A Sign or a Reason?
Did the Shechina return as well (as foreseen by Zecharya)? One could suggest that the miracle of the "pach ha'shemen" [cruse of oil] and the Menorah could have been perceived by the Hasmoneans as a divine sign that the Shechina was also returning. Recall that the central vision of Zecharya is that of the Menorah (see 4:1-7). In that prophecy, not only does Zecharya envision the return of the Shechina, but also the return of sovereignty. The discovery of the cruse of oil with the seal of the Kohen Gadol, and the ensuing miracle that took place with the lighting of the Menorah, although not the reason for establishing Chanuka, most likely provided the Sages with a sign that the military victories of the Hasmoneans were indeed the results of divine providence, and hence worthy of commemoration.

Our explanation so far has shown that the primary reasons for the establishment of Chanuka as a yearly holiday were the military victories and the dedication of the Bet Ha-mikdash. Yet, why is it that we find that Chazal in later generations emphasize primarily the miracle of the oil? [See Mesechet Shabbat 21b.]

As mentioned earlier, the central vision of Zecharya is that of the menorah surrounded by two olive branches. The main message of this prophecy was that Bayit Sheni should be characterized by the predominance of spirituality (ruach) over physical strength (chayil and koach). (See 4:6) It is through this predominance of spirit that the pitfalls of the monarchy of the First Temple could be avoided. The miracle of the oil could be viewed as reflective of this prophecy.

It is understandable therefore, that the Sages placed such a heavy emphasis on the miracle of the oil. In the eyes of the Hasmoneans and the people living at the time of the revolt, the primary reason for celebration was due to the military victories, the return of Jewish sovereignty, and the rededication of the Mikdash - the fulfillment of the prophecies of Chagai. The Sages were aware of the dangers of the political power now achieved by the Hasmoneans. As time passed and there was a decline in the religiosity of the Hasmonean Dynasty, the Sages needed to emphasize specifically this message of Zecharya - "lo be-chayil ve-lo be-koach, ki im be-ruchi."