Hanukkah Menorah White House Dec 8, 2011
I have been wondering, as many of you have, if there is any significance to the early celebration of Hanukkah at the White House on December 8, when, Hanukkah as we all know, does not officially begin until the evening of December 20. The official story is that it was held early as the President and his family will be traveling to Hawaii for their Christmas vacation on December 17, so, whether it was deliberate or merely for convenience sake, it really doesn’t matter, the fact, is, the President chose to change it regardless of the reason.
There have been a number of comments about the party held at the White House, some commenting on the fact, that all eight candles were lit, instead, of lighting one candle daily over the course of eight days, as is customary, until all eight have been lit. I thought that a little unusual, but, not all-together surprising given the fact, the event was hosted by someone with little regard for the actual meaning of the holiday.
What I did find unusual was the design of this particular Menorah. Normally, the servant candle from which all the other candles are lit stands in an elevated position above the others. In all fairness, it appears, that the servant candle on this one, juts out front, separating it from the others, but, this is not a typical design, for it makes it appear, at least in photos, that the servant candle is positioned lower than the others – an important detail, when, you understand that the servant candle represents Jesus, the light of the world, who, came as a servant and from whose light, all others (believers) are lit. It would be a rare Hanukkah Menorah that would not have the servant candle elevated above the others, a subtle, yet important difference. For a sample of what the typical Hanukkah Menorah looks like, click here: http://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&hl=en&source=hp&biw=911&bih=457&q=hanukkah+menorah&gbv=2&oq=hanukkah+menorah&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=s&gs_upl=0l0l0l2601l0l0l0l0l0l0l0l0ll0l0
After giving it some thought and for curiosity sake, I decided to see how many days there were between December 8 and the first day of Passover, 2012, which, is April 6 of this coming year and, using a date to date calculator, I found out there are exactly 120 days! Wow, 120 days! Now that got my attention!
We’ve all become familiar with the meaning of numbers in scripture and the number 120 is a particularly interesting one; according to Bullinger, it is made up of three forties, 3 x 40 =120, which, when applied to time signifies a divinely appointed period of probation, a divinely appointed number during a period of waiting.
It is also a factor in the number of the 144,000, who will be sealed from the 12 tribes of Israel, 144,000 being 12 x 1200. And, 10 x 12 =120. Twelve representing perfection in government, there, again, signifying a divine probationary period. http://www.agapebiblestudy.com/documents/The%20Significance%20of%20Numbers%20in%20Scripture.htm
The question, we might ask ourselves, then, is why, there appears to be a 120 day probationary period between December 8, 2011 and April 6, 2012; what purpose would this serve and and to whom, would it apply?
To answer that question, we need to look at the Feast of Dedication itself. Hanukkah, as most of us know, recognizes the historical event of the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian King Antiochus Epiphanes, who, in 167 B.C erected an image of Zeus in the temple of God and sacrificed a pig on the altar. In cleansing and re-dedicating the temple, oil was needed to burn for 8 days, but, only a small amount of oil could be found; oil enough for one day only, but, miraculously, this small amount of oil burned for full 8 days – just long enough for new oil to be consecrated. Thus, the miracle of Hanukkah!
There is much symbolism to be gleaned from this event and it’s interesting, that only now, has the Feast of Dedication been looked upon as a strong contender for the rapture. Which, is kind of surprising, considering Jesus himself observed it (John 10:22) and spoke of it in reference to his second coming. In fact, Matthew 24: 15-22, seem to be an almost exact mirror of the previous events.
15When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
16Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
17Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:
18Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.
19And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
20But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:
21For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
22And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.
Amazing! When you think about it, it sounds as if Jesus is warning them (the Jewish people) that events preceding his second coming would be much like events that they were already very familiar with.
Therefore, we can surmise that the divinely appointed period of waiting (120 days) has everything to do with the Jewish people and not the Church. After all, it was not Gentiles that the party at the White House was held, but, Jewish constituents, for whom, the President likes to throw a bone every now and then. In other words, it was his change in date, that created the 120 days between Dec. 8 and Passover, therefore, the probationary or divinely appointed waiting period, has to do expressly with them and not with us.
