Eleazar

the third son of Aaron, and his successor in the dignity of high priest, Exo 6:23. He entered into the land of Canaan with Joshua, and is supposed to have lived there upward of twenty years. The high priesthood continued in his family till the time of Eli. He was buried in a hill that belonged to the son of Phineas, Joshua 24.

2. ELEAZAR, the son of Aminadab, to whose care the ark was committed when it was sent back by the Philistines, 1 Samuel 7. He is thought to have been a priest, or at least a Levite, though he is not mentioned in the catalogue of the sons of Levi.

Elea´zar (God-helped). This was an exceedingly common name among the Hebrews, being borne by a considerable number of persons in Scripture (as well as in the Apocrypha and Josephus), of whom the principal are the following.

Eleazar, 1

Eleazar, eldest son of Aaron (Exo 6:23; Exo 6:25), who acted in his father’s lifetime as chief of the tribe of Levi (Num 3:32), and at his death succeeded him in the high-priesthood (Num 20:25, sq.). His pontificate was contemporary with the military government of Joshua, whom he appears to have survived. A perfectly good understanding seems at all times to have subsisted between Eleazar and Joshua, as we constantly trace that cooperation and mutual support which the circumstances of the time and of the nation rendered so necessary. Eleazar is supposed to have lived twenty five years after the passage of the Jordan, and the book of Joshua concludes with a notice of his death and burial.

Eleazar, 2

Eleazar, who was set apart to attend upon the ark while it remained under the roof of his father Abinadab (1Sa 7:1).

Eleazar, 3

Eleazar, one of the three most eminent of David’s heroes, who ’fought till his hand was weary’ in maintaining with David and the other two a daring stand against the Philistines after ’the men of Israel had gone away.’ He was also one of the same three when they broke through the Philistine host, to gratify David’s longing for a drink of water from the well of his native Bethlehem (2Sa 23:9-10; 2Sa 23:13).

Eleazar, 4

Eleazar, the fourth of the Maccabean brothers, sons of the priest Mattathias (1Ma 2:5). He was crushed to death by the fall of an elephant which he stabbed under the belly in the belief that it bore the king, Antiochus Eupator (1Ma 6:43-46).

Eleazar, 5

Eleazar, an aged and venerable scribe who, ’as became his age, and the excellency of his ancient years, and the honor of his gray head,’ chose rather to submit to the most cruel torments than conform to the polluting enactments of Antiochus Epiphanes (2Ma 6:18-31).

1. The third son of Aaron, and high priest after him, Exo 6:23 ; Num 20:25-28 . The high priesthood continued in his family through seven generations; till the time of Eli, when we find it transferred to the line of Ithamar. In the reigns of Saul and David, it was restored to the line of Eleazar, and so continued till after the captivity.\par 2. A son of Abinadab, honored with the charge of the ark while it was in his father’s house, 1Sa 7:1 .\par 3. One of David’s champions, 2Sa 23:9 ; 1Ch 11:11-18 .\par

Elea’zar. (help of God).

1. Third son of Aaron. After the death of Nadab and Abihu, without children, Lev 10:6; Num 3:4, Eleazar was appointed chief over the principal Levites. Num 3:32. With his brother, Ithamar, he ministered as a priest, during their father’s lifetime, and immediately before his death, was invested on Mount Hor with the sacred garments, as the successor of Aaron in the office of high priest. Num 20:28. (B.C. 1452). One of his first duties was, in conjunction with Moses, to superintend the census of the people. Num 26:3. After the conquest of Canaan by Joshua, he took part in the distribution of the land. Jos 14:1. The time of his death is not mentioned in Scripture.

2. The son of Abinadab, of the hill of Kirjath-jearim. 1Sa 7:1. (B.C. 1134).

3. One of the three principal mighty men of David’s army. 2Sa 23:9; 1Ch 11:12. (B.C. 1046).

4. A Merarite Levite, son of Mahli and grandson of Merari. 1Ch 23:21-22; 1Ch 24:28.

5. A priest, who took part in the Feast of Dedication under Nehemiah. Neh 12:42. (B.C. 446).

6. One of the sons of Parosh, an Israelite, (that is, a layman), who had married a foreign wife. Ezr 10:25.

7. Son of Phinehas, a Levite. Ezr 8:33.

8. The son of Eliud, in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Mat 1:15.

1. Aaron’s third son by Elisheba, Amininadab’s daughter, descended from Judah through Pharez (Exo 6:23; Exo 6:25; Exo 28:1; Gen 38:29; Gen 46:12; Rth 4:18; Rth 4:20). On the death of Nadab and Abihu without children (Lev 10:1; Num 3:4) Eleazar had the oversight of the chief Levites, who kept the charge of the sanctuary (Num 3:32). With Ithamar his brother he ministered as a priest in his father’s lifetime, and was invested in Aaron’s high-priestly garments as his successor, on mount Her, just before his death (Num 20:25-28).

