CHAEREAS kĭr’ ĭ əs (Χαιρέας, KJV, CHEREAS). An Ammonite commander, brother of Timothy, who opposed Judas Maccabeus (1 Macc 5:6). He controlled the fortress of Gazara (5:8). Judas chased the fleeing Timothy there and besieged the stronghold. Victorious, Judas killed the two brothers and many of their followers (2 Macc 10:32-38).

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (1915)

Brother of Timotheus, the Ammonite leader against Judas Maccabeus (1 Macc 5:6). He held the fortress of Gazara (the "Jazer" of 1 Macc 5:8) to which Timotheus fled from Judas. The latter pursued him and captured the fortress after a vigorous siege. In the slaughter which followed the two brothers, Chaereas and Timotheus, were killed (2 Macc 10:32,37).