Bible Dictionary
DEDICATION, FEAST OF
The Feast of Dedication was an eight-day Jewish festival beginning on the twenty-fifth of Kislev. It commemorated Judas Maccabeus’s cleansing and rededication of the temple and altar after their defilement by Antiochus Epiphanes.
Definition
The Feast of Dedication was an eight-day Jewish festival beginning on the twenty-fifth of Kislev, or December. It commemorated the cleansing of the temple and the rededication of the altar after their desecration by Antiochus Epiphanes. The celebration was marked by mirth and gladness.
Biblical Usage
Jesus was present in the temple at Jerusalem during this winter feast, when He delivered the discourse recorded in John 10:24 and following. The festival is therefore a setting for His teaching in the temple.
Historical Background
The feast was instituted after Judas Maccabeus cleansed and rededicated the temple and altar. It was kept like the Feast of Tabernacles, with palm and other branches and the singing of psalms. Josephus called it “Lights” because of the accompanying joy.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ded-i-ka'-shun (ta egkainia, Joh 10:22): A feast held by the Jews throughout the country for eight days, commencing on the 25th Kiclev (December), in commemoration of the cleansing of the temple and dedication of the altar by Judas Maccabeus after their desecration by Antiochus Epiphanes (1 Macc 4:56,59). The feast was to be kept "with mirth and gladness." 2 Macc 10:6,7 says it was kept like the Feast of the Tabernacles, with the carrying of palm and other branches, and the singing of psalms. Josephus calls it "Lights," from the joy which accompanied it (Ant., XII, vii, 7). At this winter feast Jesus delivered in the temple the discourse recorded in Joh 10:24 ff, at Jerusalem.</p><p>James Orr</p>