The Jewish Feast of Dedication of the Altar

1 Maccabees 4 tells us about the origin of the Jewish feast of dedication of the altar --- Hanukkah. The Greek overlords wanted to push forth her Hellenization process. They tried to abolish Judaism and struck her at her nerve-centre. These overlords had no respect for the religion of other people. They even defiled their Temple and altar.

With God's help, Judah Maccabeus and his 3000 unarmed men (2 Maccabees 4:6) were able to defeat an army of 5000 infantry and 1000 cavalry (2 Maccabees 4:1).The next year, Judah led 10000 men (2 Maccabees 4:29) to meet 60000 infantry men and 5000 cavalry (2 Maccabees 4:28) and defeated them. Once again, God proves that the success of the Israelites depends on Him, not on numbers nor military might. Judah Maccabeus cleansed up the defiled Temple, rebuilt the altar and dedicated it again to God. This was the origin of the Jewish Feast of Hanukkah.

In the war cry, Judah encouraged his men to rely on God to fight their battle. He quoted the story of the crossing of the Red Sea. However, his language bordered on putting God to the test. I don't think it is a problem of translation. See the Greek text below.
But Judas said to the men who were with him, "Do not fear their numbers or be afraid when they charge.
Remember how our fathers were saved at the Red Sea, when Pharaoh with his forces pursued them.
And now let us cry to Heaven, to see whether he will favor us and remember his covenant with our fathers and crush this army before us today.
Then all the Gentiles will know that there is one who redeems and saves Israel." (1 Maccabees 4:8-11)
"to see whether He will ..." Was this not putting God to test?
εἰ θελήσει ἡμᾶς καὶ μνησθήσεται διαθήκης πατέρων 
(whether favour us and remember covenant fathers)
In the second encounter with the 650000 army, Judah was more certain of God's help. In his war cry, he quoted the campaigns of David and Jonathan against the Philistines.
So do thou hem in this army by the hand of thy people Israel, and let them be ashamed of their troops and their cavalry.
Fill them with cowardice; melt the boldness of their strength; let them tremble in their destruction.
Strike them down with the sword of those who love thee, and let all who know thy name praise thee with hymns.(1 Maccabees 4:31-33)

The quotations taken from OT history are worthy studying. In the first speech, their continued existence was called into question. Therefore, Judah quoted the story of crossing the Red Sea. This crossing was critical. Without it, Israel did not even exist. Judah was facing a similar situation. These unarmed men desperately needed a miracle to survive.
One year later, their position was more consolidated, though still insecure. They were outnumbered but they would win because they had God on their side.

Dear Lord, thank You for Your patience with us. We are insecure and weak in faith. Allow us to call on You for help. Amen.