Elephant
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(1 Macc. 6:30 and elsewhere)—the largest land mammal, noted for its size, trunk, and ivory tusks. Ivory formed an important article of ancient trade; Solomon’s throne and Ahab’s house were adorned with it, and the Psalmist mentions palaces of ivory (1 Kings 10:18; 22:39; Ps. 45:8). Elephants appear in biblical history chiefly in the books of Maccabees, when Seleucid armies employed them in war. Ancient Assyrian monuments also depict them. Wooden towers were fastened upon their backs, and armored soldiers and horsemen guarded them on either side.
First Maccabees describes attempts to excite the animals before battle, while 3 Maccabees relates the giving of wine and incense. The source’s claim that a tower could hold thirty-two strong men belongs to ancient military report and is not presented as a normal load.