With Moses he superintended the census (Num 26:3), inaugurated Joshua whom Moses set before him (for Joshua was in this inferior to Moses, who had direct intercourse with God; Joshua must ask divine counsel through the high priest), and divided the Midianite spoil (Num 27:22; Num 31:21). He took part in dividing Canaan (Jos 14:1). He was buried in "the hill of Phinehas his son, ... mount Ephraim" (Jos 24:33). The high priesthood passed to Ithamar’s line in the person of Eli, but for the sin of Eli’s sons reverted to Eleazar’s line in the person of Zadok (1Sa 2:27; 1Ch 6:8; 1Ch 24:3; 1Ki 2:27).

2. Abinadab’s son, of the "hill" of Kirjath Jearim; appointed by its inhabitants to take care of the ark on its return from the Philistines (1Sa 7:1).

3. Dodo the Ahohite’s son, one of the three chief strongmen of David; perhaps descended from Ahoah of Benjamin (1Ch 8:4; 2Sa 23:9; 1Ch 11:12).

4. A Merarite Levite, son of Mahli, having daughters married to their "brethren" (cousins) (1Ch 23:21-22; 1Ch 24:28).

5. A priest at Nehemiah’s feast of dedication (Neh 12:42).

6. Son of Parosh, who married arid put away an alien wife (Ezr 10:25).

7. Phinehas’ son, a Levite (Ezr 8:33).

8. Eliud’s son, three generations above Joseph, husband of the Virgin Mary (Mat 1:15). The name means "helped by God," and is the same as Lazarus (Luk 16:19-25).

(Hebrews Elazar’, אֶלְעָזָר, whom God has helped; Sept. and N.T. Ε᾿λεάζαρ; from the Graecized form Ε᾿λεάζαρος ῾found in Maccabees and Josephus], came by contraction the later name Λάζαρος, Lazarus), a common name among the Hebrews, being borne by at least six persons mentioned in Scripture, besides several in the Apocrypha and Josephus. SEE ELIEZER.

1. The third son of Aaron, by Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab, who was descended from Judah, through Pharez (Exo 6:23; Exo 28:1; for his descent, see Gen 38:29; Gen 46:12; Rth 4:18; Rth 4:20). He married a daughter of Putiel, who bore him Phinehas (Exo 6:25). After the death of Nadab and Abihu without children (Lev 10:1; Num 3:4), Eleazar was appointed chief over the principal Levites, to have the oversight of those who had charge of the sanctuary (Num 3:32). With his brother Ithamar he ministered as a priest during their father’s lifetime, and immediately before the death of their father he was invested on Mount Hor with the sacred garments, as the successor of Aaron in the office of high-priest (Num 20:28). B.C. 1619. One of his first duties was, in conjunction with Moses, to superintend the census of the people (Num 26:3). He also assisted at the inauguration of Joshua, and at the division of spoil taken from the Midianites (Num 27:22; Num 31:21). After the conquest of Canaan by Joshua, he took part in the distribution of the land (Jos 14:1). The time of his death is not mentioned in Scripture; Josephus says it took place about the same time as Joshua’s, 25 years after the death of Moses. He is said to have been buried in "the hill of Phinehas" his son (Jos 24:33), where Josephus says his tomb existed (Ant. 5:1, 29), or possibly a town called Gibeath-Phinehas (Gesenius, Thesaur. pages 260, 261,). The high- priesthood is said to have remained in the family of Eleazar until the time of Eli, a descendant of Ithmar, into whose family, for some reason unknown, it passed until it was restored to the family of Eleazar in the person of Zadok (1Sa 2:27; 1Ch 6:8; 1Ch 24:3; 1Ki 2:27; Josephus, Ant. 8:1, 3). SEE HIGH-PRIEST.

2. An inhabitant of Kirjath-jearim, on the "hill" (גַּבְעָה), who was set apart by his fellow-townsmen to attend upon the ark, while it remained under the roof of his father Abinadab, after it had been returned to the Hebrews by the Philistines (1Sa 7:1-2). B.C. 1124. His service in this capacity was doubtless somewhat irregular, but justifiable under the circumstances; for there is no evidence that he belonged to the priestly order, although it is probable that he was of a Levitical family (who were not allowed to touch the ark, but had only the general charge of it, Num 3:31; Num 4:15). He seems to have continued to exercise this sole care of the sacred deposit for the twenty years that intervened till the judgeship of Samuel (1Sa 7:1), although the ark remained in the same place much longer (1Ch 13:7).

3. A Levite, son of Mahli, and grandson of Merari. B.C. cir. 1618. He is mentioned as having had only daughters, who were married by their "brethren" (i.e., their cousins) (1Ch 23:21-22; 1Ch 24:28).

4. The son of Dodo the Ahohite (בֶּן9אֲחֹחַי, i.e., possibly a descendant of Ahoah, of the tribe of Benjamin (1Ch 8:4); one of the three most eminent of David’s thirty-seven distinguished heroes (1Ch 11:12), who "fought till his hand was weary" in maintaining with David and the other two a daring stand against the Philistines after "the men of Israel had gone away." He was also one of the same three when they broke through the Philistine host to gratify David’s longing for a drink of water from the well of his native Bethlehem (2Sa 23:9-10; 2Sa 23:13). B.C. cir. 1046. SEE DAVID.