Many of you are familiar with the work of Ron Reese, whose contention it is, that we are already in the midst of the week, which, he believes began in 2008. I like the work that he has done and find his work to be quite compelling. There are many things that can be argued, but, numbers are not one of them, for, like it or not, numbers are what they are. So, is he right? Are we indeed, in the midst of the week? Only time will tell.
Supposing he is right, the witnesses and the 144,000 would have to appear very soon to work within his 2008 – 2015 time frame. According to scripture, the witnesses will minister for 1260 days, so, based on this, I did a little date calculating to see if there was a possible fit, and, I found out, there is exactly 1260 days between the evening of April 1, 2012 (which, is Palm Sunday) and Rosh HaShannah, September 13, 2015. Which, if you subscribe to Ron’s theory makes sense, as the witnesses would have to appear before the revealing of the Anti-Christ, which, he says, will take place on April 11, 2012.
Dates and numbers aside, we know from Daniel 7:25, one of the things the Anti-Christ will do is change the set times and laws. So, what are the set times and laws? I believe, it is a reference to God’s appointed Feasts (Leviticus 23, including, Hanukkah and Purim) and, the law as given in the Torah. Therefore, observing Hanukkah on any other date than it’s actual date could perhaps fall in to this category, or may at least, serve as a foreshadowing for what lies ahead.
And, pressuring the world to accept practices, such as homosexuality, which are expressly forbidden in the Torah, could also represent an attempt to change the law; God’s law. Never forget, this is the President, who won the election on the promise of change – “change you can believe in”.
So, where does that leave us, the Church, if the next 120 days have to do specfically with Israel?
And, my answer would be – very close to the rapture! Oil has everything to do with the Holy Spirit and just as the light of the Menorah in the temple was never to be extinguished, but, to burn day and night, the oil that burns in us, also, will never be extingushed. For it says in 2 Thessalonians 2:7 –
“For the mystery of lawlessness is at work and will continue to do so, until he who restrains is taken out of the way”.
Brothers and sisters, it is the Holy Spirit present in each one of us that holds back this day. The closer we get, the less of a mystery it becomes, and, suddenly, once, we are gone, a mystery it will no longer be. Therefore, the closer we get to the day, the clearer we see, the clearer we see, the closer, we are to going home!
*Please keep in mind, all observations and opinions expressed here at Cindy By The Sea are for the purpose of study and discussion only and never constitute a”thus saith the Lord” unless quoting scripture.
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper who love thee!” Psalm 122:6
Watching and waiting with YOU for the soon return of Jesus! Cindy
Heaven Bound 
Blessings Cindy,
I am sure his Jewish constituents are all amazed at the Presidents mockery of their tradition. Lighting all the candles at once, two weeks early, and then making a joke. Least he didn’t use it to cook a pork roast, not yet anyway.
Happy Hanukkah
By: christian on December 12, 2011
at 3:56 pm
Very interesting. Here is a related post at Running from Babylon:
http://runningfrombabylon.blogspot.com/2011/12/todays-top-story-at-drudge-is-president.html
By: Kev on December 12, 2011
at 4:27 pm
Here is the sermon O listened to just yesterday. The last time he went to a service was to observe Easter. What compelled me to listen was the article in which it stated the pastor said:
Rev. Luis Leon, preached about how people’s expectations aren’t always met, referring to those who thought John the Baptist was the Messiah. Leon then reminded the congregation that people unfairly excepted President Obama to be a Messiah, who could cure the country of all its ills.
“This is not a political diatribe by the way. It’s simply stating the obvious,” he joked.
http://www.stjohns-dc.org/podcastlist.php
By: Mrs M on December 12, 2011
at 6:08 pm
One more related
http://www.fulfilledprophecy.com/discussion/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=62624
By: Kev on December 12, 2011
at 6:48 pm
Cindy,
Here is some food for thought and something for you to research.
America = Ephraim = Israel (there is a lot of historical proof to back up this fact)
modern day state of Israel = Judah (Jews=Judah)
*when you read your Bible start reading from the standpoint that YOU belong to ISRAEL. The Bible makes a lot more sense when you read it from this perspective.
A remnant of Israel (true followers of YHVH) will be regathered into the land of our forefathers. The “rapture” doctrine is a fantasy not based solidly in scripture.
