This week, we have a special Haftarah reading because Shabbat falls during Hanukkah, also known as the Feast of Dedication. While Hanukkah is not a biblically appointed feast, it is a significant event that Yeshua observed (see John 10:22-31). It recounts the bravery of the Maccabees who stood firm in their faith, overcoming darkness, and rededicating the Temple to God. This beautiful season of light offers us a chance to reflect on the restorative and redemptive work of God.

The number seven plays a pivotal role in both this week’s Torah portion (Parashah) and Haftarah. In Scripture, the number seven is often associated with rest, holiness, and restoration. In the Parashah, we encounter Pharaoh’s dreams: seven healthy cows followed by seven bony cows, and seven abundant years of grain followed by seven years of famine. Joseph’s God-given interpretation revealed a divine plan of preparation, guiding Egypt to stockpile grain during the years of abundance to endure the coming famine. As Joseph declared to Pharaoh:

Pharaoh’s dreams are one and the same; God has told Pharaoh what He is about to do.
Genesis 41:25

This key verse highlights that it was God orchestrating these events, fulfilling His redemptive purposes for Joseph, his family, and ultimately the entire people of Israel. Later, as Joseph’s brothers faced his judgment, we see Joseph’s God-centered leadership in his response:

Now Joseph said to them on the third day, ‘Do this and live, for I fear God.
Genesis 42:18

Joseph’s reverence for God guided him in every decision, even in dealing with those who had wronged him. His fear of the Lord shaped his actions, leading to the eventual restoration of his family and the preservation of many lives.

In the Haftarah, the number seven reappears as a symbol of holiness and redemption for Israel. Zechariah 3 presents a vision of Joshua the High Priest standing before the Lord, while Satan stands to accuse him. God’s response is one of restoration, cleansing Joshua of his iniquities and promising the coming of His servant, the Branch:

“For behold, I am going to bring in My servant the Branch. For behold, the stone that I have put before Joshua; on one stone are seven eyes. Behold, I am going to engrave an inscription on it,’ declares the Lord of armies, ‘and I will remove the guilt of that land in one day.”
Zechariah 3:8–9

The Branch, a messianic title, points to the ultimate High Priest and Redeemer. The imagery of the stone with seven eyes symbolizes God’s perfect vision and sovereign plan to cleanse and restore His people.

This vision connects powerfully to Revelation 5, where the Lamb, identified as the Lion of Judah and Root of David, takes the scroll with its seven seals. He is described as having seven horns and seven eyes, representing the fullness of the Spirit of God sent out into all the earth. Through His sacrifice, the Lamb redeems people from every nation and establishes them as a kingdom of priests:

Worthy are You to take the scroll and to break its seals; for You were slaughtered, and You purchased people for God with Your blood from every tribe, language, people, and nation.
Revelation 5:9

We are called to shine God’s light in a dark world. Just as Joseph remained faithful to God’s purpose and the High Priest in Zechariah’s vision was cleansed and restored, we are called to be lights in the world, reflecting the redemptive work of God. The same God who revealed the secrets to Joseph and restored Joshua the High Priest is at work in our lives today. Let us take this time to rededicate ourselves to Him, following His light and proclaiming His truth.

May your Hanukkah be filled with joy, peace, and the warmth of His presence. Let us, like the Maccabees, stand for God and dedicate our lives to shining His light.

Shabbat Shalom and wishes for a meaningful Hanukkah,
Moran