5. Son of Phinehas, and associated with the priests and Levites in taking charge of the sacred vessels restored to Jerusalem after the Exile (Ezra 8:38). B.C. 459. He is probably the same with one of those who encompassed the walls of Jerusalem on their completion (Neh 12:42). B.C. 446. It does not appear from these passages, however, that he was necessarily a priest or even a Levite.

6. One of the descendants (or citizens) of Parosh, an Israelite (i.e., layman) who renounced the Gentile wife whom he had married on returning from Babylon (Ezr 10:25). B.C. 410. Possibly he is the same with Number 5.

7. The first-named of the "principal men and learned" sent for by Ezra to accompany him to Jerusalem (1Es 8:43); evidently the ELIEZER SEE ELIEZER (q.v.) of the Hebrews text (Ezr 8:16).

8. According to Josephus, the Jewish high-priest, brother, and successor of Simon the Just, and son of Onias I, whose correspondence with Ptolemy Philadelphus resulted in the Septuagint (q.v.) translation being made (Ant. 12:2, 5 sq.; 4, 4). SEE HIGH-PRIEST.

9. Surnamed AVARAN (1Ma 2:5, Αὐαράν, or Αὐράν, and so Josephus, Ant. 12:6, 1; 9:4. In 1Ma 6:43, the common reading ὁ Σαυαράν arises either from the insertion of C by mistake after O, or from a false division of Ε᾿λεάζαρος Αὐαράν), the fourth son of Mattathias, who fell by a noble act of self-devotion in an engagement with Antiochus Eupator, being crushed to death by the fall of an elephant which he stabbed under the belly in the belief that it bore the king, B.C. 164 (1Ma 6:43 sq.; Josephus, Ant. 12:19, 4; War, 1:1, 5; Ambrose, De offic. min. 40). In a former battle with Nicanor, Eleazar was appointed by Judas to read "the holy book" before the attack, and the watchword in the fight — "the help of God" — was his own name (2Ma 8:23).

The surname "Avaran" is probably connected with Arab. havar, "to pierce an animal behind" (Michaelis, s.v.). This derivation seems far better than that of Rediger (Ersch u. Gruber, s.v.) from Arab. khavaran, "an elephant- hide." In either case the title is derived from his exploit.

10. A distinguished scribe (Ε᾿λεάζαρος ... τῶν πρωτευόντων γραμματέων, 2Ma 6:18) of great age, who suffered martyrdom during the persecution of Antiochus Epiphanes (2Ma 6:18-31). B.C. cir. 167. His death was marked by singular constancy and heroism, and seems to have produced considerable effect. Later traditions embellished the narrative by representing Eleazar as a priest (De Macc. 5), or even high- priest (Grimm, ad; Macc. 1.c.). He was also distinguished by the nobler title of "the proto-martyr of the old covenant," "the foundation of martyrdom" (Chrysost. Hom. 3 in 1 Macc. init. Comp. Ambrose, De Jacob. 2:10). For the general credibility of the history comp. Grimm, Excurs. uler 2Ma 6:18-28, in Exeg. Handb.; also Ewald, Gesch. 4:341, 532. SEE MACCABEES.

The name Eleazar in 3Ma 6:1-41 appears to have been borrowed from this Antiochian martyr, as belonging to one weighed down by age and suffering, and yet "helped by God." — Smith, s.v.

11. The father of Jason, ambassador from Judas Maccabeaus to Rome (1Ma 8:18). B.C. 161.

12. Son of Eliud and father of Matthan, which last was the grandfather of Joseph, Christ’s reputed father (Mat 1:15). B.C. cir. 150.

13. A priest mentioned by Josephus as having charge of the Temple treasures, who sought to divert Crassus from pillaging the sanctuary by the largess of a beam of gold (Ant. 14:7, 1).

14. A son of Boethus, whom Archelaus put into the high-priesthood in place of his brother Joazar, but soon displaced by Jesus the son of Sie (Josephus, Ant. 17:13, 1).

15. Son of Ananus (or Ananias), made high-priest in the room of Ishmael (son of Phabi) by Gratus, who deposed him after one year in favor of Simon son of Camithus (Josephus, Ant. 18:2, 2). While a youth, his boldness led him, as prefect of the Temple, to advise the Jews to refuse all foreign presents (Josephus, War, 2:17, 2). He had been seized by the Sicarii as a hostage for ten prisoners of their own number (Ant. 20:9, 3). He was one of the generals chosen by the Jews for Idumaea during the revolt under Cestius (War, 2:20, 4).

16. Son of Dinseus, a robber who for many years infested the mountains of Samaria, whose troop was at length broken up by Cumanus (Josephus, Ant. 20:6, 1). He was himself captured by stratagem and sent to Rome by Felix (ib. 8, 5). He seems to be the same with the notorious rebel commander of Massada, at whose instigation the desperate garrison committed suicide (War, 7:8-9; comp. Ant. 20:1, 1; War, 2:13, 2).

