Translations
Interlinear
Notes
the Feast of Dedication: This winter feast is also known as Hanukkah. It celebrates the time when the Jews rededicated the temple after Antiochus IV (175–163 BC) defiled it in. Two hundred years before Jesus was born, Greek soldiers captured the Jerusalem Temple, stole its treasures, and made it unusable for worship.
In the winter of 165–164 BC, a Jewish army led by Judas Maccabeus reclaimed the temple and rededicated it to the Lord. The Feast of Hanukkah ("dedication") celebrates this event (see 1 Maccabees 3–4; 2 Maccabees 8:1–10:8).
During the feast, priests examined their commitment to service, using Ezekiel 34 as their main text for reflection (also Jeremiah 23:1–4; 25:32–38; Zechariah 11). At this Hanukkah celebration, Jesus used the shepherd theme from Ezekiel 34 to show he was the good shepherd (John 10:11). He also showed how Israel’s current religious leaders were bad shepherds (10:10, 12–13).
Chapter 10 continues the series of feast sermons (see study note on 5:1–10:42). Here, the setting is the Feast of Dedication. The timing of this feast is important for understanding the story (see study note on 10:22).
Events
People
Festival of Dedication: Jewish festival commemorating the rededication of the Temple
Places
Jerusalem: The capital of Israel, a holy city for three religions
Glossary
Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Calendars (Ancient and Modern) Dedication, Feast of Ezekiel, Book of Feasts and Festivals of Israel Hanukkah Jesus Christ John, Gospel of Judas Maccabeus Sheep Shepherd
Topics
Dedication of Self: Feast of Dedication Feasts: (Instituted by Moses) by Jesus Jesus, the Christ: Teaches in the Temple (At Jerusalem) at the Feast of Dedication Sheep of the People of Christ The Feast of Dedication: Held in the Winter Month, Chisleu the Second Temple: Cleansed and Rededicated by Judas Maccabaeus After Its Winter: Coldness and Inclemency of, Noticed