"Neither will I loathe them." In the time of the Assyrians I gave them Matthias, his sons and their comrades, to serve them.
"To destroy them." In the time of Haman I sent Mordecai and Esther to rescue them.
"To break my covenant with them." In the time of the Romans I appointed Rabbi Judah and his associates to work their salvation.
"For I am the Eternal, your God." In the future no nation shall rule over Israel, and the descendants of Abraham shall be restored to their independent state.
The dedication commemorated by Hannukah occurred in the year 3632—129 B.C.E.
PURIM
This festival, occurring on the fourteenth day of the twelfth month, Adar (March), is to commemorate the deliverance of the Hebrews from the wiles of Haman, through the God-aided means of Mordecai and Esther.
Although the Holy One threatens the Israelites, in order that they may repent of their sins, He has also tempted them, in order to increase their reward.
For instance, a father who loves his son, and desires him to improve his conduct, must punish him for his misdeeds, but it is a punishment induced by affection which he bestows.
A certain apostate once said to Rabbi Saphra:—