The Month of Adar
The Month Of AdarAdar Motto “When Adar comes, joy is increased!”
Definition of Adar
Strong's Concordance: (#H144)
1) 'glorious'.
- twelfth month, corresponding to modern March or April
Abarim Publications: Adar meaning: Darkened, Eclipsed Cloak, Majestic, Wide
Etymology: From a Babylonian verb adaru, to be darkened or eclipsed.
From the Hebrew verb אדר ('adar), to be majestic or wide, or the verb הדר (adar), to be majestic or glorify.
7 Adar ~ "Moses' Birth & Passing (1393 and 1273 BCE) Moses was born in Egypt on the 7th of Adar of the year 2368 from creation (1393 BCE) and passed away on his 120th birthday -- Adar 7, 2488 (1273 BCE)" ~ Chabad.org
12 Adar 11 BC/BCE ~ Also called the Feast of Dedication which is another name for Hanukkah, not to be confused with the Feast of Dedication found in John 10:22 . After the Babylonian captivity, the Jews began to return to Israel and Jerusalem specifically. They took to rebuilding (recorded in Ezra) the Temple built by king Solomon, which was largely destroyed in the Babylonian sieges (chronicled in several books of the Old Testament, including 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel). Then after 334 years in 19 BCE, king Herod I considered the idea of rebuilding and renovating the Temple. The rebuild according to Flavius Josephus ~ The Antiquities of the Jews And so it came to pass that the renovation was completed eight years later, hence the re-dedication.
HOWEVER, there was another re-dedication on the way. One of the Spirit and not of a building.
"Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?"
"And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. and Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch" ~ John 10:22-23
This would have been the 25th of Kislev which points to the time of the conception of Jesus, not His birth. See: Kislev , Light of the World , Autumn ~ The Birth of Christ
However, as indicated on the links we find in Scripture we can calculate the timing of John the Immerser's birth to be in the March time frame, the time of king Herod's re-dedication of the temple.
Why point this out? Well, consider; as John the Immerser represented the conclusion of salvation through the Law by the sacrifice of animals and Jesus presenting the beginning of salvation through faith in Him, it may be a consideration that this re-dedication from Herod was symbolic of the last portion of time where the 'light' of temple would only be temporary. It would would not last forever as Herod's work indicates it had fallen into disrepair and needed renewing. And that Jesus being in the Temple at the Feast of Dedication where the Maccabees overthrew their enemies (Jesus conquering death) was for all future generations. John the Immerser essentially 'passed the baton' to Jesus when he baptized the LORD. It was the transfer where the slaughter of animals would no longer be payment for sin, but that through the shed blood of the Son of God, Son of Man foretold was now required and that through faith.
13 Adar ~ The Fast of Esther Commemorated ~ Upon learning of the edict to destroy all the Jews in Babylon, Mordecai, cousin to Queen Esther impresses upon her she must address the king in this matter. However to enter the king's presence without having been called by the king could cost her her life. Prior to addressing the king Esther calls for a fast: "Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish." ~ Esther 4:16
NOTE: Biblically the fast of Esther took place Nissan 14-16. However, it is commemorated in remembrance of God's deliverance the day before the Jewish people were to have been destroyed by an evil plan formed through their enemy Haman the Amalekite. Haman had connived a plan to destroy the Jews 13 Adar.
13 - 15 Adar 356 BC/BCE ~ Purim; commemorates a time when lots were cast (pur) by Haman. The purim/lots were cast beginning 1 Nissan (Esther 3:7) until a date of 13 Adar was determined. This plot is turn back upon Haman's head where a twist of Divine events allows for the Jews to not only defend themselves, but an additional day to avenge the aggressors was given the following day for those in the palace city of Shushan. The Jews throughout the Persian Empire were victorious. Jews outside Shushan began celebrating the 14th. The 15th is a day of celebration added for those in Shushan. This event takes place during the diaspora in Babylon.
14 - 28 Adar ~ γ-Normid meteor shower. Norma means; rule, standard, pattern)
355 BCE ~ Megillah (a scroll) is written by Esther and Mordecai initiating the Festival of Purim instituted for all generations.
Of Historical Importance: It was in this time of year that the 10 plagues of Egypt would have occurred.
