk in our Messiah’s footsteps by following after him?
I believe that Judah Maccabee was a prophetic type and shadow of our Messiah, and that he was being led by the Ruwach ha’Qodesh (Holy Spirit), when he commanded us to remember the victory that was won over the Antichrist leader named Antiochus IV.
I don’t believe that Esther & Judah Maccabee were any less anointed than Moses was, when issuing these decrees. The Book of Maccabees was originally part of the 1611 King James Bible, but it was not included in later printings, because King James ran of out money in his treasury, so it was left out.
Our Messiah commanded his disciples in Matthew 4:19 by saying “Follow me,” and he observed Chanukkah in John 10:22-23. This means that we are commanded observe all the things that he observed.
When seeking YaHuWaH concerning biblical festivals, he spoke to me and reminded me of a parable that he taught. He explained in Luke 17:7-10 that those who obey the bare minimum requirements of the Towrah, (but they see no need to go above and beyond what is required) will not be commended:
Luke 17:9 “Would he thank that servant because he did what he was commanded? I think not.
Luke 17:10 “So also you, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants, we have done what was our duty to do.’ ”
Its not enough to obey the “Letter of the Towrah,” for we must also obey the prophets as well!
In contrast, the woman with the alabaster box anointed our Messiah’s feet with oil by her own choice---even though she was not commanded to do so! See Matthew 26:7, Mark 14:3, Luke 7:37.
And what did our Messiah say about this woman?
Mattithyahuw (Matthew) 26:12 For in that she has poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial.
Interestingly, those who have enough oil (like the 8-day miracle of the oil) will be the ones who will be found worthy to enter the marriage! The same olive oil that the wise virgins will have in their lamps, is the same oil that will be used to light the menorah when our Messiah dedicates the Tabernacle of David in the millennium. To learn more, see this blog: The Eight-Day Miracle of the Oil: Truth or Tradition?
This should remind us of the five wise virgins who shall have plenty of oil for their lamps to meet the bridegroom when he returns:
Song of Solomon 1:3 Because of the savour of your good oil [shemen] your name [shem] is as oil [shemen] poured forth, therefore do the virgins love you.
I used to believe that the 9-branched Chanukkiah was unbiblical, until YaHuWaH began to open up my eyes! In Yahuwchanon (John) 15:5, our Messiah called his followers “branches” when he declared the following:
“I am the vine, you are the branches: He that abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing.”
As I began to ponder his words, I remembered that there are seven branches on the Temple menorah, and these correspond to the seven feasts that are commanded in the Towrah (Leviticus 23).
However, in the prophets, we are commanded to observe two more festivals that had not yet been revealed when the Towrah was first given by Moses! These two minor feasts are Chanukkah & Puwriym (Purim).
The Seven Torah Feasts outlined in Leviticus 23 teach us how to be faithful to the marriage covenant.
The Two Prophetic Feasts (Chanukkah & Puwriym) teach us how to become a warrior bride, and to fight against the beast!
We keep the Seven Feasts from the 1st through the 7th month of the year.
In the 9th through the 12th month of the year, we remember the victory over Antiochus Epiphanes IV & Haman.
Therefore, Chanukkah & Puwriym each commemorate victory over an Antichrist Leader!
It was the revelation of these two prophetic feasts that caused me to see why Yah has allowed there to be two more branches added to the Chanukiah. Yah showed me from Zechariah 4:2-12 & Revelation 11:4, that there is a witness for the nine branches in the end of days, pointing us to the Two Witnesses & the Seven Assemblies in the Book of Revelation.
Even though we are all aware of the fact that Judaism has added many vain traditions, YaHuWaH often reminds me that he has ordained that the Yahuwdiym (Jews) would be given the “scepter” or authority to rule over the other tribes (Genesis 49:10).
In Romans 3:1-2, the Apostle Shaul (Paul) wrote that “Unto the Yahuwdiym/Jewshave been entrusted with the contents of the oracles of Elohiym.”
The word “oracles” means “The contents of the Towrah.” Now, I do not mean to suggest that we should adhere to the vain traditions that Judaism often devises, because our Messiah often rebuked the religious leaders of his day for adding and subtracting from Towrah (Deuteronomy 4:2 & Proverbs 30:6).
However, I will explain further as we progress, why the nine-branched menorah is used during Chanukkah. I personally use the seven-branched menorah with two individual candlesticks on either side, because it represents THE SEVEN ASSEMBLIES & THE TWO WITNESSES in the book of Revelation.
Chanukkah & Puwyrim (Purim) are both commanded in Scripture, because we are told in 2nd Timothy 3:16:
“All scripture is given by inspiration of Elohiym, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
If “all scripture” includes the Books the of Maccabees, (which were originally part of the 1611 King James Bible), and if “all scripture” also includes the Book of Esther, how can we ignore the commandments that are given to us in the Prophets?
*Disclaimer: I do not regard all the books of the Apocrypha as inspired Scripture, because some of these books contain heretical doctrines about praying to the saints, and to the dead. However, I do regard Maccabees as an accurate historical account, not to be taken lightly.
See my other blog: Why Are There 66 Books in the Bible?
Our Messiah has made it abundantly clear in Matthew 5:17-19, that it is not enough to obey the five books of Moses, which are called “Towrah.” We are also commanded to obey the rest of Scripture, which includes the prophets!
In Revelation 1:20, our Messiah likened the seven-branched menorah to the seven assemblies in the first three chapters of Revelation. Our Messiah commended the ones who “Keep the commandments, and have the testimony of Yahuwshuwa” (Revelation 19:10).
See my blog: What is the Testimony of Messiah?
Those who keep the seventh-day Sabbath, and the seven feasts outlined in Leviticus 23 are the ones who have the testimony of our Messiah!
These are the branches that are filled with the olive oil from the Two Olive Trees, which are BOTH HOUSES OF YISRA’EL! (see Ezekiel 37:15-20; Zechariah 4:1-14; Romans 11:17-25; Revelation 11:4-6).
Yah also showed me that out of those Seven Assemblies, there are only TWO OVERCOMERS: Philadelphia & Smyrna! (see Revelation 1:20).
