The "Big E" Does It All
Stories
Seldom-Told Bible Tales
Fifteen Eye-Opening Stories from the Bible
Object:
Eleazar, totally caught up in the unrelenting fury and maddening violence, was fighting with reckless abandon. His heavy two-edged sword, with its thick, blue blade sharpened to a spear-like point, flailed in every direction, slashing, stabbing, even chopping and sometimes smashing the approaching enemy broadside. The pitiless weapon appeared to cut its way into the alien battle lines, wielded by a mysterious power that exceeded the muscle but not the determination of Eleazar. So much blood was being shed it began to settle the choking battle-dust, stirred by the ceaseless shuffling of thousands of frantic feet.
The unequal armies were interlocked in a savage combat of death. The Syrian forces, under the command of Antiochus V, were gigantic in number and approached the battlefield with deep confidence in their strength and superior skill based on numerous successful campaigns. The Hebrews, led personally by the clever Judas Maccabeus, known as "The Hammer," were drastically outnumbered and lacked experience but possessed unbelievable enthusiasm in their determination to fight.
Continual cries of agonizing pain were heard when a warrior's sword would slash a human face, sever an arm, or puncture an unguarded heart. A constant chorus of hateful cursing induced by fiendish anger predominated the equally loud but despairing prayers for mercy and deliverance. It was a disgusting scene -- a hell on earth.
The unbridled lust and greed for worldly dominance had rallied into action not only a human army against Israel, but had forced frightened horses to plunge headlong into the face of cutting and killing weapons of war. Elephants, also purchased from India, had been conscripted into the Syrian army and were not engaged in this mutilating bedlam. In spite of these overwhelming odds, the Israelite army refused to retreat.
Eleazar's heart was racing and his mouth was opened wide, gasping for fresh air, as he continued his destructive but rhythmic rage that would not be quieted until he obtained his singular objective. He boldly stared death in the face and defied it, as though protected by an invisible shield. Inwardly he was convinced he could not be stopped. He was driven by the patriotic exploits of past national heroes and the desire to be honored and praised by his older brother, Judas. But the fantastic underlying drive was to gain the everlasting approval of his father who, although dead, must surely be witnessing this battle from some eternal viewing point.
"They'll remember me for this day," Eleazar shouted exaltedly as he slashed a pathway straight forward, leveling opposing soldiers like a farmer whacking his way through a cornfield at harvest time. He could see nearly twenty elephants of the enemy, slowly approaching with tent-like wooden towers, directing the battle and protected by the foot soldiers. Eleazar had noticed one tower taller than the others, which he surmised to be that of Antiochus V. Once he was closer he could see the royal colors, and it was his burning desire to bring down the king, even if it was the last thing he ever did. There was but 100 yards to go and he defied anyone to stop him.
For this opportunity he had waited a lifetime, having been raised in an age of zealous nationalism and reckless defiance of foreign powers that had pushed his country to the point of fanaticism. His father, Mattathias, a priest, had instilled deep pride into Eleazar and his four brothers, teaching them to fight back with God-sent enthusiasm.
He never forgot the day the officers of Antiochus V came to their hometown of Modin and ordered the inhabitants to engage in pagan worship by offering sacrifices to false gods. When one of the Jewish citizens had complied, under pressure, Mattathias sat silently for a moment, then rose and killed both the Syrian officer and the Jew who had offered the sacrifice. Thereupon, the whole family fled into the mountains for protection. Otherwise they would have been killed by the power-hungry Syrians.
When in hiding, they heard more Jews had been killed for refusing to serve in the enemy's army on the sabbath. From that time until his death, his father had waged war against all invaders and was so dedicated to their defeat he even resisted them on the sabbath. His father's tomb at Modin stood as a shrine of inspiration for all freedom-loving Jews and a rallying point for many fiercely fought campaigns.
Just before his death, Mattathias had called each of his sons before him in a single row, in their order of age: John, Simon, Judas, Eleazar, and little Jonathan. "Be zealous, my sons, for the law," he had solemnly warned, "and give your lives for the covenant of our fathers." Then, beginning with Abraham, he recalled their nation's glorious past, reminding them of Joseph, David, Daniel, and many others who had distinguished themselves in heroic deeds. He encouraged his sons to follow their example.
