Eliezer: A Name Steeped in Biblical and Jewish Tradition

Eliezer (Hebrew: אליעזר, "God is my helper") is a name that appears in the Hebrew Bible and in Jewish tradition. It is derived from the Hebrew words "Eli" (my God) and "azer" (help).

In the Bible, Eliezer is the name of several characters, including:

1. A servant of Abraham who was chosen to be his heir (Genesis 15:2-4).
2. The son of Dodai, a Levite who was appointed as a leader of the tribe of Levi (Numbers 3:32).
3. A prince of the tribe of Gad who helped to conquer the land of Canaan (Joshua 17:2-3).

In Jewish tradition, Eliezer is also the name of a famous Talmudic sage who lived in the 2nd century CE. He was known for his wisdom and his ability to resolve disputes between different rabbinic schools of thought. The Talmud contains many stories about Eliezer's teachings and his interactions with other prominent rabbis of his time.

Overall, the name Eliezer is significant in both the Bible and Jewish tradition as a symbol of God's help and guidance. It is often given to boys as a way of expressing the hope that they will be blessed with divine assistance throughout their lives.