[Hi Stuart, I can assure you the rapture is not a fantasy for there is an abundance of scripture and typology to support it. Most likely, you reject it, because it does not fit into the replacement theology scenario that you subscribe to. Replacement theology is a vile sulphur breathed twisting of scripture which makes God out to be a liar. For if God cannot be trusted to keep the covenant he made with his chosen people Israel, what, reason do we have to believe that he would keep his promises to us? No Stuart, read Romans 11 – it can’t be any plainer than that. Grafted in and Praising God for it! C]
By: Jason Stelter on December 13, 2011
at 11:54 pm
It’s one of those mysteries that will be revealed soon. Israel was broken up into two camps: Israel-northern kingdom, and Judah/Benjamin-southern kingdom. You have to back to Genesis to see the prophetic picture. Joseph’s sons were blessed by Jacob/Israel and with that when Israel blessed Ephraim he said he shall be a melo goyim: a multitude of nations (gentiles). Ephraim was absorbed into the nations: not one in particular. Judah’s job was to bring a deliverer and to keep record. Their eyes have been blinded to their Messiah, while Ephraim was blessed with a new covenant while we don’t know our roots. (Jer 31:31, also w/ Judah, but Israel specifically written on their hearts: they will be my people.v33) see Hosea 1 it cleary specifies Israel shall not be my people, yet then they shall be as the numerous as the sands of the sea. See also Is 43: the two witnesses’ are Jacob & Israel, you have to ask yourself why he calls the two witnesses that when they are supposed to be two witnesses.
By: Mrs M on December 14, 2011
at 5:55 pm
I do not hold to that doctrine, Mrs M, as this article clearly states,
http://www.hebrew4christians.com/Articles/Two_House/two_house.html
By: Mark on December 15, 2011
at 5:14 am
I agree with Cindy, and the context of Romans gives a stern warning for those who hold to replacement theology.
Romans 11:12-23
King James Version (KJV)
12Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?
13For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
14If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.
15For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?
16For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.
17And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;
18Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.
19Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in.
20Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
21For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.
22Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in ag
By: Mark on December 15, 2011
at 4:32 am
I read your link, Mark. What caused me reject his thoughts on the matter was near the beginning. He wrote, (and I had to hand write it because he wouldn’t allow anyone to copy and paste his work…interesting.)
“First, it should be noted that the concept of ‘lost tribe’ is questionable. Scripture is clear that the Jewish people would one day be scattered (Moses prophesied as such Deut 4:27-28, 30:1)
He is making the age old error right there. Look at Deut 4:
1Now therefore hearken, O Israel
Does it say Jewish people exclusively? NO. It says Israel.
Then he says towards the end:
“I would surmise that the underlying motivation for the 2 house theology is for its advocates to feel more identified with Israel and her destiny. After all, of the promises found in the Tanakh are exclusively for national, ethnic Israel, the Christian might feel a bit left out of the plan. By equating, then Christianity with the lost tribes, a sense of belonging and inheritance is givien–as well as a deeper appreciation for God’s sovereign plans for the nation of Israel. ”
I’d like to ask this author, and I’ll pose it to you since I’m not writing to him, what do you feel about this verse I’ll include below. Does it prescibe to you? How do you feel if you’re not included in this promise which is found in Revelation:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=rev%2021&version=KJV
10And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,
11Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;
12And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:
&
27And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
That would make me feel a little left out if we as Christians don’t have a gate with any identifying name on it. And I don’t think we are an afterthought as God knows the end from the beginning.
By: Mrs M on December 15, 2011
at 7:58 pm
I apologize Mrs.M for not seeing your post,
Jacob is Israel
24And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.
25And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.
26And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.
27And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob.
28And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.
29And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there.
30And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.
31And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh.
32Therefore the children of Israel eat not of the sinew which shrank, which is upon the hollow of the thigh, unto this day: because he touched the hollow of Jacob’s thigh in the sinew that shrank.
When the fullness of the Gentiles come in, then will the building of the church be complete, after it is complete, the church will be caught up.This church is made up of both Jews and Gentiles, because both must be born again to enter to become a part of Jesus body.
The restoration of Israel will take place after the rapture, according to Romans 11.
Israel cannot be the church, for if it were, verse 25 of Romans 11 would make no sense.
For I would not, bretheren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
Try putting the word church in the place of Israel in the preceding verse and you will see what I mean.
