Topical Encyclopedia Avaran is a title associated with Eleazar, one of the five sons of Mattathias, a Jewish priest from the Hasmonean family. The name "Avaran" is believed to mean "the piercer" or "the protector," reflecting Eleazar's notable act of bravery during the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire. This revolt is a significant event in Jewish history, marking the struggle for religious freedom and the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.Historical Context The Maccabean Revolt (circa 167-160 BC) was a Jewish rebellion led by the Maccabees against the Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who had imposed Hellenistic practices and desecrated the Jewish Temple. Mattathias, a priest from the town of Modein, initiated the revolt, and after his death, his sons continued the fight. Judas Maccabeus, the eldest, became the primary leader, but his brothers, including Eleazar Avaran, played crucial roles in the military campaigns. Eleazar Avaran's Heroic Act Eleazar Avaran is best known for his courageous act during the Battle of Beth-zechariah, as recorded in the historical books of 1 Maccabees and 2 Maccabees, which are part of the Apocrypha and not included in the Protestant canon. According to these accounts, Eleazar saw an opportunity to strike a significant blow against the Seleucid forces by attacking a war elephant, which he believed carried the king. In a bold move, he rushed beneath the elephant and thrust his spear into its belly, killing it. However, the elephant fell upon Eleazar, resulting in his death. Biblical References While the specific account of Eleazar Avaran is not found in the canonical books of the Bible, the Maccabean Revolt is an essential backdrop to the intertestamental period, providing context for the Jewish struggle for independence and the preservation of their faith. The Berean Standard Bible does not include the Apocryphal books, so direct quotations from these texts are not available in this translation. Legacy Eleazar Avaran's act of valor is remembered as a symbol of self-sacrifice and dedication to the cause of religious freedom. His willingness to lay down his life for his people and faith is celebrated in Jewish history and serves as an inspiration for those who value courage and conviction in the face of oppression. The Maccabean Revolt, in which he played a part, is commemorated annually during the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, celebrating the rededication of the Temple and the miracle of the oil. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia AVARANav'-a-ran: A surname of Eleazar, the third son of Mattathias (1 Maccabees 2:5). It is doubtfully conjectured that Eleazar received this surname from the episode related in 1 Maccabees 6:43-46; the word may mean "the piercer," referring to his stabbing of the elephant. Some connect it with chur, "to be white," and connect it with Eleazar's white complexion. The Syriac reads "Chavran" and the Vulgate's "Abaron"; the Septuagint in 1 Maccabees 6:43 gives Sauaran which is an error for Eleazaros auran; Septuagint's Codex Venetus corrects to auran. Thesaurus Avaran... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia AVARAN. av'-a-ran: A surname of Eleazar, the third son of Mattathias (1 Maccabees 2:5). It is doubtfully ... /a/avaran.htm - 6k Apphus Avarice (2 Occurrences) Avails (1 Occurrence) Savaran Maccabaeus Maccabees Resources Who was Judas Maccabeus? | GotQuestions.orgWhat happened in the Maccabean Revolt? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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