Therefore, we have the SEVEN BRANCHES, which represent “COVENANT” & TWO BRANCHES, which represent the “TWO WITNESSES” of scripture (Towrah & Prophets, Moses & Elijah).
*Chanukkah & Purim are like the Two Witnesses in Revelation 11:6.
*Judah Maccabee operated in the Moses anointing (Towrah), while Queen Esther operated in the Elijah anointing (Prophets).
In Revelation 11:6, we are shown that the Two Witnesses do the same exploits of Moses & Elijah!
Chazown (Revelation) 11:6 These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.
*The Elijah anointing - he prayed that it would not rain during his 3.5 years of ministry, therefore, he had the power to shut heavens, that it should not rain during the tribulation (1st Kings 17:1, James 5:17 & Luke 4:25-27). Elijah also prayed for the widow’s son three times, and he was resurrected.
*The Esther anointing - she fasted and prayed for three days and three nights and won favor to save her people from annihilation in the Persian Empire.
*The Moses anointing - he commanded all the plagues to come upon Egypt, as YaHuWaH instructed him, and as a result, he was used to defeat the Egyptian Empire, as they drowned in the Red Sea (Exodus 9:14; Revelation 9:20; 15:1, 6, 8; 16:9; 18:4, 8).
*The Maccabees anointing - he and his army fought against the evil Antiochus and as a result, they defeated the wicked Seleucid Empire.
Chanukkah was all about obedience to the Towrah, because the Maccabees were Levites who were zealous for our Father’s house, just like our Messiah was. They obeyed the Towrah by cleansing the Temple and rededicating it back to YaHuWaH as the Towrah commands. Therefore, Chanukkah represents the Moses anointing in Revelation 11:6.
But Esther was used mightily in the same way that the prophet Eliyahuw (Elijah) was, when he exposed the 450 prophets of Ba’al. Esther did the same thing when she exposed Haman and his wicked plot. Right after Eliyahuw (Elijah) did that miracle on Mount Carmel, the people of Yisra’el rose up and killed 450 prophets of Baal.
The same thing happened with Esther. She exposed Haman, and that’s when he and his 10 sons were slaughtered on the same gallows they had intended to use to kill Mordechai.
Therefore, we are seeing a pattern!
*The Maccabees were carrying the Moses anointing from Revelation 11:6!
*Mordechai & Queen Esther carried the Elijah anointing from Revelation 11:6!
Both Haman & Queen Jezebel were of the same spirit!
Haman threatened to kill the Yahuwdiym (Jews) in Persia, and Queen Jezebel threatened to kill Eliyahuw (Elijah). However the same wicked plot that Haman forged against the Yahuwdiym (Jews) was used to destroy him. We see in this illustration, the prophet Elijah calling down judgement on the wicked King Ahab and his wife, Queen Jezebel. We also see Queen Esther calling down judgement on Haman!
Similarly, the same wicked plot that Queen Jezebel had forged against the prophet Eliyahuw (Elijah) ended up happening to her when she was thrown from her high tower and then trampled by Captain Yahuw’s (Jehu’s) horse and then her body was eaten by dogs (1st Kings 21:23).
*Esther & Elijah’s names both begin with the Hebrew letter Aleph!
Moses, Mordechai & Maccabee’s names begin with the Hebrew letter Mem!
*Queen Jezebel was a wicked queen who manipulated her husband into doing evil.
*Queen Esther was a righteous queen, who won her husband’s favor by her obedience and humility.
*Moses, Mordechai & the Maccabees were used to influence three kings:
*Moses dealt with Pharaoh.
*Mordechai dealt with King Ahasuerus.
*The Maccabees dealt with Antiochus IV.
*Moses, Mordechai & the Maccabees all refused to bow down to Antichrist leaders:
*Moses refused to bow to Pharaoh.
*Mordechai refused to bow to Haman.
*Maccabees refused to bow to Antiochus.
There are exactly nine months of gestation (271 days) between our Messiah’s Chanukkah conception & his Feast of Trumpets birth in the seventh month!
*Hint: The Hebrew word for “pregnancy” is “herayon” which has a numerical value of 271!
This is why he was conceived in the 9th month of Kislev & born in the 7th month of Ethaniym (Tishri).
This is why there are 9 fruits & 9 gifts of the Ruwach ha’Qodesh (Holy Spirit). See Galatians 5:22-23 & 1st Corinthians 12:1-11.
The graphic below illustrates the sharp contrast between that which is holy in the eyes of our Creator, versus that which is profane and unclean. Many people try and celebrate Chanukkah & Christmas together, thinking they are being inclusive of both Christians & Jews. However, scripture warns us not to do this:
Yechezqel (Ezekiel) 44:23 And they shall teach my people the DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE HOLY AND PROFANE, and CAUSE THEM TO DISCERN BETWEEN UNCLEAN AND CLEAN.
The Catechism claims that our Messiah must be crucified repeatedly at every Catholic Mass. To learn more, please see my blog: Should You Be Merry About Christ-Mass?
Just because there are uneducated Christians and Jews who make the mistake of blending these two opposing holidays together, there are many within the Hebraic Community who erroneously claim that Chanukkah is “man-made.”
If Chanukkah is man-made as some people purport, why did YaHuWaH cause our Messiah to be conceived in the womb on Chanukkah?
My goal in this teaching is to reveal that Chanukkah is divinely inspired by Yah, as there is much more to this feast than meets the eye. We can see the finger prints of YaHuWaH all over Chanukkah!
271 days = average male gestation (9 months + 1 day for delivery).
Hebrew word “pregnancy” (herayon) = numerical value 271.
From Chanukkah to the Feast of Trumpets on a 360-day biblical calendar = 271 days!
Chanukah in English Gematria = 271
Conceived – Hara – הָרָה
Hey-Resh-Hey
5-200-5
Total = 210
Womb - Beten – בֶּטֶן
Beyt-Thet-Nun
2-9-50
Total = 61
Conceived Womb = 271
The prophet Chaggay (Haggai) prophesied in Haggai 2:18-19 that the “Seed” (Messiah) would be in the “barn” (womb) on the 24th day of the 9th Hebrew Month of Kislev, which is the Eve of Chanukkah!
