Following Alexander’s death in 323B.C., his generals divided the Hellenistic empire between themselves and squabbled over his legacy.
Greek Seleucids almost eradicate the Jews in 167 BC
Ptolemy took control of Egypt and Seleucus I Nicator took control of Syria and Palestine.
A descendant of Seleucus, Antiochus IV Epiphanes, attempted to wipe out the Jews and their customs and religion.
A miraculous uprising led by Judas Maccabee preserved the Jewish way of life and instituted the Hasmonaen dynasty.
After the victory, only enough oil to sustain the Menorah for one day was found, but it miraculously lasted for eight days. This Jewish festival of ‘Hanukkah’ is celebrated by Jesus in the book of John.
At that time the Feast of the Dedication took place at Jerusalem;it was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple in the portico of Solomon. (John 10:22,23)
