Numbers 7:1—8:4 This is the traditional passage for Hanukah—read universally by all Jews during the celebration of the “Feast of Dedication.” Jesus acknowledged this Feast of Dedication in John 10 (The Good Shepherd passage). 2013 was significant in that US Thanksgiving coincided with Hanukah, which coincides with the Jewish revolt of 165 BC.

Passage Overview: This Passage describes the culminating step in completing the dedication of the Altar of the Tabernacle. The 12 tribal leaders of ‘numbered men’ brought a voluntary offering that was identical: Silver Bowl, Silver Basin, Gold Ladle, Bull, Ram, Lamb & Goat (Also, 2 cattle, 5 rams, 5 sheep & 5 goats).

The traditional Jewish teaching brings out the following key points (Stone Edition pt-765-775):

• Tribal leaders gathered voluntarily with a single focus of worship, to dedicate the altar in perfect unity with identical gifts. According to tradition, Moses was hesitant at first to receive, but God permitted it, honoring their voluntary offering.
• The greater anointing comes with the completion of all the parts. The fullness of the anointing comes when all the parts are gathered and working together.
• The priority of relationships—Each leader was honored, highlighting their identical offerings separately, giving them each a day to present their offerings.
• Humility—The first “leader” mentioned of the 12, (which is a great honor) was listed first because he humbled himself by not considering or calling himself a leader. He also was the leader of the tribe of Judah, representing praise first.
• Function—After the dedication, it is implied that the Shekinah glory appeared, and Moses entered the tabernacle for divine encounter to hear the voice of God, inaugurating the divine service and function of the tabernacle.
• Rekindling of the Menorah—Aaron was charged to light each wick facing toward the center, the 3 on left (temporal activities) and 3 on the right (eternal activities).
• This was also seen as an allusion to the Jewish revolt in 165—160 BC that led to the rededication of the Temple & rekindling the lamp-stand (supernatural burning)

Applications: Could this be a time to gather voluntarily to rededicate an altar & help rekindle a lamp-stand (Holy Spirit fire & illumination)—a new beginning for personal encounter, fresh expressions of worship & renewing family relationships? Could this also be God’s time for rededication & rekindling in our respective prayer regions & churches, starting a spiritual revolt, rippling nations?