The name “Haggai” (Chaggay), in Hebrew, literally means: “FESTIVAL” or “FEAST!”
Which Feast did he prophecy about?
Chanukkah!
This is the INCARNATION/CONCEPTION of our Messiah, Yahuwshuwa!
It is when the “Word became flesh!”
See the graphic I made showing the Paleo Pictograph Letters for “Conceive Womb” which has a numerical value of 271!
The Paleo Pictograph Letters & their meaning:
Hey - Look, reveal, breath.
Rosh - Head, first, top, beginning.
Beyt - House, family.
Thet - Basket, surround, contain.
Nun - Seed, heir, son.
“Look! The first-born son, the seed, has come to the Two Houses of Yisra’el, the family of YaHuWaH, and he is surrounding us with his presence, his light!”
The entire book can be downloaded free at the link below:
What was visible on that night, (and what the shepherds saw on that night), was the constellation of the “Virgin” (Bethulah) and she was giving birth to “The Lion,” (Ariel). The sun was in the womb of the Virgin (mid-body), and our Messiah is referred to as “The Sun of Righteousness,” (Malachi 4:2).
The first crescent moon was underneath the Virgin’s feet, and she was wearing a crown of stars around her head, for the Twelve Tribes of Yisra’el!
Inside “Ariel the Lion” was a conjunction between Jupiter & Venus! These two planets in conjunction are anciently called “The King of Righteousness” by the Hebrews!
Jupiter was later renamed by the heathens after a pagan deity, but the Ancient Hebrews called it “Ha’Tzadiq” (The Righteous). Venus was also later renamed by the heathens after a pagan deity, but the Ancient Hebrews called it “Ha’Malek” (The King).
Thus, the conjunction of these two planets spells out “The King of Righteousness,” aka Malkiy-Tzedeq (Melchizedek)!
This planetary alignment remained for two years in the heavens, leading the Wiseman from the Orient to Bethlehem to visit the King! The Feast of Trumpets is also when all the Kings of Yisra’el were crowned (coronated)!
The Bible Code research done by Roy Reinhold, also corroborates with scripture in being able to pin-point the exact date of our Messiah’s conception, which fell on the Gregorian Calendar date of December 13th in 4 B.C.
This date correlates to the 24th day of the 9th Hebrew month of Kislev. See Haggai 2:18-23. Adding exactly 271 days to that date, brings us to September 11th in 3 B.C. at 7:00 p.m. (just before sundown).
Why do we use 271 days for the gestation period?
1.) The average gestation for a male child is exactly 271 days, which is 9 months of 30-day lunar cycles, plus one extra day for the delivery.
2.) A female gestation is often 10 days longer, (281 days), because the female anatomy is more complex.
3.) The extra 10 days for a female gestation, prophetically ties into the parable of the 10 Virgins and the 10 Days of Awe between the Feast of Trumpets & the Day of Atonement.
4.) The Hebrew word for “pregnancy” is “herayon,” which has a numerical value of 271!
In addition to the research of these two men, I have discovered even more corroborating evidence from the Scriptures, proving that our Messiah was conceived on Chanukkah, and he was born 9 months later on the Feast of Trumpets!
The word “Chanukkah” (Dedication) comes from the same Hebrew root word as “Enoch” (Chanowk), which means “INITIATED!”
At the moment of conception in the womb (when the egg & sperm meet), biologists & scientists have observed “A flash or spark of light!”
Our Messiah was “CONCIEVED” by the Ruwach ha’Qodesh (Holy Spirit) on Chanukkah, the Festival of Lights!
A “CONCEPTION” is that moment when the sperm & egg come together, and LIFE is “INITIATED!”
There have been three fulfillments in history of Chanukkah on the 24th day of the 9th month, according to Haggai 2:18-23.
*The first fulfillment:
There was a “Chanukkah/Dedication” on the 24th day of the 9th month in the days of Zerubbabel & Ezra, when they came back from Babylonian Captivity (Haggai 2:18-23).
*The second fulfillment:
There was another “Chanukkah/Dedication” on the 24th day of the 9th month in the days of the Maccabees in 167-164 B.C. when Judah Maccabees and his army took back the Temple, and rededicated it back to YaHuWaH (the book of Maccabees & John 10:22-23).
*The third fulfillment:
There was another “Chanukkah/Dedication” on the 24th day of the 9th month in the days when our Messiah was conceived in the womb by the Ruwach ha’Qodesh (Holy Spirit), according to Haggai 2:18-20.
Our Messiah’s body is the ultimate temple, as he told the religious leaders that he would raise up his temple in three days (John 2:19; Hosea 6:2; Revelation 21:22).
In 2nd Peter 3:8, we are told that “One days is like a thousand years with YaHuWaH,” therefore, we can view these two prophecies as having more than one layer of fulfilment:
Hosea 6:2 After two days [two thousand years] he will revive us: in the third day [three thousand years], he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.
Yahuwchanon (John) 2:19 Yahuwshuwa answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days [three thousand years] I will raise it up.
There will be a 4th & 5th fulfillment in history of Chanukkah on the 24th day of the 9th month, according to Haggai 2:18-23.
*The fourth fulfillment:
When Messiah returns on Yom Kippur, he will fight against the beast with his bride as his army (Ezekiel 37:10; Hebrews 12:22; Revelation 19:7-4).
Together, the bride and the bridegroom we will defeat the beast, and take back the Temple, just as in the days of the Maccabean Revolt. Our Messiah will be a repeat of Judah the Maccabee, as he is “The Lion of the Tribe of Judah” (Revelation 5:5).
In Exodus 12:3, we are commanded to “select the lamb” that will be killed for Passover. In the case of the False Messiah, he will attempt to imitate our Messiah, by displaying himself as “A lamb with two horns that speaks like a dragon” (Revelation 13:11).
There will be a 30-day war that our Messiah will wage against the beast and his army, and this will begin on Yom Kippur, and it will end on the 10th day of the 8th Hebrew month of Cheshvan.