17. A companion of Simoni of Gerasa; sent by the latter to endeavor to persuade the garrison of Herodium to capitulate, but indignantly put to death by them (Josephus, War, 4:9, 5).

18. A young Jew of great valor in the siege of Machaerus by Bassus; captured by Rufus, but released by the Romans on condition of the surrender of the fortress (Josephus, War, 7:6, 4).

19. A Jewish conjuror whom Josephus speaks of having seen exorcise daemons in the presence of Vespasian and his officers by means of a magical ring (Ant. 8:2, 5).

20. A son of Sameas, and born in Saab in Galilee, who performed a heroic act of valor and self-devotion during the final siege of Jerusalem (Josephus, War, 3:7, 21).

21. Son of Simon, and ringleader of the Zealots in the final convulsions of the Jewish nation (Josephus, War, 4:4, 1). He first appears as possessor of a large amount of plunder from the Romans under Cestius, which gave him control of public affairs (ib. 2:20, 3). During the siege by Titus he held the Temple against the other factions (ib. 5:1, 2), being supplied by the sacred stores of provisions (ib. 3); but at length he formed a coalition with one of these opponents, John of Gischala, who occupied the remainder of the eastern part of the city (ib. 5:6, 1), having lost his vantage by a stratagem of the latter (ib. 3, 1). See the full account under JERUSALEM SEE JERUSALEM .

Eleazar (ç’le-â’zar or e-lç’a-zar), whom God helps. 1. The third son of Aaron. Exo 6:23-25; Exo 28:1. After the death of his brothers Nadab and Abihu, he was placed at the head of the Levites, Num 3:32, and subsequently succeeded his father as high priest. Num 20:28. He was then united with Moses in the divine communications, Num 26:1, and with Joshua, who was solemnly inaugurated before him. Num 27:18-23. Eleazar entered Canaan, and, in conjunction with Joshua, divided it among the tribes. Jos 14:1; Jos 17:4; Jos 21:1. His death is mentioned, Jos 24:33, but not the time of it: perhaps it was near that of Joshua, He was succeeded as high priest by his son Phinehas. 2. The son of Abinadab of Kirjath-jearim, "sanctified" or appointed to take charge of the ark after its restoration by the Philistines. 1Sa 7:1. 3. A son of Dodo, and one of David’s chief warriors. 2Sa 23:9; 1Ch 11:12. 4. A Levite of the family of Merari, who had no sons, only daughters. 1Ch 23:21-22; 1Ch 24:28. 5. A Levite who helped to weigh the vessels that Ezra brought to Jerusalem. Ezr 8:33. 6. One who had married a foreign wife. Ezr 10:25. 7. A priest who took part in the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem. Neh 12:42. 8. A person named among our Lord’s ancestry. Mat 1:15.

[Elea’zar]

1. Third son of Aaron and Elisheba (a descendant of Judah through Pharez). He succeeded as chief of the Levites on the death of Nadab and Abihu, and on the death of his father became high priest. He took part with Moses in numbering the people and with Joshua in the allotment of the land. The priesthood continued in his house until it passed to Eli who was of the family of Ithamar; Solomon restored it again to the family of Eleazar in the person of Zadok. Exo 6:23; Exo 6:25; Lev 10:6-16; Num 3:2; Num 3:4; Num 3:32; Num 20:25-28; Num 26:1; Num 26:3; Num 26:60; Num 26:63; Num 27:19-22; Num 31:6-54; Deu 10:6; Jos 14:1; 1Ch 6:3-4; 1Ch 6:50.

2. Son of Abinadab, set apart to keep the ark at Kirjath-jearim. 1Sa 7:1.

3. Son of Dodo, the Ahohite, and one of David’s three mighty men. 2Sa 23:9; 1Ch 11:12.

4. Son of Mahli, a Merarite. He had only daughters who married their cousins. 1Ch 23:21-22; 1Ch 24:28.

5. Son of Phinehas, a Levite. Ezr 8:33.

6. One who had married a strange wife. Ezr 10:25.

7. A priest who assisted at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem. Neh 12:42.

8. Son of Eliud, in the genealogy of the Lord Jesus. Mat 1:15.

ELEAZAR.—An ancestor of Jesus, Mat 1:15.

