In the Bible, who was Azazel?
The name itself is derived from two Hebrew words, "az" (meaning "strong") and "azel" (meaning "departed" or "removed"). Thus, some scholars believe that Azazel refers to a demon or fallen angel who was cast out of heaven and sent to dwell in the wilderness.
In the Bible, Azazel is a name that appears only once in the book of Leviticus. He is mentioned in connection with the scapegoat ritual that took place on the Day of Atonement.
The Day of Atonement was an annual observance in ancient Israel, during which the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle or Temple to make atonement for the sins of the people.
As part of this ritual, two goats were selected; one was sacrificed to God, while the other was set free into the wilderness as a symbol of the people's sins being removed.
In Leviticus 16:8-10, the Lord commands Aaron, the high priest, to cast lots over the two goats. One lot would be for the Lord, and the other for Azazel.
The goat that was chosen by lot for the Lord would be offered as a sin offering, while the other goat, which was chosen by lot for Azazel, would be presented alive before the Lord to make atonement over it, to send it away into the wilderness to Azazel.
The identity of Azazel is somewhat mysterious. The name itself is derived from two Hebrew words, "az" (meaning "strong") and "azel" (meaning "departed" or "removed"). Thus, some scholars believe that Azazel refers to a demon or fallen angel who was cast out of heaven and sent to dwell in the wilderness.
Others believe that Azazel was a pagan deity worshiped by the neighboring nations, who had somehow infiltrated Israelite religious practice. Still others think that Azazel was simply a symbolic representation of the sins of the people, which were sent away into the wilderness to be removed from the community.
Whatever the case may be, the ritual of the scapegoat served a powerful purpose in Israelite religious practice. It was a vivid reminder of the gravity of sin and the need for atonement, as well as a symbol of God's grace and mercy in forgiving the sins of his people.
Throughout the centuries, the scapegoat ritual has continued to hold a powerful place in Jewish and Christian spiritual practice. Many modern believers continue to observe the Day of Atonement and to reflect on the meaning of Azazel and the scapegoat as symbols of sin, redemption, and the grace of God.
