12 16 25 – The Shepherd Is Leading

I want to continue sharing some thoughts on Hanukkah because they connect to other prophetic events from its inception. Some conclude that all Jewish tradition is an addition to Torah, but if the truth be known and analyzed a little closer, many of the traditions are not necessarily additions to Torah; rather, they are sprouts from the seed of Torah. Just as the fruit looks different from the seed in just about every case, so too, I would suggest, does Hanukkah. Unfortunately, parts of Hanukkah's fruit have become rancid, and others have been GMO'd.

As we have alluded to in previous studies, Hanukkah sprouts from the Fall Moedim (Trumpets, Atonement, and Sukkot), which begins with a remembrance (Lev. 23:24):

"Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation."
(Lev. 23:24)

Zechariah ("Yah remembers") and Haggai ("my feast") are contemporary prophets. Haggai's prophecy points the Jews back to the Temple, connected to Sukkot, and forward to a future blessing prophetically connected to Hanukkah (Hag. 2:2–3; 2:14–18).

Zechariah echoes Haggai's words but extends them, beginning with the Jews and reaching out to the nations (Zech. 8:9, 19–23). Then, Zechariah's further comments in chapter 14:16–19 clearly reflect upon Sukkot and the promise to all the nations who keep it in the Land (Lev. 26:4; Deut. 11:14; 28:12), but the connection to Haggai's comments infers something greater to consider regarding the prophecy of Hanukkah.

Together, these two prophets give hope to the exiled Jewish people and to those who choose to grab hold of their tzitzit. Both are in need of dedication, and both will be rededicated through the work of the seven shepherds and the eight princes of men who will increase the flock called Israel (Eze. 36:37–38):

"Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will yet for this be enquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them; I will increase them with men like a flock. As the holy flock, as the flock of Jerusalem in her solemn feasts; so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men: and they shall know that I am the LORD."
(Eze. 36:37–38)

Could this be why Yeshua identifies Himself as the "good shepherd" who leads His sheep during the time of Hanukkah (Jn. 10:22–31)?

Regardless of the direct correlation—which I believe there is—this is a season of dedication, hanukkah. May we hear His voice and follow Him as He leads.

Shalom,
Alan

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