Azazel’s Origins
Azazel means “God strengthens” in Hebrew. He can also be known as the angel of death. Scholars are not 100% sure what the exact meaning of the word is. A long time ago the Israelites used to have a ritual called the day of atonement. On that day Aaron was to give away one goat for the sins of the people to the Lord and the other goat was to be offered to Azazel. This goat was burdened with the sins of the people and pushed down a mountain or into the wilderness. That is why in the King James Bible the name Azazel is translated into scapegoat. In many stories he is known as the leader of the fallen angels.
Also in these stories they say to put all the blame of your sins on to him for it was he who corrupted the world with his teachings. He was known in one particular story for teaching people to use weapons and make-up and being cast out of heaven for such teachings. These references lead many people to think Azazel is Satan. Or is close to him. In Islamic demonology he is know for being cast out of heaven for lusting over mortal women and not worshiping Adam.
They later changed his name to Eblis which means despair. Azazel is referenced in many movies and TV shows as a lost or vengeful angel. Some people think that Azazel is a place near Jerusalem or a desert demon. Others think it means Rashi the name of the mountain that the goat was pushed off of. In the Book of Enoch Azazel was punished for mating with mortal women and encouraging vanity He was sent to a place called Dudael where he must stay until the final judgment. There are many different views and beliefs when it comes to Azazel is it a person, a moutain, angel, or demon. We may never know but it is clear he is viewed as a person to blame for sin in the world.
