The Feast of Dedication, also known as Hanukkah or the Festival of Lights, is mentioned in the King James Version with Apocrypha (KJVA) in John 10:22. However, its full background is found in the Apocryphal books of 1 and 2 Maccabees.

 

 Breakdown of the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah) in the KJVA 

 

 1. Biblical Reference (New Testament) 

 John 10:22 (KJVA) 

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

   This verse confirms that Jesus observed this Jewish feast. 

 

 2. Historical Background (From 1 & 2 Maccabees in the Apocrypha) 

The Feast of Dedication commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after its desecration by Antiochus IV Epiphanes (a Seleucid king). 

 1 Maccabees 4:36-59 (KJVA) 

   Judas Maccabeus and his followers recaptured Jerusalem and purified the Temple (165–164 BC). 

   They rebuilt the altar, restored Temple worship, and relit the Menorah (the golden lampstand). 

3. Seven-Branch Menorah:

Exodus 37:17–24

17 And he made the candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work made he the candlestick; his shaft, and his branch, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, were of the same:

18 And six branches going out of the sides thereof; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side thereof, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side thereof:

19 Three bowls made after the fashion of almonds in one branch, a knop and a flower; and three bowls made like almonds in another branch, a knop and a flower: so throughout the six branches going out of the candlestick.

20 And in the candlestick were four bowls made like almonds, his knops, and his flowers:

 

21 And a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, according to the six branches going out of it.

22 Their knops and their branches were of the same: all of it was one beaten work of pure gold.

23 And he made his seven lamps, and his snuffers, and his snuffdishes, of pure gold.

24 Of a talent of pure gold made he it, and all the vessels thereof.

 

Revelations 1:11-14

11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;

13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;

 

   Judas Maccabeus decreed an annual eight-day feast (25th of Kislev) to commemorate the event. 

 

 2 Maccabees 10:18 (KJVA) 

   Describes the purification of the Temple and the joyous celebration resembling the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). 

 

4. Key Themes of the Feast 

 Dedication/Purification – Cleansing and rededication of the Temple. 

Victory Over Oppression – The Maccabees’ triumph over Hellenistic forces. 

 Joy & Thanksgiving – Celebrated with hymns, prayers, and lighting candles (one additional each night). 

 

 5. Connection to Jesus (John 10:22-30) 

 Jesus attended the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem. 

 During this feast, He declared His divinity: "I and my Father are one" (John 10:30). 

 The theme of light (John 8:12) connects to Hanukkah’s symbolism. 

 

 Conclusion 

The Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah) in the KJVA is rooted in 1 & 2 Maccabees and referenced in John 10:22. It celebrates: 

1. The Temple’s rededication 

2. God’s deliverance of Israel 

3. Jesus as the true Light (John 8:12)