His father had designated Simon to take his place for offering fatherly advice. Although not the oldest, he was judged to be the wisest. Judas was selected by Mattathias to lead the military campaigns "since he had been a warrior from youth." John, Eleazar, and Jonathan had been passed over by their father. John, however, was the firstborn and, therefore, was privileged to care for the family inheritance and receive double portion. Jonathan, being the youngest of the brothers, was not offended by his father's failure to grant him a special job or title. Eleazar, on the other hand, had felt terribly slighted by his father's deathbed speech. From that day on, he considered himself an inferior person and believed he did not rate well in the eyes of his father whom he immensely adored.
At the age of 31, Eleazar could not shake this "middle child syndrome," which had plagued him for the past twelve years. He suffered in silence but continually imagined that someday he would accomplish a fantastic feat that would prove his quality to his father and brothers. He was closest to Judas, both in age and temperament and, in him, saw the quality most admired in his father -- his expert fighting ability. Through the years he had grown closer to Judas and had tried to impress him, thinking that in some way it would elevate him in his deceased father's estimation.
Each of the five sons had nicknames. Eleazar was known as "Avaran" and Judas was called "Maccabeus." Since Judas normally used the name "Avaran" to address his brother, Eleazar encouraged others to use it and proudly introduced himself by saying, "I'm Avaran, Judas' brother." Judas, conversely, preferred his given name, but his brothers and friends liked "Maccabeus." So, as commander of the army, he stated his name would officially be Judas Maccabeus.
Most young men considered it a singular honor to serve under Judas, for all admired his undaunted courage in battle. But no one considered it more of a privilege or admired him more than his younger brother, Avaran. A simple compliment from Judas could keep Eleazar flying high for weeks.
At this very moment, locked in combat, Eleazar saw Judas up ahead, shouting encouragement to his men. For a moment, the face of Judas appeared like that of his father, Mattathias, in his younger days when he had destroyed the foreign intruder and then fled to the mountains with his five boys. It renewed his already furious dedication to personally destroy the invading king. These motivating thoughts were swiftly turning Eleazar into a one-man army. This day he would prove his eternal worth to his dad and gain everlasting honor in the eyes of his brothers, especially Judas.
The odds of a Hebrew victory were 1,000 to 1. This powerful Syrian fighting machine had 100,000 foot-soldiers, 20,000 cavalry, and 32 war-trained elephants. The Syrians had purchased 500 elephants from the Far East and had recruited the services of 100 Indian mahouts, who had prepared the tank-sized beasts for battle by making them "drunk on grape and mulberry wine to provoke them to fight." There were 1,000 soldiers assigned to each elephant. Moving as a unit with the mighty beast, the men wore coats of mail, repellent bronze helmets, and were equipped with swords and spears. The king's elephant was even better protected.
At the moment, the Israelites were sustaining notable losses. But they had killed 600 of the enemy by the time Eleazar slashed a bloody path to reach his brother's position. For the next ten yards they fought side by side, penetrating deeper into the enemy lines. Above the deafening din of warfare, Eleazar could hear Judas shouting encouragement and praise to him. Momentarily, the mighty Judas was being outmaneuvered by his little brother, Avaran, who was totally covered with blood and dirt and moving ever closer to an approaching elephant.
Now pushing ahead of Judas, Avaran didn't even look where his wild sword was flying. It seemed to be everywhere at the same time, ripping through coats of armor, breaking helmets, and waylaying horses and soldiers. He simply would not quit.
Reaching the enraged and drunken elephant, which tried to trample him underfoot, Eleazar dived underneath the huge beast. Now with both hands frozen to his sword, he mightily thrust it upward into the stomach of the prancing mountain of flesh. Limp, Eleazar fell to the ground, too exhausted to swing his sword one more time or even move his beaten body.
The animal staggered sideways and then backward as Eleazar shouted in gleeful vengeance, "Avaran has triumphed. The king has been conquered. Avaran will be remembered as a brave man!" He imagined he could see the approving face of his departed father and hear his dying words of "being zealous for the cause." With the hot blood gushing from the gaping wound in the elephant's stomach, the animal collapsed on top of Eleazar, crushing him to death on the field of battle.
