The use of Lazarus-Eleazar (Lazarus, the Greek form of the
Hebrew name “Eleazar,”) and Abraham in the parable
reminds the Jewish audience of Eleazar of Damascus,
Abraham’s chief steward mentioned in Genesis 15:2-3.
Eleazar, also a Gentile steward, was initially the heir to
Abraham’s estate until Isaac was born. Despite this, Eleazar
faithfully executed Abraham’s wishes, even at the cost of his
own inheritance. This disinheritance is symbolically captured
in the parable, where Lazarus-Eleazar, representing Eleazar, is
depicted as a “beggar” who has nothing of earthly value. The
connection between Abraham and Eleazar adds depth to
Jesus’s parable, highlighting previous themes of stewardship.
Though the Rich Man was given Abraham’s blessings, he was
shown to be unfaithful. In contrast, Lazarus (Eleazar, the
faithful steward) was now in Abraham’s bosom, received into
the “everlasting habitations”. In a sense, this parable can be
seen as Jesus’ sarcastic answer to the Pharisees’ declaration,
“We are Abraham’s descendants” (John 8:33) and “Abraham
is our father” (John 8:39). This theme emerges early in Luke’s
gospel, where John the Baptist proclaims, “do not begin to
say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’” (Luke
3:8)
Fire, a symbol of the Rich Man’s punishment, does not signify
the duration of his punishment. Rather, “fire” carries
profound symbolism of purification in Judaism and the
Hebrew Scriptures.