In Numbers 20:29, it says that there are 30-days of mourning for the death of loved ones. In Zechariah 12:10 we are shown that the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the Yahuwdiym (Jews) will “mourn for the one whom they have pierced.” It therefore, stands to reason, that there shall be 30 days of mourning from the time that Yahuwshuwa lands his feet on the Mount of Olives on Yom Kippur.
After these 30 days of mourning are completed, there will be another 45 days, during which our Messiah will rebuild the Tabernacle of David (Isaiah 16:5; Amos 9:11, Acts 15:16). This will be the culmination of the 1,335 days, when our Messiah will dedicate (chanukkah) the Temple in Jerusalem (Daniel 12:11-12).
This is when we will celebrate a belated Sukkot and “The Marriage Supper of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:9). We will not be able to celebrate Sukkot when Messiah first arrives here on earth, because Jerusalem will have been defiled by the beast, and the abomination aka the image will still be standing in the Temple.
Yahuwshuwa and his army will cleanse the earth and Jerusalem with supernatural fire (2nd Peter 3:10-12; Revelation 11:5). The entire earth and Jerusalem shall be cleansed after 1,335 days from the time when the Abomination of Desolation, aka the Image of the Beast had been erected (Daniel 12:11-12; Revelation 13:14-15).
*The fifth fulfillment:
When “The New Heaven & New Earth” comes down in the 8th Millennium, the old heaven and earth will be destroyed, and this will be another fulfillment of Chanukkah (Dedication)!
This is when there will no longer be a brick and mortar Temple, because YaHuWaH Almighty & the Lamb will be the Temple (Revelation 21:22).
The prophet Chaggai (Haggai) foretold in Haggai 2:18-20, about the “SEED,” (who is our Messiah in Genesis 3:15) being conceived on the 24th day of the 9th Hebrew month of Kisleu (Chanukkah Eve).
This is when the angel Gabriel would have visited Miriyam (Mary) and announced to her that the Messiah (whose body is a temple), was being “formed” (initiated or conceived) in her womb! The exact date of this event was on December 13th in 4 B.C., according to astronomical and scriptural research.
The name “Chaggai” also means “FESTIVAL” or a “FEAST!”
The only “FEAST” that Haggai spoke of, was the one on the 24th day of the 9th Hebrew month, which is Chanukkah!
There shall be SECOND FULFILLMENT of Haggai 2:18-20, which will take place in the 8th Millennium, when the LAMB & YaHuWaH Almighty, shall be the TEMPLE in Revelation 21:22.
Exactly 271 days after our Messiah’s Chanukkah conception (the average gestation for a male child), our Messiah was born on the Feast of Trumpets, which is the same day that King Solomon brought the Ark of the Covenant from the City of David, into the Temple:
1st Malakiym (Kings) 8:12 And all the men of Yisra’el assembled themselves unto king Sholomo (Solomon) AT THE FEAST IN THE MONTH OF ETHANIYM, which is THE SEVENTH MONTH.
And where was our Messiah born? In the City of David, just like the Ark of the Covenant was also born there! See Luke 2:11.
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King Solomon brought out the Ark of the Covenant on the Feast of Trumpets, for all to see!
After King Solomon brought forth the Ark of the Covenant (a symbol of Messiah), for fourteen days, the people celebrated all three Fall Feasts, from the Feast of Trumpets, until the Feast of Tabernacles (see 1st Kings 8:65-66).
The Light of the World Sparked Light on Chanukkah!
In keeping with the prophetic revelation of our Messiah as “The Light of the World,” it is fitting that scientists have captured a spark of light that takes place at the very moment of conception!
Our solar system is a macrocosm of our Messiah and his bride, because he is called “The Sun of Righteousness,” in Malachi 4:2, and there are nine planets in our solar system that revolve around the sun. These nine planets were previously given Hebrew names before the heathens changed them after false deities. As an example, Jupiter was anciently called “Ha’Tzadiq,” which means “The righteous.”
To learn more, see this other blog: Why Does the Bride Circle Around her Groom Seven Times?
The Hebrew word for “seven” (sheba) comes from the root word “shaba” meaning “to take an oath by repeating a declaration seven times.”
Therefore, the number seven represents “covenant,” which is why we are commanded to keep every Seventh Day (Shabbat) holy, and to cease from our own works.
We are also commanded to celebrate Seven Feasts as part of our marriage covenant with YaHuWaH. The Seven-Branched Menorah also represents the Seven Assemblies in the Book of Revelation.
The Hebrew word for “two” (shanayim) represents “Two Witnesses.”
There are also Two Minor Feasts that represent the Two Witnesses in Scripture (Towrah & Prophets).
“Chanukkah” means “Dedication,” and it celebrates the cleansing of the Temple. It also celebrates the conception of our Messiah in the womb (Haggai 2:18-20; Revelation 21:22).
If there had been no Dedication (Chanukkah) of the Temple, there would not have been a nation for our Messiah to be born into!
The Feast of Puwriym (Purim) commanded in Scripture:
Esther 9:20 And Mordekai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Yahuwdiym that were in all the provinces of the king Achashwerosh, both near and far,
Esther 9:21 To establish this among them, that they should keep את the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly,
Esther 9:22 As the days wherein the Yahuwdiym rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.
Esther 9:23 And the Yahuwdiym את undertook to do as they had begun, and as Mordekai had written unto them;
Esther 9:24 Because Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagiy, the enemy of all the Yahuwdiym, had devised against the Yahuwdiym to destroy them, and had cast Puwr, that is, the lot, to consume them, and to destroy them;
Esther 9:25 But when Esther came before the king, he commanded by that his wicked device, which he devised against the Yahuwdiym, should return upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.
Esther 9:26 Wherefore they called these days Puwriym after the name of Puwr. Therefore for all the words of this letter, and of that which they had seen concerning this matter, and which had come unto them,
Esther 9:27 The Yahuwdiym ordained, and took upon them, and upon their seed, and upon all such as joined themselves unto them, so as it should not fail, that they would keep את these two days according to their writing, and according to their appointed time every year;
Esther 9:28 And that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city; and that these days of Puwriym should not fail from among the Yahuwdiym, nor the memorial of them perish from their seed.