Judas had witnessed the spectacular display of bravery by Avaran, but had been unable to assist him or even now free him from beneath the dead elephant. The enemy pressure was now becoming too intense and Israel had to sound a retreat. Although the king had not been on the elephant Eleazar had destroyed, nonetheless he died thinking he had personally deposed the dreaded King Antiochus V and had at last proven himself.
Avaran, we love you, man --
You were right in the groove!
Relax and rest; you are the best.
You've nothing more to prove.
Read 1 Maccabees 6
The unequal armies were interlocked in a savage combat of death. The Syrian forces, under the command of Antiochus V, were gigantic in number and approached the battlefield with deep confidence in their strength and superior skill based on numerous successful campaigns. The Hebrews, led personally by the clever Judas Maccabeus, known as "The Hammer," were drastically outnumbered and lacked experience but possessed unbelievable enthusiasm in their determination to fight.
Continual cries of agonizing pain were heard when a warrior's sword would slash a human face, sever an arm, or puncture an unguarded heart. A constant chorus of hateful cursing induced by fiendish anger predominated the equally loud but despairing prayers for mercy and deliverance. It was a disgusting scene -- a hell on earth.
The unbridled lust and greed for worldly dominance had rallied into action not only a human army against Israel, but had forced frightened horses to plunge headlong into the face of cutting and killing weapons of war. Elephants, also purchased from India, had been conscripted into the Syrian army and were not engaged in this mutilating bedlam. In spite of these overwhelming odds, the Israelite army refused to retreat.
Eleazar's heart was racing and his mouth was opened wide, gasping for fresh air, as he continued his destructive but rhythmic rage that would not be quieted until he obtained his singular objective. He boldly stared death in the face and defied it, as though protected by an invisible shield. Inwardly he was convinced he could not be stopped. He was driven by the patriotic exploits of past national heroes and the desire to be honored and praised by his older brother, Judas. But the fantastic underlying drive was to gain the everlasting approval of his father who, although dead, must surely be witnessing this battle from some eternal viewing point.
"They'll remember me for this day," Eleazar shouted exaltedly as he slashed a pathway straight forward, leveling opposing soldiers like a farmer whacking his way through a cornfield at harvest time. He could see nearly twenty elephants of the enemy, slowly approaching with tent-like wooden towers, directing the battle and protected by the foot soldiers. Eleazar had noticed one tower taller than the others, which he surmised to be that of Antiochus V. Once he was closer he could see the royal colors, and it was his burning desire to bring down the king, even if it was the last thing he ever did. There was but 100 yards to go and he defied anyone to stop him.
For this opportunity he had waited a lifetime, having been raised in an age of zealous nationalism and reckless defiance of foreign powers that had pushed his country to the point of fanaticism. His father, Mattathias, a priest, had instilled deep pride into Eleazar and his four brothers, teaching them to fight back with God-sent enthusiasm.
He never forgot the day the officers of Antiochus V came to their hometown of Modin and ordered the inhabitants to engage in pagan worship by offering sacrifices to false gods. When one of the Jewish citizens had complied, under pressure, Mattathias sat silently for a moment, then rose and killed both the Syrian officer and the Jew who had offered the sacrifice. Thereupon, the whole family fled into the mountains for protection. Otherwise they would have been killed by the power-hungry Syrians.
When in hiding, they heard more Jews had been killed for refusing to serve in the enemy's army on the sabbath. From that time until his death, his father had waged war against all invaders and was so dedicated to their defeat he even resisted them on the sabbath. His father's tomb at Modin stood as a shrine of inspiration for all freedom-loving Jews and a rallying point for many fiercely fought campaigns.
Just before his death, Mattathias had called each of his sons before him in a single row, in their order of age: John, Simon, Judas, Eleazar, and little Jonathan. "Be zealous, my sons, for the law," he had solemnly warned, "and give your lives for the covenant of our fathers." Then, beginning with Abraham, he recalled their nation's glorious past, reminding them of Joseph, David, Daniel, and many others who had distinguished themselves in heroic deeds. He encouraged his sons to follow their example.
His father had designated Simon to take his place for offering fatherly advice. Although not the oldest, he was judged to be the wisest. Judas was selected by Mattathias to lead the military campaigns "since he had been a warrior from youth." John, Eleazar, and Jonathan had been passed over by their father. John, however, was the firstborn and, therefore, was privileged to care for the family inheritance and receive double portion. Jonathan, being the youngest of the brothers, was not offended by his father's failure to grant him a special job or title. Eleazar, on the other hand, had felt terribly slighted by his father's deathbed speech. From that day on, he considered himself an inferior person and believed he did not rate well in the eyes of his father whom he immensely adored.
