ACC ~ John 10 v22

DEDICATION INSTITUTED BY JUDAS MACCABEUS

BEDE: The first dedication of the temple was by Solomon in the autumn; the second was by Zerubbabel and the priest Jeshua around that same time of year; a third dedication was conducted by Judas Maccabeus during the winter time when he instituted an annual commemoration of the dedication and cleansing of the temple by the priests. [1] EXPOSITION ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 10.22. [2]

[1] That is, after the defilement by Lysias. See 1 Macc 4:41ff.

[2] PL 92:770.

THE FESTIVAL OF THE DEDICATION

THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: This means the dedication of Jerusalem itself—not because the city was established at that time, but because the city had been destroyed often by the enemies. In the end it was devastated by Antiochus, and after the enemies had been driven away by the Maccabees, the city regained its ancient appearance with the help of God. And so, every year they celebrated the day in which they had won, in memory of the victory obtained beyond any hope; and they called it the “Enkainia” [1] of Jerusalem. Then, since all people had gathered on that day of celebration, Jesus walked in the temple, in the portico named after Solomon. COMMENTARY ON JOHN 4.10.22-23. [2]

[1] Enkaenia is a term still used today for commemoration, for instance, at universities.

[2] CSCO 4 3:211.