Overview:
The Miracle of the Oil is a significant event in Jewish history, celebrated during the festival of Hanukkah. Although not directly recorded in the canonical books of the Bible, this miracle is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition and is associated with the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the Maccabean Revolt. The event is primarily documented in the books of 1 and 2 Maccabees, which are part of the Apocrypha, and in the Talmud.

Historical Context:
The Miracle of the Oil occurred during the period of the Maccabean Revolt (167–160 BC), a Jewish rebellion against the Seleucid Empire and its ruler, Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Antiochus had issued decrees forbidding Jewish religious practices and desecrated the Second Temple by erecting an altar to Zeus and sacrificing pigs on it. In response, a group of Jewish warriors known as the Maccabees, led by Judas Maccabeus, rose up against the Seleucid forces and successfully reclaimed Jerusalem and the Temple.

The Miracle:
Upon reclaiming the Temple, the Maccabees sought to purify and rededicate it to the worship of Yahweh. According to tradition, they found only a small jar of consecrated oil, enough to keep the menorah (the Temple's seven-branched candelabrum) burning for just one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days, the time needed to prepare and consecrate a fresh supply of oil. This event is commemorated by the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights.

Biblical and Theological Significance:
While the Miracle of the Oil is not explicitly mentioned in the canonical texts of the Bible, it holds theological significance for its themes of divine providence, faith, and the triumph of light over darkness. The menorah itself is a symbol of God's presence and the light of His truth. The miracle underscores the belief in God's ability to provide and sustain His people even in times of dire need.

Related Biblical Themes:
1. Divine Provision: The Miracle of the Oil echoes the biblical theme of God's provision, as seen in the account of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath, where a jar of flour and a jug of oil did not run dry (1 Kings 17:14-16).
2. Light as a Symbol of God's Presence: The menorah's light symbolizes God's presence and guidance, akin to the pillar of fire that led the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 13:21).
3. Purification and Dedication: The rededication of the Temple aligns with the biblical emphasis on holiness and the need to consecrate spaces and lives to God (Leviticus 20:7-8).

Cultural and Liturgical Observance:
Hanukkah is observed for eight days, beginning on the 25th of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar. The festival is marked by the lighting of the menorah, with one additional candle lit each night. Traditional foods, games, and songs celebrate the miracle and the Maccabees' victory. The festival serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the enduring spirit of His people.

Conclusion:
The Miracle of the Oil, while not found in the canonical Bible, remains a powerful testament to God's miraculous intervention and the enduring faith of His people. It continues to inspire and encourage believers to trust in God's provision and to celebrate His light in the world.