Esther 9:29 Then Esther the queen, the daughter of Abiychayil, and Mordekai the Yahuwdiy, wrote with all authority, to confirm את this second letter of Puwriym.
Esther 9:30 And he sent the letters unto all the Yahuwdiym, to the hundred twenty and seven provinces of the kingdom of Achashwerosh, with words of peace and truth,
Esther 9:31 To confirm את these days of Puwriym in their times appointed, according as Mordekai the Yahuwdiy and Esther the queen had enjoined them, and as they had decreed for themselves and for their seed, the matters of the fastings and their cry.
Esther 9:32 And the decree of Esther confirmed these matters of Puwriym; and it was written in the book.
In Esther 9:29, it says that she was the daughter of Abiychayil, and this name means: Father of Might, or Possessor of an ARMY!
This means that Queen Esther’s biological father was a warrior, and she was following in his footsteps. When Messiah returns, the bride will be his ARMY! See Ezekiel 37:10; Revelation 19:7-14 & Proverbs 31:10.
In Proverbs 31:10, the Hebrew word for “virtuous” means “An army!” The perfect wife of Proverbs 31, is the bride of Messiah, for she is a virtuous wife, who is also his army!
The High Priests on Yom Kippur are commanded to cast two lots. One lot is for the sacrificial goat who is killed, and the other is for the scapegoat, who goes free. In the Book of Esther, Satan wanted to kill the Yahuwdiym (Jews), the tribe into which our Messiah was destined to be born. Haman casted lots, but the Yahuwdiym (Jews) in Persia went free (like the scapegoat). In a miraculous turn of poetic justice, Haman and his ten sons (the ones who wanted to kill the Jews) were slain (like the sacrificial goat).
We are told in Genesis 3:15 that the woman’s “SEED” would “CRUSH” the head of the serpent!
Therefore, if Queen Esther had not been used by YaHuWaH to help “crush the enemy,” our Messiah (the seed) would not have been born into the world, to crush the head of the serpent!
Please see these blogs explaining the prophetic importance of Puwriym (Purim):
Therefore, Chanukkah & Puwriym are TWO WITNESSES in history that YaHuWaH has preserved his covenant people, Yisra’el, by sending us his promised Seed!
Without Chanukkah & Puwriym, there would be no Messiah, and no salvation for humanity!
Tehilliym (Psalm) 69:9 For the zeal of your house has eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached you are fallen upon me.
Yahuwchanon (John) 2:17 And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of your house has eaten me up.
Zecharyahuw (Zechariah) 4:
Yahuwchanon (John) 10:22 And it was at Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) THE FEAST OF DEDICATION [CHANUKKAH], and it was winter.
Yahuwchanon (John) 10:23 And Yahuwshuwa WALKED IN THE
TEMPLE in Solomon’s porch.
TEMPLE in Solomon’s porch.
If Chanukkah was unbiblical, or a man-made tradition, he would have demonstrated his fierce anger, just like he had done with the money-changers in Yahuwchanon (John) 2:14-17.
In Yahuwchanon (John) 7:1-11, Messiah attended the Feast of Tabernacles at the Temple in SECRET!
Yahuwchanon (John) 7:10 But when his brethren were gone up, then WENT HE ALSO UNTO THE FEAST, NOT OPENLY, BUT AS IT WERE IN SECRET.
If Chanukkah, was unbiblical, or pagan, why would he suddenly WALK IN SOLMON’S PORCH OPENLY FOR ALL TO SEE?
In the Greek Concordance, the word for “walk” is defined as follows:
#4043. peripateo per-ee-pat-eh'-o from 4012 and 3961; to tread all around, i.e. walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow as a companion or votary:--go, be occupied with, walk about.
As you can see, the word for “walk” means to follow a certain path, to be an adherent or a devoted follower of something. In this case, our Messiah “walking in the Temple on Chanukkah,” means that he was walking in the path of the Yahuwdiym (Jews) of his day, minus some of their vain empty traditions that were in violation of the Towrah.
The dictionary defines the word “votary” as follows:
#3961. pateo pat-eh'-o from a derivative probably of 3817 (meaning a “path”); to trample (literally or figuratively):--tread (down, under foot).
When looking at the definition for the word “walk” in John 10:22-23, we are reminded that when YaHuWaH commanded Yisra’el
to “tread their feet” around Jericho (Joshua 1:3), they were taking possession of the land, and sanctifying it, even though it had previously been occupied by giants.
Therefore, when our Messiah walked in Solomon’s Porch on the Feast of Dedication, he was not being a passive spectator. He was taking possession of his Father’s house, and demonstrating that he is the one who cleanses the altar and the Temple, because he is “A priest forever after the order of Melchizedek!” (Psalm 110:4 & Hebrews 7:21).
Not only that, but he is also “The lamb slain since the foundation of the world!” (Revelation 13:8).
Is the Nine-Branched Chanukiah Unbiblical?
There was a time when I believed that the nine-branched Chanukkiah (used for Chanukkah) was unbiblical, and therefore, I would only use the seven-branched menorah during Chanukkah. I would light one candle each night, and on the 7th night & the 8th nights, I would light all seven of them.
There has been much controversy among rabbis for centuries on whether or not it is prohibited to replicate the 7-branched menorah seen in the Temple. There are basically three schools of thought on this matter: This article explains more: A Seven-Branched Candelabrum
Question: In view of the Biblical prohibition against replicating vessels that were used in the Mishkan, would one be allowed to make a seven-branched candelabrum? If one owns such a candelabrum, is he allowed to keep it? Discussion: The Talmud forbids fashioning [or owning] a seven-branched menorah, in keeping with the Biblical prohibition of “imitating” any of the vessels (keilim) that were used in the Mishkan.
There are three views in the early authorities as to the extent of the prohibition:
1). Only an exact replica is prohibited—any deviation from the original in the Mishkan is permitted.
2). Any Menorah which would have been considered kosher b’diavad in the Mishkan is prohibited.
