"Te voy a poner como una luz para el mundo" (Is. 49.6.4): la figura Eleazar como ejemplo y paradigma del éthnos hebreo en IV Macabeos

Abstract

The goal of this paper is to analyze the martyrdom scene of old Eleazar in 4 Maccabees to shed light on the scope of his actions within and outside the diegesis. We believe that his sacrifice is described in a particular manner so as to present it as the highest example of the priest’s cultural values. His conduct would become thus the center of a powerful centripetal force, capable of uniting the Hebrews as one single group of people, objectifying those values as commendable, and clearly distinguishing that community from all others.