Judas and his kindred and the whole congregation of Israel ordained that the days of the dedication of the altar should be kept in their seasons from year to year for eight days, from the twenty-fifth day of the month Chislev, with gladness and joy.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 59. Decreed. Our Saviour observed this festival, which was appointed so long after Moses. John 10:22. Worthington.—It was styled Encœnia, and kept in winter while Solomon’s temple was dedicated in Tisri, and Zorobabel’s in Adar. The Jews light lamps, ( Calmet.) to testify their joy. Jos. Ant. xii. 11.—The Rabbins add, that a small bottle of oil had been preserved by the high priest, which multiplied so as to supply the lamps during the whole octave. Hence they still have lights at their windows on this festival. Seld. Syn. iii. 13.