3). Any seven-branched menorah, made out of any metal, regardless of its shape or form, is prohibited.
Because of these Talmudic prohibitions, this has led to those within Judaism to use a 9-branched menorah for Chanukkah, instead of the 7-branched menorah.
Even though Judaism has their own set of reasons for using the 9-branched Chanukiah, I gradually began changing my mind over the years about the 9-branched menorah.
It all began when I suddenly realized that there were exactly nine months of gestation between our Messiah’s conception on Chanukkah, and his birth on the Feast of Trumpets. To be exact, we know it was 271 days.
2 + 7 = 9 + 1 = 10
I began thinking about the fact that 270 days equals 9 months of 30-day lunar cycles, and there is one extra day for the delivery of the baby. When adding up these numbers, we arrive at the #10. The number ten is highly prophetic in scripture, as it relates to “The Ten Northern Tribes” of the lost sheep of Yisra’el, which is who our Messiah came to seek out (Matthew 10:16 & 15:24).
I began wondering if YaHuWaH had another reason for allowing the Yahuwdiym (Jews) to display the 9-branched menorah, which was the beginning of his 9 months in the womb.
After all, our Messiah is called “The light of the world,” (John 8:12 & 9:5), and he is also called “The sun of righteousness” (Malachi 4:2). Therefore, his conception is when the true spark of light came into the world with the meeting of the egg and the sperm, (as previously discussed).
I decided to ask YaHuWaH to show me if there was a pattern in the TaNaKh (Old Testament) for the number “nine.”
I already recognized that there are “Nine Fruits of the Ruwach/Spirit” (Galatians 5:22) & “Nine Gifts of the Ruwach/Spirit,” (1st Corinthians 12:-1-11).
But I found nothing in the TaNaKh pointing to the number “nine,” and this was perplexing to me. That’s when Yah revealed the prophetic meaning behind the 9-branched Chanukkiah to me.
He reminded me once again, the pattern of there being “SEVEN ASSEMBLIES” in the Book of Revelation, represented by “SEVEN LAMPSTANDS” that are outlined in Revelation 1:20 & Zechariah 4:1-3.
But he also showed me that it is the olive oil that comes from the “TWO OLIVE TREES” that lights the “SEVEN BRANCHES!”
Nine Branches Seen in Zechariah’s Vision
1 And the malak (angel) that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep,
2 And said unto me, What do you see? And I said, I have looked, and behold a MENORAH (candlestick) all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his SEVEN LAMPS/LIGHTS thereon, and SEVEN PIPES to the SEVEN LAMPS/LIGHTS, which are upon the top thereof:
3 And TWO OLIVE TREES by it, one upon THE RIGHT SIDE of the bowl, and the other upon the THE LEFT SIDE thereof.
From Zecharyahuw (Zechariah) 4:1-3, we see that the TWO OLIVE TREES are the source of the OLIVE OIL, which lights the SEVEN LIGHTS on the SEVEN-BRANCHED MENORAH.
Then, Zecharyahuw asked the following questions:
Zecharyahuw (Zechariah) 4:11 Then answered I, and said unto him, WHAT ARE THESE TWO OLIVE TREES upon the RIGHT SIDE of the MENORAH and upon the LEFT SIDE thereof?
*Explanation: There are TWO OLIVE TREES, one on the RIGHT, and one on the LEFT of the SEVEN-BRANCHED MENORAH!
Zecharyahuw (Zechariah) 4:12 And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these TWO OLIVE BRANCHES which through the TWO GOLDEN PIPES empty the golden oil out of themselves?
*Explanation: Notice that Zechariah switches from calling them “Two Olive Trees,” to “Two Olive Branches!”
The Hebrew word in Zechariah 4:12 is “shibbol,” which means “A branch.”
In the previous verses, he used the word “zayith,” which means “A tree or a branch.”
Therefore, when Shaul (Paul) in Romans 11:17 refers to the “The Two Olive Branches,” it has the same meaning as the “Two Olive Trees!”
Zecharyahuw (Zechariah) 4:14 Then said he, These are THE TWO ANOINTED SONS, that stand by YHWH of the whole earth.
*Explanation: YaHuWaH called the nation of Yisra’el “My first-born son” in Exodus 4:22.
In Jeremiah 31:9, he calls Yisra’el/Ephrayim his FIRST-BORN SON!
The English translators used the phrase “THE TWO ANOINTED ONES,” but in Hebrew, it is “BEYN YITSHAR,” which means “THE TWO ANOINTED SONS!”
This is the identity of the “TWO WITNESSES” in Revelation 11:4, for they are “TWO OLIVE TREES & TWO CANDLESTICKS.”
You might be asking “Why aren’t the Two Olive Trees on fire, like the seven-branched menorah?”
Revelation 11:5 And if any man will hurt them, FIRE PROCEEDS out of their mouth, and devours their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.
The TWO WITNESSES have FIRE coming forth from them, just like the SEVEN-BRANCHED MENORAH!
To learn more about who the Two Witnesses are, see this blog: Who Are the Two Witnesses?
We are shown from Zechariah’s vision that there are TWO HOUSES/TWO KINGDOMS OF YISRA’EL WHO PROVIDE THE OLIVE OIL FOR THE SEVEN-BRANCHED MENORAH!
When we conceptualize the SEVEN-BRANCHED MENORAH, with TWO OLIVE BRANCHES on the RIGHT SIDE & LEFT SIDE, what do we see?
We see NINE BRANCHES!
Do you remember in Ezekiel 4:4-6, when the prophet was commanded to lay upon his “right side” for the Kingdom of Yahuwdah (Judah) and upon his “left side” for the Kingdom of Yisrael (Ephrayim)?
From this, we understand that the right side represents the “The Two Southern Tribes of the Kingdom of Yahuwdah (Judah)” and the left side represents “The Ten Northern Tribes from the Kingdom of Yisra’el/Ephrayim.”
This also explains why there were TWO THIEVES who were crucified on either side of our Messiah!
Mattithyahuw (Matthew) 27:38 Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.
Marqos (Mark) 15:27 And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left.
