2 Maccabees 6:18-31
Chapter 6
Martyrdom of Eleazar
Eleazar, one of the prominent teachers of the law, already old and of noble appearance, was forced to open his mouth to eat the flesh of a pig.But he preferred to die honorably rather than to live in disgrace and voluntarily came to the place where they beat him to death. He spat out bravely the piece of meat,
as should be done by those who do not want to do things prohibited by the law, even to save their life.
Since they had known him for a long time, those in charge of this impious banquet took him aside and tried to persuade him to pretend to eat the meat, but instead, to eat something permitted by the law and prepared by himself.
In this way, he could avoid death and be treated with humanity due to their long-standing friendship.
But he chose to make a noble decision worthy of his age—his noble years, shining white hair, and his flawless life since childhood. Above all, showing respect for the holy laws established by God, he responded that he would instead be sent to the place of the dead. And he added:
“It would be unworthy to pretend at our age and to lead many young people to believe that I, at ninety years old, have abandoned pagan customs.
If I mislead them for the sake of this short life, I will bring shame to my old age.
Even if I could now be saved from mortals, I cannot—whether living or dead—escape from the hands of the Almighty.
I prefer to sacrifice my life now bravely, as fits my age.
I shall leave an excellent example to the young, dying voluntarily and courageously for the sacred and holy laws.” Having said this, he gave himself over to death.
Those who escorted him thought his words foolish, so their earlier gentleness turned into harshness.
When he was almost at the point of death, he said, groaning: “The Holy Lord, who sees all, knows that although I could have saved myself from death, I now endure terrible suffering in my body. But in my soul, I suffer gladly because I respected him.”
In his death, he leaves a noble example and a memorial of virtue and strength for the young and the entire nation.
Commentaries
Martyrdom of Eleazar.
The account of the martyrs begins with a more developed theological perspective than that found in the First Book of Maccabees (1 Mac 1:60-64 and 2:29-38). The first person listed is Eleazar, who represents the traditional Jew—wise, a scholar of the Law, and a model of upright conduct (18). Eleazar is forced to eat food that is forbidden by the Law (18; cf. Lv 11:7ff; Dt 14:8; Is 65:4). Eleazar’s attitude teaches us several lessons: the right to rebel against those who violate fundamental rights, loyalty to God’s plan above all else, and the option of passive resistance that awakens his brothers’ conscience to the need to risk their lives for freedom and dignity.
Some “renegade” Jews, out of supposed friendship, suggest to Eleazar that he pretend to comply to save his life. Eleazar refuses out of dignity, mainly because he does not want to fall into the trap set by his false friends, who aim only to portray Eleazar as a convert to their cause (21ff). According to Eleazar, those who do this may save their lives, but they will not escape God’s judgment, even after death (26).