AZAR

AZAR Terah, the father of Abraham. Surah vi. 74, "And when Abraham said to his father Azar, Takest thou images as gods?

"The Eastern authors unanimously agree that he was a statuary, or carver of idols; and be is represented as the first who made images of clay, pictures only having been in use before, and taught that they were to be adored as gods. However, we are told his employment was a very honourable one - and that he was a great lord, and in high favour with Nimrod, whose son-in-law he was, because he made his idols for him, and was excellent in his art. Some of the Rabbins say Terah was a priest and chief of the order." -- (Sale.)