Even though these two gospel accounts do not tell us which of the two thieves was redeemed, we can assume that the one on the right represents the Kingdom of Judah, for they were the ones who rejected and betrayed him at that time.
Luqas (Luke) 23:39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If you be Messiah, save yourself and us.
Luqas (Luke) 23:40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Do not you fear Elohiym, seeing you are in the same condemnation?
Luqas (Luke) 23:42 And he said unto Yahuwshuwa, Master, remember me when you come into your kingdom.
Luqas (Luke) 23:43 And Yahuwshuwa said unto him, Verily I say unto you, Today shall you be with me in paradise.
This also correlates to when our Messiah shall divide the goat nations, placing them on his left, and the sheep nations, placing them on his right.
Mattithyahuw (Matthew) 25:32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats:
Mattithyahuw (Matthew) 25:33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
At the Mount of Transfiguration in Matthew 17 & Mark 9, there was seen both Mosheh & Eliyahuw (Moses & Elijah). These two figures represent “Towrah & Prophets.”
From the Towrah, we receive wisdom, and from the Prophets, we receive prophetic revelation.
This is why we are instructed by Yahuwshuwa to be “Wise as serpents and gentle as doves.”
Mattithyahuw (Matthew) 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be you therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
Why is wisdom represented by the serpent? Because before Satan fell from heaven, he was at one time a “covering cherub” at the throne of Elohiym, and he was the perfection of beauty and wisdom (Ezekiel 28:12).
However, his wisdom became corrupted by pride, which led to his downfall (Ezekiel 28:15-18). We are instructed in Proverbs 16:18 “Pride goes before a fall, and a haughty spirit before destruction.”
And why is revelation represented by the dove? This one is more obvious, since our Messiah was anointed at his baptism, and the sign above his head was the Ruwach ha’Qodesh (Holy Spirit) resting upon him as a dove. Therefore, the anointing of the Holy Spirit (who teaches us all things) is represented by the dove.
1st Yahuwchanon (John) 2:27 But the anointing which you have received of him abides in you, and you need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teaches you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it has taught you, you shall abide in him.
Now we can understand why the prophet Elisha asked for a “double portion” of the anointing or spirit that was upon the prophet Eliyahuw (Elijah).
2nd Malakiym (Kings) 2:9 And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Eliyahuw (Elijah) said unto Eliyshuwa (Elisha), Ask what I shall do for you, before I be taken away from you. And Eliyshuwa (Elisha) said, I pray you, let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.
*Side note: The fuller spelling of the name Elisha (Eliyshuwa) is found in two other places in Scripture, 2nd Samuel 5:15 & 1st Chronicles 14:5. This name means “Elohiym is salvation.”
The “double portion anointing” consists of the wisdom that comes from the five books of Moses (Towrah), as well as
the revelation that comes from listening to the Ruwach ha’Qodesh (Holy Spirit). Whenever we ignore one or the other, we are out of balance!
Those who rely too heavily on “head knowledge” from the Scriptures, (but they refuse to yield themselves to hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit), are often too rigid, and legalistic in their views.
Those who are always chasing down signs and wonders, (but they don’t consult the Scriptures enough) are in danger of being led astray by false doctrines. This is why the Apostle Shaul (Paul) instructed us as follows:
2nd Qorintiym (Corinthians) 3:6 Who also has made us able ministers of the Renewed Covenant; not of the letter, but of the Ruwach/Spirit: for the letter kills, but the Ruwach/Spirit gives life.
The meaning of the Hebrew word for “seven” (sheba) comes from the root word “shaba” meaning “To take an oath by repeating a declaration seven times.”
Therefore, the number “seven” represents “covenant,” which is why we are commanded to keep every Seventh Day (Shabbat) holy, and to cease from our own works.
We are also commanded to celebrate “Seven Feasts” as part of our Marriage Covenant with YaHuWaH.
The seven-branched menorah also represents the Seven Assemblies in the Book of Revelation.
The Hebrew word for “two” (shanayim) represents “Two Witnesses.”
In addition to there being Seven Towrah Feasts, (representing covenant) there are also Two Prophetic Feasts that represent the Two Witnesses of Scripture (Towrah & Prophets).
Abraham had “two kinds of seed” as follows:
Bereshiyth (Genesis) 22:17 That in blessing I will bless you, and in multiplying I will multiply your seed AS THE STARS OF THE HEAVEN, and AS THE SAND which is UPON THE SEA SHORE; and your seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;
1.) THE STARS OF THE HEAVEN - Wild Branches, born-again of incorruptible seed through Messiah (Galatians 3:29; Romans 11:16-19).
2.) THE SAND UPON THE SEA SHORE - Natural Branches, born of corruptible seed, but they too must become born-again of incorruptible seed through Messiah (Galatians 3:29; Romans 11:16-19).
“Chanukkah” means “Dedication,” and it celebrates the cleansing of the Temple.
It also celebrates the conception of our Messiah in the womb (Haggai 2:18-20; Revelation 21:22).
If there had been no Dedication (Chanukkah) of the Temple following the Maccabean Revolt (167-164 B.C.), there would not have been a nation for our Messiah to be born into!
Practical Ways to Celebrate Chanukkah
People often ask me how to celebrate Chanukkah, and my answer is simple: “There is no prescription in Scripture on how to observe it.”
I have never celebrated a worldly type of Chanukkah with partying and drinking. All I have ever done is read the book of Maccabees, and reflect on how it points to the future end-times. I believe in using the eight days as a time to teach our children and grandchildren that Chanukkah celebrates when Gabriel came to Miriyam, as she was told that she would conceive the Messiah by the Ruwach ha’Qodesh (Holy Spirit). See Luke 1:26-80.
We should use this time to rededicate our our bodies to YaHuWaH, since our body is also a Temple for the Holy Spirit (1st Corinthians 6:19-20). It is also recommended that we pray and mediate on what we can do to rid our lives of idolatry.
What about giving gifts for Chanukkah? Some people might see this as a replacement for Christmas, but I see nothing wrong with giving our children and grandchildren simple hand-made gifts for Chanukkah. I have given my grandchildren their own personal Bible, and books to read that teach them about Yah. I have also given them Tzit-zits (fringes), prayer shawls and sacred name t-shirts.