At the age of 31, Eleazar could not shake this "middle child syndrome," which had plagued him for the past twelve years. He suffered in silence but continually imagined that someday he would accomplish a fantastic feat that would prove his quality to his father and brothers. He was closest to Judas, both in age and temperament and, in him, saw the quality most admired in his father -- his expert fighting ability. Through the years he had grown closer to Judas and had tried to impress him, thinking that in some way it would elevate him in his deceased father's estimation.
Each of the five sons had nicknames. Eleazar was known as "Avaran" and Judas was called "Maccabeus." Since Judas normally used the name "Avaran" to address his brother, Eleazar encouraged others to use it and proudly introduced himself by saying, "I'm Avaran, Judas' brother." Judas, conversely, preferred his given name, but his brothers and friends liked "Maccabeus." So, as commander of the army, he stated his name would officially be Judas Maccabeus.
Most young men considered it a singular honor to serve under Judas, for all admired his undaunted courage in battle. But no one considered it more of a privilege or admired him more than his younger brother, Avaran. A simple compliment from Judas could keep Eleazar flying high for weeks.
At this very moment, locked in combat, Eleazar saw Judas up ahead, shouting encouragement to his men. For a moment, the face of Judas appeared like that of his father, Mattathias, in his younger days when he had destroyed the foreign intruder and then fled to the mountains with his five boys. It renewed his already furious dedication to personally destroy the invading king. These motivating thoughts were swiftly turning Eleazar into a one-man army. This day he would prove his eternal worth to his dad and gain everlasting honor in the eyes of his brothers, especially Judas.
The odds of a Hebrew victory were 1,000 to 1. This powerful Syrian fighting machine had 100,000 foot-soldiers, 20,000 cavalry, and 32 war-trained elephants. The Syrians had purchased 500 elephants from the Far East and had recruited the services of 100 Indian mahouts, who had prepared the tank-sized beasts for battle by making them "drunk on grape and mulberry wine to provoke them to fight." There were 1,000 soldiers assigned to each elephant. Moving as a unit with the mighty beast, the men wore coats of mail, repellent bronze helmets, and were equipped with swords and spears. The king's elephant was even better protected.
At the moment, the Israelites were sustaining notable losses. But they had killed 600 of the enemy by the time Eleazar slashed a bloody path to reach his brother's position. For the next ten yards they fought side by side, penetrating deeper into the enemy lines. Above the deafening din of warfare, Eleazar could hear Judas shouting encouragement and praise to him. Momentarily, the mighty Judas was being outmaneuvered by his little brother, Avaran, who was totally covered with blood and dirt and moving ever closer to an approaching elephant.
Now pushing ahead of Judas, Avaran didn't even look where his wild sword was flying. It seemed to be everywhere at the same time, ripping through coats of armor, breaking helmets, and waylaying horses and soldiers. He simply would not quit.
Reaching the enraged and drunken elephant, which tried to trample him underfoot, Eleazar dived underneath the huge beast. Now with both hands frozen to his sword, he mightily thrust it upward into the stomach of the prancing mountain of flesh. Limp, Eleazar fell to the ground, too exhausted to swing his sword one more time or even move his beaten body.
The animal staggered sideways and then backward as Eleazar shouted in gleeful vengeance, "Avaran has triumphed. The king has been conquered. Avaran will be remembered as a brave man!" He imagined he could see the approving face of his departed father and hear his dying words of "being zealous for the cause." With the hot blood gushing from the gaping wound in the elephant's stomach, the animal collapsed on top of Eleazar, crushing him to death on the field of battle.
Judas had witnessed the spectacular display of bravery by Avaran, but had been unable to assist him or even now free him from beneath the dead elephant. The enemy pressure was now becoming too intense and Israel had to sound a retreat. Although the king had not been on the elephant Eleazar had destroyed, nonetheless he died thinking he had personally deposed the dreaded King Antiochus V and had at last proven himself.
Avaran, we love you, man --
You were right in the groove!
Relax and rest; you are the best.
You've nothing more to prove.
Read 1 Maccabees 6
