1 Maccabees 13:1-7: “Now when Simon heard that Tryphon had gathered together a great host to invade the land of Judea, and destroy it, and saw that the people was in great trembling and fear, he went up to Jerusalem, and gathered the people together and gave them exhortation, saying, ye yourselves know what great things I, and my brethren, and my father’s house, have done for the laws and the sanctuary, the battles also and troubles which we have seen. By reason whereof all my brethren are slain for Israel’s sake, and I am left alone. Now therefore be it far from me, that I should spare mine own life in any time of trouble: for I am no better than my brethren. Doubtless I will avenge my nation, and the sanctuary, and our wives, and our children: for all the heathen are gathered to destroy us of very malice. Now as soon as the people heard these words, their spirit revived. And they answered with a loud voice, saying, thou shalt be our leader instead of Judas and Jonathan thy brother. Fight thou our battles, and whatsoever, thou commandest us, that will we do.”

1 Maccabees 13:1-7: “Now when Simon heard that Tryphon had gathered together a great host to invade the land of Judea, and destroy it, and saw that the people was in great trembling and fear, he went up to Jerusalem, and gathered the people together and gave them exhortation, saying, ye yourselves know what great things I, and my brethren, and my father’s house, have done for the laws and the sanctuary, the battles also and troubles which we have seen. By reason whereof all my brethren are slain for Israel’s sake, and I am left alone. Now therefore be it far from me, that I should spare mine own life in any time of trouble: for I am no better than my brethren. Doubtless I will avenge my nation, and the sanctuary, and our wives, and our children: for all the heathen are gathered to destroy us of very malice. Now as soon as the people heard these words, their spirit revived. And they answered with a loud voice, saying, thou shalt be our leader instead of Judas and Jonathan thy brother. Fight thou our battles, and whatsoever, thou commandest us, that will we do.”

Luke 22:1:“Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover.”

The Passover, also known as the Feast of Unleavened Bread, is a High Holy Day. This convocation serves to bring into remembrance the day when the Children of Israel were delivered from ancient Egypt (house of bondage). The name “Passover” was given to this holy day because the Most High brought the curse of the slaying of the firstborn upon Egypt. The blood which was sprinkled on the two side posts would cause the destroyer to “passover” the homes of those that kept this ordinance (Exodus 12:12-13, 21-23). This ordinance was to be taught and recalled by every generation.

Exodus 12:26-27: “And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service?” (27) “That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the LORD’S passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped.”

The domination of Judas over the death of Nicanor and all his army was so great a triumph that it was saluted as a time of celebration and rejoicing in Israel. The nation of Israel was, for a while, free from wars, and enjoyed peace; but afterward they returned to their former state of battles and war.

This victory happened to fall on thirteenth day of the month, Adar, which corresponds to our present day calendar of February/March. Moreover, it was ordained that all of Israel was to keep it yearly throughout their generations and esteem it a festival day of commemoration in honor and praise of our Savior and Most High God of Israel. (I Maccabees 7:48, 49)

The Feast of Dedication is a Holy Day sanctified by the Lord after a historical battle and overthrowing of the Greeks rule of power over Israel. The Feast of Dedication also is commonly known as Hannukah.