WHO HID THE FLASK OF OIL?

“When the Syrian-Greeks entered the Bais Hamikdash (Holy Temple) they contaminated all the [flasks of] oil that were in the Sanctuary. When the dynasty of the Hasmoneans grew strong and conquered them (the enemy) they searched and found only one flask of oil that was placed [in the Sanctuary] with the seal of the Kohen Gadol, High Priest…..(Tractate Shabbos 21b)

What suddenly came over the Kohen Gadol to secrete the flask of oil that was found and of which the miracle happened?

Also, if the Kohen Gadol intended to hide a flask of oil, why didn’t he hide a larger flask than this small one that contained only one day’s worth of oil?

We must conclude that the practice of the Kohen Gadol was to fill small flasks of oil for the daily lighting needs of the Bais Hamikdash. Each flask contained enough oil to burn for one night. When the Syrian-Greeks broke into the Bais Hamikdash they contaminated all the small flasks of oil, except this one that miraculously disappeared.

(Source: Chida)

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