By: Emil G. Hirsch, Eduard König, Samuel Krauss, Richard Gottheil

1. High priest; third son of Aaron. After his two elder brothers, Nadab and Abihu, had suffered death for offering strange fire before the Lord, Eleazar became his father's chief assistant, with the title "prince of the princes of the Levites" (Num. iii. 32), his functions including the supervision of the oil for the seven-branched candlestick, the incense, and all that pertained to the inner sanctuary (ib. iv. 16). Shortly before Aaron's death Eleazar was clothed in his father's official garments to signify that he was Aaron's successor (ib. xx. 25-28). God's commands were now addressed to Moses and Eleazar (ib. xxvi. 1), and Eleazar is mentioned as God's second representative in Israel, beside Moses (ib. xxxii. 28), and even before Joshua (Num. xxxii. 28, xxxiv. 17; Josh. xiv. 1, xvii. 4, xix. 51, xxi. 1). He was the progenitor of most of the high priests. He was buried "in Gibeah, of Phinehas his son, which was given him in the hill country of Ephraim" (Num. xxiv. 33, R. V.).Eleazar is said to have added to the Book of Joshua the section xxiv. 29-32 (B. B. 15a, 1. 27), and his son Phinehas, verse 33.E. G. H. E. K.

2. A son of Dodai, an Ahohite (II Sam. xxiii. 9, R. V.), or of Dodo the Ahohite (I Chron. xi. 12); one of the three principal captains of David's army.

3. Fourth son of Mattathias and brother of Judas Maccabeus; surnamed "Avaran" (IMacc. ii. 5, Ααράν; ib. vi. 43, Σαναράν for Αὐαράν Josephus, "Ant." xii. 6, § 1, Αὐρράν). He distinguished himself by a courageous act at the battle of Bet-Zekaryah (162 B.C.), when the Jews under Judas Maccabeus were hard pressed by the large Syrian army commanded by Lysias and encouraged by the presence of the youthful king Antiochus Eupator. Eleazar, seeing among the enemy's elephants one that was armed with royal breastplates, and that was taller than the rest, concluded that it carried the king. Wishing to put an end to the misery of his people, and being desirous of gaining everlasting fame for himself, Eleazar fought his way through the ranks of the enemy, and, creeping under the elephant, speared it from beneath, the animal crushing him in its fall (I Macc. vi. 43-46; Josephus, l.c. xii. 9, § 4; idem, "B. J." i. 1, § 5). Because of this deed Eleazar is especially mentioned in a midrash (Rashi to Deut. xxxiii. 11; comp. Megillat Antiochus," ed. Gaster, verses 63, 64).II Maccabees does not mention Eleazar; and Josephus modifies the account in his "Wars," following the story of I Macc. vi. 43 only in his "Antiquities." Eleazar is included among the seventy translators of the Bible that are mentioned in the Letter of Aristeas (§ 50); and scholars have assumed that this fictitious name was taken from that of the Maccabean (Wendland, in Kautzsch, "Apokryphen," ii. 3). In the Syrian document, however, the name reads "Eliezer" (Wendland, "Aristeas," p. 143, Leipsic, 1900).Bibliography: Grätz, Gesch. ii. 363; Schürer, Gesch. 3d ed., i. 213; Willrich, Judaica, p. 149, Göttingen, 1900; Krauss, in Rev. Et. Juives, xxx. 216; for the name "Avaran" see Fritsche, Kurzgefasstes Exegetisches Handbuch to I Macc. ii. 5, and Zöckler, Kurzgefasstes Commentar, ibid.E. G. H. E. K. S. Kr.

4. Son of Ananias, the high priest. Though belonging to a family which strove to maintain friendly terms with the Romans, he induced his priestly colleagues to discontinue the daily sacrifice for the emperor, and to decline presents from the pagans ("B. J." ii. 17, §§ 2-4), thereby causing a rupture with the Romans. The rebels, under the leadership of Eleazar, took possession of the lower city and the Temple, and fought for seven days with the peace party. The Sicarii under Menahem attacked the peace party, killing Ananias and his brother Hezekiah. This led to a conflict between the parties of Menahem and Eleazar, in which the former was defeated and driven from Jerusalem. Eleazar also attacked the Roman garrison that had retired to the fortified towers—Hippicus, Phasælus, and Mariamne; the Romans capitulated and surrendered their arms on condition of free retreat, but were allmassacred by the rebels (Josephus, "B. J." ii. 17, §§ 2-10). Meg. Ta'an. 11 refers to this event.The Romans retired from Judah and Jerusalem on the 17th of Elul. It seems that Eleazar had coins struck in his name, with the inscription: "The First Year of the Liberation of Jerusalem." On the organization of the rebellion Eleazar, with Jesus b. Sapphias, was appointed general of Idumea ("B. J." ii. 20, § 4, reading' A νανιον instead of υἱὸν Nέον). Grätz's opinion that Eleazar is identical with Eleazar b. Ananiah b. Hezekiah Garon is inadmissible. In Yosippon, ch. 95-97, Eleazar b. Ananiah is confounded with Eleazar ben Jair (see Albinus; Ananias).Bibliography: Grätz, Gesch. 4th ed., iii. 453, 471; Schürer, Gesch. 3d ed., i. 602; Schlatter, Zur Topographie und Gesch. Pakstinas, p. 368; Madden, History of Jewish Coinage, pp. 161-166; Levy, Gesch. der Jüdischen Münzen, p. 88; Agadat Shir ha-Shirim, ed. Schechter, pp. 47, 96.

