Azazel
“Possibly 'complete removal' or 'one who removes'”
Summary
A term of disputed meaning in the Day of Atonement ritual, referring either to the scapegoat itself, a remote wilderness location, or possibly a demon to whom sins were symbolically banished.
☩The Day of Atonement Ritual
On the Day of Atonement, Aaron was to cast lots upon two goats—'one lot for the Lord, and the other lot for Azazel.' The goat for Azazel was to be presented alive before the Lord, and after Aaron confessed over it all Israel's sins with both hands on its head, it was sent away by a designated man into the wilderness, bearing all their iniquities to a solitary land.
☩Interpretations of the Term
The meaning of 'Azazel' has occasioned much discussion. Some interpret it as the name for the goat itself, deriving from words meaning 'to depart.' Others see it as denoting a remote wilderness location. Many scholars, noting the parallel with 'for the Lord,' argue it refers to a personal being—perhaps a demon of the wilderness or even Satan himself, to whom the sin-laden goat was symbolically dispatched. Later Jewish literature identified Azazel with a fallen angel.
☩Theological Significance
The most satisfactory interpretation understands Azazel as meaning 'complete removal' or 'total separation,' formed from a root signifying 'to remove far away.' The essential thought is the removal of sin from God's people. Both goats together constituted a single sin offering: one was slain with blood sprinkled for atonement, while the other dramatically demonstrated that the forgiven sins were carried far away, never to return. This symbolism finds fulfillment in Christ, who both died for sin and removes it infinitely far from the believer.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Azazel," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Azazel," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.Philip Schaff and Johann Herzog (ed.), "Azazel," in The New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge, vol. I (Funk and Wagnalls, 1908–1914).