In 167 BC, Syrian Antiochus Epiphanes conquered Jerusalem and desecrated the Temple by setting up pagan altars. The Jews revolted under the leadership of Judas Maccabaeus and recaptured the Temple. For eight days in 164 BC the Jews rededicated the Temple. They chose to commemorate this occasion by a yearly celebration lasting eight days entitled, "The Feast of Dedication." This festival is still celebrated by Jews today commonly referred to as "Hanukkah."

In the mind of the first century Jew, the Feast of Dedication was the last great deliverance they had known. No doubt this symbol of hope was a constant reminder as to how they presently longed for God to deliver them from their current "Roman" oppression. It was their continual prayer that God again would raise up a Judas Maccabaeus or better yet, the Messiah, who would bring freedom to the land.