5. Priest and treasurer of the Temple of Jerusalem. Eleazar, anxious to save the costly curtains of the Temple from the greed of Crassus, who had seized the treasure of the Temple amounting to 2,000 talents, gave him a golden beam weighing 300 minæ the existence of which was unknown to the other priests on account of its wooden casing. He made Crassus swear to spare the rest of the Temple. Crassus, notwithstanding his oath, took all the gold of the Temple (Josephus, "Ant." xiv. 7, § 1).

6. Leader of the Zealots in the war against Vespasian and Titus; son of Simon (Josephus, "B. J." ii. 20, § 3; iv. 4, § 7; for υἱὸς Γίωνος read Σίμωνος). He belonged to a noble priestly family. After the defeat of Cestius, Eleazar seized the abandoned impedimenta of the Romans and the treasure of the Temple, and employed the Zealots as armor-bearers ("B. J." ii. 20, §, 3). He found an ally in the priest Zacharias, son of Amphikalles, with whose help he supplanted the peaceable high priest Ananias and his party, and admitted the Idumeans into Jerusalem (ib. iv. 4, §, 1). When the patriot Johannes turned from Giscala to Jerusalem after the subjugation of Galilee, Eleazar would not submit to him, but retired to the court of the Temple with his friends Judah b. Ḥelika and Simon b. Ezron. During the Passover Eleazar's men opened the gates of the court of the Temple, whereupon the followers of Johannes stole in among the pilgrims, overpowered Eleazar's people, and drove them from the court (70 C.E.: ib. v. 3, § 1; Tacitus, v. 12).V05p094001.jpgBrass Coin Of Eleazar Ben Simon.Obverse: —"Eleazar the Priest." A vase; in field to right a palm-branch. Reverse: [—"The First Year of the Redemption of Israel," round a cluster of grapes.(After Madden, "History of Jewish Coinage.")Bibliography: Grätz, Gesch. 4th ed., iii. 509, 526; Schürer. Gesch. 3d ed., i. 623, 625; Schlatter, Zur Topographie und Gesch. Palästinas, p. 368; Reinach, Textes d'Auteurs Grecs et Romains, p. 320; Prosopographia Imperii Romani, s.v. Eleazar.

7. Martyr in the days of Antiochus Epiphanes. In the religious persecution under Antiochus, Eleazar, a scholar of rank, "and of a noble countenance," at that time "well stricken in years," was compelled to eat pork, his mouth being opened by force. When offered the alternatives of death or renunciation of his faith, he chose the former, in order to set a "noble example to the young." The king's followers desired to protect him, and implored him at least to pretend to obey the commands of the king. Eleazar refused, and died the death of a martyr (II Macc. vi. 18-31). In Antioch (IV Macc. v., vi.), Eleazar's edifying martyrdom, with that of the seven Maccabean brothers, was honored by the Roman Church (Origen, "Exhortatio ad Martyrium," ch. 22-27; "Comm. in Ep. ad Rom." iv. ch. 10; Chrysostom). Cardinal Rampolla's investigations have proved the historical character of the account despite the fact that while the seven martyrs are mentioned in rabbinical legend, Eleazar seems to be unknown to the Rabbis ("Martyre et Sepulture des Macchabées," Bruges, 1900). Grätz had already declared it to be substantially true ("Geschichte," 2d ed., ii. 317). Herzfeld's supposition ("Geschichte des Volkes Jisrael," ii. 75) that Eleazar is identical with Eleazar ben Ḥarsom is untenable.

ELEAZAR (‘God hath helped’).—1. A son of Aaron. It was natural that priestly traditions should have much to say about him. But in earlier writings his name appears only twice, both probably from E [Note: Elohist.] : Deu 10:6 (his succession to the priestly office at Aaron’s death), Jos 24:33 (his death and burial). In P [Note: Priestly Narrative.] he is the third son of Aaron by Elisheba, his brothers being Nadab, Abihu, and Ithamar (Exo 6:23, Num 3:2). With them he was consecrated priest (Exo 28:1), and was chief over the Levites (Num 3:32). Nadab and Abihu having died (Lev 10:1 f.), he succeeded Aaron as chief priest (Num 20:25-28). He took part in the census in Moab (Num 26:1; Num 26:63), and afterwards played a prominent part in the history of the settlement under Joshua (Jos 14:1; Jos 17:4; Jos 19:51; Jos 21:1). He married a daughter of Putiel, and she bore him Phinehas (Exo 6:25). When the Zadokite priests returned from Babylon, they traced their descent to Aaron through Eleazar, ignoring the house of Eli (1Ch 6:3-8); in some cases, however, the claim was made through Ithamar (1Ch 24:5 f.). 2. Son of Abinadab (1Sa 7:1). 3. One of David’s three heroes (2Sa 23:9, 1Ch 11:12 f.). 4. A Levite (1Ch 23:21; 1Ch 24:28). 5. 1Es 8:43 = Eliezer, Ezr 10:18. 6. A priest (Ezr 8:33, Neh 12:42, 1Es 8:63). 7. 1Es 9:19 = Eliezer, Ezr 10:18. 8. One who took a non-Israelite wife (Ezr 10:25, 1Es 9:26). 9. A brother of Judas Maccabæus (1Ma 2:5; 1Ma 6:43-46, 2Ma 8:23). 10. A martyr under Antiochus Epiphanes (2Ma 6:18-31). 11. Father of Jason (1Ma 8:17). 12. Sirach Eleazar (Sir 50:27). 13. An ancestor of Jesus (Mat 1:15).