When we give meaningful gifts to our loved ones, we are doing it to our Messiah also. He said “Whatsoever you do unto the least of these, you have done it also unto me” (Matthew 25:40).
I don’t mean expensive department store gifts. I mean small hand-made gifts that have spiritual meaning, and things that teach them biblical principles. I would suggest making meaningful gifts to give to our loved ones such as scriptures on flash cards, or perhaps a handmade coffee mug with a scripture verse on it.
Making homemade and practical gifts, such as a crotchet blanket, or homemade cookies, etc. are all fine in my humble opinion. But I would avoid all commercialism. Basically, keep it all about Messiah!
However, I choose to use the seven-branched Temple menorah with two individual candlesticks on each side, to represent the Two Olive Trees & the Two Candlesticks, as well as the Seven Assemblies in the Book of Revelation.
What About the 8-Day Miracle of the Oil?
There are those who would try and discredit this miraculous account of the eight-day supply of olive oil in the Temple. However, there is much evidence to suggest that it did indeed take place. Please see my blog: The Eight-Day Miracle of the Oil: Truth or Tradition?
There are many prophetic connections throughout the entire counsel of Scripture, indicating that Chanukkah is called “The Festival of Lights,” because it points to our Messiah, who is called “The Light of the World.”
If the eight-day miracle of the oil did not take place, there would be no reason for our Messiah to declare himself to be the light of the world 21 times in the Book of John!
There is no other book out of the four gospels telling us that Yahuwshuwa is the light of the world. There are a total of 21 books in the gospel of John, placing John 10:22-23 in the center of the book, just like the servant candle on the menorah!
Yahuwchanon (John) 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
Yahuwchanon (John) 1:5 And the light shines in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
Yahuwchanon (John) 1:7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
Yahuwchanon (John) 1:8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
Yahuwchanon (John) 1:9 That was the true Light, which lights every man that comes into the world.
Yahuwchanon (John) 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
Yahuwchanon (John) 3:20 For every one that does evil hates the light, neither comes to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
Yahuwchanon (John) 3:21 But he that does truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in Elohiym.
Yahuwchanon (John) 8:12 Then spoke Yahuwshuwa again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
Yahuwchanon (John) 9:5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
Yahuwchanon (John) 11:9 Yahuwshuwa answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walks in the day, he stumbles not, because he sees the light of this world.
Yahuwchanon (John) 11:10 But if a man walks in the night, he stumbles, because there is no light in him.
Yahuwchanon (John) 12:35 Then Yahuwshuwa said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walks in darkness knows not where he goes.
Yahuwchanon (John) 12:36 While you have light, believe in the light, that you may be the children of light. These things spoke Yahuwshuwa, and departed, and did hide himself from them.
Yahuwchanon (John) 12:46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believes on me should not abide in darkness.
The Jewish Talmud & the Eight-Day Miracle of the Oil
Even though the miracle of the oil is found in the Jewish Talmud, we must recognize that the Talmud is a collection of commentaries by hundreds of rabbis, sages and scribes over thousands of years. We cannot possibly believe that every single one of them were evil!
It’s only logical to recognize that “SOME” ideas in the Talmud are bad, but there are many other things that are useful and good. Even Nicodemus & Joseph of Arimathea were righteous Pharisees, and they were followers of our Messiah, Yahuwshuwa.
Our Messiah also quoted from the Talmud when he taught many of his parables. The Parable of Lazarus & the Rich man (Luke 16:19-31), is just one of things our Messiah taught out of the Talmud. When it comes to the Talmud, we must do what our Messiah did, which is to “Chew on the meat and spit out the bones.”
Here is an example shown to me by a Messianic Jewish brother on Facebook:
“Yeshua was an Orthodox Jew, and as-such, he embraced the Oral Torah like His contemporaries quoting Talmudic wisdom.
Talmud - Sotah 49b שׂוֹטָה
“And the wisdom of scribes will putrid & people who fear sin will be held in disgust, and the truth will be absent.
The youth will shame the face of elders, elders will stand before minors. Normal family relations will be ruined:
A son will disgrace a father; a daughter will rise up against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law (referenced in Luke 12:52-53).
A man’s enemies will be the members of his household (referenced in Matthew 10:36).
The face of the generation will be like the face of a dog; a son will no longer be ashamed before his father.
And upon what is there for us to rely? Only upon our Father in heaven.”
Luqas (Luke) 12:51 Suppose you that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:
Luqas (Luke) 12:52 For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.
Luqas (Luke)12:53 The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
Mattithyahuw (Matthew) 10:36 And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.
Our Messiah commended the Pharisees for tithing off of their spices, but he also condemned them for neglecting weightier matters of Towrah:
Mattithyahuw (Matthew) 23:23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought you to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Luqas (Luke) 11:42 But woe unto you, Pharisees! for you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of Elohiym: these ought you to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
The idea that 100% of the Talmud is bad, is a false notion that has been peddled lately by those who think that “All Jews are the Synagogue of Satan!” It’s not realistic to think that “NONE” of the Yahuwdiym (Jews) were righteous.
Why would YaHuWaH say in Genesis 49:10 “The Scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh comes?”
Why would our Messiah tell the woman at the well in John 4:22 “Salvation is of the Yahuwdiym (Jews)?”
Why would Paul write in Romans 3:1-2 that “Unto the Yahuwdiym/Jews have been entrusted with the Oracles of Elohiym?”
If absolutely “NONE” of the Yahuwdiym (Jews) can be trusted, why did Yah entrust them with the scepter (authority) to rule over the other tribes?
And why did he trust the Kingdom of Yahuwdah (Judah) with the contents of the Towrah?
None of that makes sense, now does it?
The bottom-line is, we must “Test all things” to see if it is aligns with the Towrah & Prophets. That is the litmus test that our Messiah gave us to follow.
Luqas (Luke) 24:44
And he said unto them, These are the words which I spoke unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the Towrah (law) of Mosheh, and in the Prophets, and in the Psalms, concerning me.
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