Phineas, Son of Eleazar, in Pseudo-Philo’s Liber Antiquitatum Biblicarum

Abstract In contrast to the biblical tradition, the figure of Phineas saw considerable development in Second Temple traditions. Numerous studies have appeared recently, yet the Liber Antiquitatum Biblicarum , which shows awareness of such traditions and reworks them creatively, has been overlooked by scholars. The present contribution aims to investigate the significant testimony of Pseudo-Philo, who constructs a complex and versatile character in his rewriting of biblical history – one who is responsible for the purity of worship against any idolatrous drift and who is the guardian of the Law and its understanding. Moreover, Phineas occupies a central position in the eschatological scenario, since he will be taken up to heaven like Elijah until his return in the last days, when, after his death, he will participate in the divine judgment.