A. H. M‘Neile.

(Heb. al‘wr, God’s help).1. Eleazar, son of AaronElizabeth, daughter of Aminadab and sister of Nahason, bore to Aaron four sons, Nadab, Abiu, Eleazar, and Ithamar (Exodus 6:23), all of whom, with their father, "were anointed … and consecrated, to do the functions of priesthood" (Numbers 3:2-3; Leviticus 8:1-13). As Nadab and Abiu died without children, punished for offering strange fire before the Lord (Leviticus 10:107; 1 Chronicles 24:1-2), "Eleazar and Ithamar performed the priestly office in the presence of Aaron" (Numbers 3:4). Thus entitled to succeed his father in the office of high-priest, "Eleazar … took a wife of the daughters of Phutiel", and so became the father of Phinees (Exodus 6:25). Prince of the princes of the Levites "that watch for the guard of the sanctuary" (Numbers 3:4), directing the sons of Caath when wrapping up "the sanctuary and the vessels thereof at the removing of the camp" (Numbers 4:15-16), Eleazar was selected as the suitable official, "to whose charge pertaineth the oil to dress the lamps, and the sweet incense, and the sacrifice … and the oil of unction, and whatsoever pertaineth to the service of the tabernacle, and of all the vessels that are in the sanctuary" (Numbers 4:16). At the very moment when his brothers were punished "by fire coming out from the Lord", Eleazar, though deeply affected by mental anguish, obeyed the order of Moses, and completed their unfinished sacrifice (Leviticus 10:1-20). After the terrible punishment inflicted on the daring usurpers, Core, Dathan, and Abiron, as if to make more evident his right to become the high- priest, Eleazar, complying with orders, beat into plates the still smoking censers used by these unfortunate rebels, and for a sign and a memorial, fastened this metal to the altar (Numbers 16:1-40). Appointed to preside over the immolation of the red cow (Numbers 19:1-10), Eleazar next appears, clothed with the vesture of Aaron, and exercising the office of high priest (Numbers 20:22-29). Hence it is that we find Eleazar associated with Moses, in numbering the children of Israel after the slaughter of the twenty-four thousand (Numbers 26:1-4), in settling the inheritance case presented by the daughters of Salphaad (Numbers 27:1-3), in distributing the spoils taken from the Madianites (Numbers 31:1-54), and, finally, in considering the request of Ruben and Gad for land east of the Jordan (Numbers 32:1-5). To Eleazar, Josue, the successor of Moses, is presented by the Jewish lawgiver himself (Numbers 27:12-23). On the list of those appointed to divide among the Israelites the lands west of the Jordan, the very first name is that of Eleazar (Numbers 34:16-19); Jos., xiv, 1-2; xix, 51), who was buried "in Gabaath, that belonged to Phinees his son, which was given him in mount Ephraim" (Joshua 24:33). If we except the period from Heli to Solomon, during which the descendants of Ithamar exercised the office of high-priest (1 Samuel 2:30-36; 1 Kings 2:27-27), those holding this most sacred calling, down to the time of the Machabees, belonged to the family of Eleazar (Exodus 6:25).Eleazar (surnamed Abaron)Eleazar was the fourth son of Mathathias (1 Maccabees 2:1-5). With some probability, he is identified with the Esdras who before the battle with Nicanor read the Holy Book to the Jewish warriors (2 Maccabees 8:22-24). In the engagement at Bethzacharam, he displayed marvellous courage in attacking and killing the elephant, on which "it seemed to him that the king [Antiochus Eupator] was". Crushed to death beneath the dying elephant, Eleazar "exposed himself to deliver his people and to get himself an everlasting name". (1 Maccabees 6:17-46)Eleazar (scribe and doctor of the law)Eleazar, though ninety years of age, bravely preferred to die a most glorious death than to purchase a hateful life by violating the law which forbade to the Israelite the use of swine’s flesh. His friends, "moved with wicked pity", were willing to substitute lawful flesh, that Eleazar, feigning to have eaten the forbidden meat, might be delivered from death. But, considering "the dignity of his age … and the inbred honour of his grey head", Eleazar spurned this well-meant proposal, which if accepted, though securing his deliverance from punishment, might scandalize many young persons, and could not deliver from the hand of the Almighty. Having thus changed into rage the rejected sympathy of his friends, the holy man bravely endured his cruel torture, probably at Antioch, during the reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes. (2 Maccabees 6:18-31; 1 Maccabees 1:57-63)-----------------------------------     PALIS AND LEVESQUE in VIG., Dict. de la Bible (Paris, 1898); ALLEN in HAST., Dict. of the Bible (New York, 1898); GIGOT, Outlines of Jewish History (New York, 1905).D.P. DUFFY Transcribed by WGKofron With thanks to St. Mary’s Church, Akron, Ohio The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume VCopyright © 1909 by Robert Appleton CompanyOnline Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. KnightNihil Obstat, May 1, 1909. Remy Lafort, CensorImprimatur. +John M. Farley, Archbishop of New York

el-ē̇-ā´zar, ē-lē̇-ā´zar (אלעזר, ’el‛āzār; Ἐλεάζαρ, Eleázar, “God is helper”):

