Skip to main content

Temple Rededication (Hanukkah)

Illustration of Temple Rededication (Hanukkah)
Era
Intertestamental
Date
164 BC โœ“ Historically confirmed
Historical Source
1 Maccabees 4:36-59; Josephus
Reference
John 10:22

The temple is cleansed and rededicated after the Maccabean victory. The menorah miraculously burns for eight days. This event is celebrated as Hanukkah.

0:00

Did You Know?

1

The menorah miraculously burns for eight days.

2

This event is celebrated as Hanukkah..

3

This event is dated to approximately 164 BC in biblical chronology.

4

This took place at or near Jerusalem.

Key Passage

Temple Rededication (Hanukkah)

John 10:22

A22nd it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.

Read full chapter: John 10 โ†’

Meanwhile in the World

Alexander the Great conquers from Greece to India (330s BC). Greek culture spreads everywhere (Hellenization). Rome rises to dominate the Mediterranean. The Maccabean revolt occurs. Julius Caesar is assassinated (44 BC). The Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) is translated in Alexandria.

When: c. 400 BC - 5 BC

Key Civilizations: Hellenistic Kingdoms, Roman Republic

Maccabean Revolt (167 BC), rise of Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes; Dead Sea Scrolls community