HELIODORUS ('Huldbog' «gift of the Sun»). — Prime minister of Seleucus IV, king of Syria (187–175 BC). Son of Eschylus, from a noble Antiochian family, he was educated with Seleucus, who particularly honored him. In two inscriptions found at Delos, H. is called «kinsman of the king» and «overseer of royal affairs» (cf. 2 Macc. 3:7). This explains the reception he received in Jerusalem, when, disguising a visit to Syria and Phoenicia, he was sent by the king to requisition the treasures deposited in the Temple.
H. revealed his mission to the pious Onias III, high priest, and, despite the calm but firm remonstrances of the latter and the general mourning of the priests and citizens, entered the Temple to carry it out. But the Lord intervened: a horse ridden by a splendid horseman struck him on the chest with its forehooves, while two other angels flogged him, so that he fell to the ground. Carried away unconscious by his men, he was saved by the intention of Onias, and, returning to Antioch, reported his failure to the king, mocking Seleucus’s insistence on a new attempt (2 Macc. 3:7–40). He then killed Seleucus and the young heir, in a vain attempt to seize the throne, which passed to Antiochus IV (cf. Appian, Syria, 45).
The striking scene of H. expelled from the Temple inspired several works of art; famous is the fresco by Raphael in the Vatican Rooms. — See pl. XIX.