(1) The 3rd son of Aaron by Elisheba (Exo 6:23; Num 3:2). He married one of the daughters of Putiel, who bore him Phinehas (Exo 6:25). With his father and 3 brothers he was consecrated to the priest’s office (Exo 28:1). After the destruction of Nadab and Abihu, he occupied a more important position, and he and Ithamar “ministered in the priest’s office in the presence of Aaron their father” (Lev 10:6 f; Num 3:4; 1Ch 24:2). He was given the oversight of the Levites and had charge of the tabernacle and all within it (Num 3:32; Num 4:16). To Eleazar fell the duty of beating out for an altar covering the censers of Korah and his fellow-conspirators who had attempted to seize the priesthood (Num 16:37, Num 16:39). On the death of Aaron, Eleazar succeeded him (Num 20:25). He assisted Moses with the census after the plague in the plains of Moab (Num 26:1), and with Moses and the elders heard the petition of the daughters of Zelophehad who wished to be served as heirs to their father (Num 27:1). After the entrance into Canaan, Eleazar and Joshua gave effect to the decision arrived at by giving the daughters of Zelophehad a share in the land of Manasseh (Jos 17:4). He was priest and adviser to Joshua, the successor of Moses (Num 27:19; Num 31:12), whom he also assisted in partitioning Canaan among the tribes (Num 34:17; Jos 14:1; Jos 19:51; Jos 21:1). He was buried in the hill (the Revised Version, margin “Gibeah”) of Phinehas his son in the hill country of Ephraim (Jos 24:33). For some reason unknown the descendants of Ithamar seem to have held the chief position among the priests from Eli till the accession of Solomon, when Abiathar was sent into retirement, and Zadok, the descendant of Eleazar, was appointed in his place (1Ki 2:26). Ezra was a descendant of Zadok (Ezr 7:1); and the high priest’s office was in the family of Zadok till the time of the Maccabees.

(2) The son of Abinadab, sanctified to keep the ark of Yahweh, when it was brought from Beth-shemesh to Kiriath-jearim after being sent back by the Philistines (1Sa 7:1).

(3) The son of Dodai, one of David’s three mighty men. A famous feat of arms with David at Ephes-dammim is recorded (2Sa 23:9 f; 1Ch 11:12 f where he is named the son of Dodo).

(4) A Levite, a son of Mahli, a Merarite. It is recorded that he had no sons, but daughters only, who were married to their cousins (1Ch 23:21, 1Ch 23:22; 1Ch 24:28).

(5) A priest who accompanied Ezra from Babylon (Ezr 8:33); the son of Phinehas. (5) and (6) may be identical.

(6) A priest who took part in the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem (Neh 12:42).

(7) A son of Mattathias and brother of Judas Maccabeus (1 Macc 2:5; 6:43 f; 2 Macc 8:23). See ASMONEANS; MACCABEES.

(8, 9) Two others are mentioned in 1 Macc 8:17; 2 Macc 6:18ff.

(10) An ancestor of Jesus, 3 generations before Joseph (Mat 1:15).

Of the many people named Eleazar whom the Old Testament mentions, the most important was Eleazar, the third of Aaron’s four sons (Num 3:2). When Aaron became high priest, his four sons became his priest-assistants (Exo 28:1-4). After the death of the two older sons (Lev 10:1-2), Eleazar and his younger brother Ithamar were given greater responsibility. Eleazar was in overall charge of the Levites (Num 3:32). Within the division of the Levites according to their three family groups, Eleazar seems to have had responsibility for the Kohath group (which had the higher duties; Num 4:15-16), and Ithamar had responsibility for the other two groups (Num 4:28; Num 4:33).

God had prepared Eleazar to succeed Aaron as high priest (cf. Num 16:37; Num 19:3-4), and directed that Aaron, before he died, publicly appoint Eleazar to office (Num 20:23-28). Eleazar then assisted Moses as Aaron had previously (Num 26:63; Num 27:2; Num 31:12; Num 32:2). God directed that when Moses died, the new leader Joshua would not speak to God face to face as Moses had, but would receive God’s instructions through the high priest Eleazar (Num 27:18-23). God directed also that Joshua and Eleazar together were to be in charge of the work of dividing Canaan between Israel’s twelve tribes (Num 34:17; cf. Jos 17:4; Jos 19:51; Jos 21:1). (Concerning Eleazar’s famous son see PHINEHAS.)