Scripture to Read: Daniel 8:1–14
Read Daniel 8:13–14. We have two angels discussing the desecration of God's temple and wondering how long it would last. God makes it clear it would last 2,300 days, about six years. After the 2,300 days, the Maccabean Revolt took place and though Israel was outnumbered, God gave them favor and they succeeded in taking the temple back from Antiochus. Remember God’s Word in 1 John 4:4, “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.” When we submit to God and obey Him, He will give us His favor (James 1:25). This is what happened with the Maccabees. This victory is still celebrated by Jews today and they call it Hanukah, the Festival of Lights or the Feast of Dedication. It’s a reminder of when the temple was taken away from Antiochus’ rule and re-dedicated to God. That’s what God led Daniel to write about 400 years before it happened. We have the historical record in 1 and 2 Maccabees, which shows how Daniel’s prophecies were fulfilled exactly as God said. It’s called The Festival of Lights because the priests needed eight days, according to Jewish law, to rededicate the temple after Antiochus had desecrated it for 2,300 days. The problem was they only had enough oil to light the Menorah for one day. So, by faith, they lit the Menorah and God poured out His favor and kept the Menorah burning, not only for the eight days needed, but tradition says it burned for ten days—an incredible miracle from God. Jesus celebrated this feast in John 10:22–24.
Challenge & Application
• Why was the Maccabean revolt such a great success, and how does 1 John 4:4 tie into that success?
• How do the Jews still celebrate the success of the Maccabean revolt today, and why is it important to know?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!