By: Mark on January 10, 2012
at 2:25 pm
Look to the scripture, He(the AC) makes a covenant with the many in Daniel 9:27 for a 7 year period, and as you point out , the church who is sealed with the Holy Spirit, who is the restrainer in the 2nd chapter in 2Thess, withholds the AC from being revealed. He(the AC) has to be revealed before he can carry out the scripture in Daniel. As soon as the Holy Spirit is taken out of the way, we go with him in the rapture. Then will the 7 year covenant be made.
The 144,000 Israelites will be sealed by God in Revelation 7, and notice that judgement is held back until His servants are sealed, this has to be a parenthesis, where those 144,000 who have witnessed the rapture become believers and are set apart by God for ministry to the Jews and Gentiles primarily for the time of Jacob’s trouble.
Out of this ministry many come to a saving knowledge of Jesus, for there is a great multitude that no man could number out of the great tribulation period, soon after the sealing of the 144,000 in Revelation 7.
I believe Mathew 10 is one of those chapters where Jesus is speaking to the disciples and then transitions right to the tribulation period, for Jesus says to those Jews living at that time,”But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.” Math 10:23.
By: Mark on December 14, 2011
at 4:32 am
Wow. . . thx.
Although i believe “Michael” is the restrainer.
Loved the article…. till we all come to the unity of the faith.
Shalom
By: Bruce Edmunds on December 14, 2011
at 1:17 pm
Hanukkah is a Rabbinical holiday and not a Biblical feast or festival. The Hanukkah festival were crested by the rabbis from accounts taken from the Tulmud. This means we as Jews are not required to observe as a mitzvah which refers to precepts and commandments as commanded by God they are the 613 commandments given in the Torah.
By: Baruch on December 15, 2011
at 7:48 pm
Hi Cindy by the Sea.
I wasn’t aware of this story until I stumbled upon your blog.
Thank you for a very interesting news item and your thoughts.
God’s blessings…
By: Chris Reimers on December 15, 2011
at 8:12 pm
It is not that Obama does not know better….he does know. This is deliberate.
By: Lorraine Clelland on December 21, 2011
at 8:21 am
[…] When President Obama time-shifted the Hanukkah celebrations at the White House to fit his Christmas vacation, one observer notes something also shifted with the Menorah that he used. […]
By: Wednesday Link List « Thinking Out Loud on December 21, 2011
at 10:08 am
Why would the Menorah have a candle representing Jesus in the middle? The Jewish people don’t yet accept Jesus as their Messiah.
[Hi Ellen, Excellent question! You are right, non-believing Jews would not recognize that the center candle is representative of Jesus. What they do recognize is that the center candle is known as the servant candle and it is from this candle all the other candles are lit. The center candle is also always elevated higher than the others.
Jews who do believe in Jesus immediately recognized the symbolism, in Jesus, who came as a servant and who is also the light of the world. Therefore, it is from his light that each one of us who are believers receive light. By ourselves, we have no light of our own – Jesus is the source of that light, the source of the oil of the Holy Spirit which burns continuously in our lives. Therefore, Hanukkah, like Passover and the other Jewish feasts find their fulfillment (and symbolism) best answered, not in tradition, but, the person of Jesus. Hope that answer your question. Grace and blessings! C]
By: ellen on December 21, 2011
at 5:45 pm
Aloha Cindy….nice blog and good catch on that Menorah story. “God is not mocked”, first thing comes to my mind, as many times with this usurper in chief.
As far as “changing the times and seasons” you might find this really interesting, as are many lectures by Mark Biltz , on Hebrew studies…this particular one focusing on the Feast of Trumpets/ Yom Teruah and the Fall Festivals-
…as he explains-
The Lord set the sun, moon and stars as signs/”signals” for us to know His set times/”Moed” , in His calander. His calander is solar and lunar. Our Gregourian calander, a solar calander, from the Julian calander is from Rome…satan’s attempt to hide HIS calander/appointed times from us..
kauaiguy/Jim
[Aloha Kauaiguy! Thanks for writing and thanks for providing the clip to Mark Biltz on the “changing of times and seasons”. I agree that the importance of God’s appointed times cannot be stressed enough, they are essential in my opinion for understanding, God’s prophetic calendar. I’m glad you took the time to share this with us! Grace and blessings! Cindy]
By: kauaiguy on January 2, 2012
at 5:54 am