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Inventing Goddesses and Demons (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeIn Jewish folklore, Samael is depicted as a companion to the demon goddess Lilith, intertwined with myths that blend into scriptural interpretations. Some Jews, centuries after the writing of Leviticus, viewed the live goat of the Day of Atonement as an offering sent to Samael, whom they associated with the Devil and connected to the mythical figure of Azazel. This belief is reflected in a saying from that time, indicating that on the Day of Atonement, a gift was sent to Sammael, as noted in historical writings. However, such an interpretation suggests an act of idolatry, which is strictly prohibited in Scripture, as God commands against sacrificing to demons or even mentioning the names of other gods. Instead, the biblical instruction emphasizes a substitutionary animal bearing the nation's sins away from the camp, not as a gift to any demonic entity.
Inventing Goddesses and Demons (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe legend of Lilith long pre-dates Judaism. Her name derives from a class of demons called lilitu, usually translated as "night monsters."
Inventing Goddesses and Demons
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe Jews turned a Babylonian myth of Lilith into a fabrication about a woman before Eve. Some translations suggest Israel sacrificed to a demon named Azazel.
Azazel: Endings
Sermon by David C. GrabbeOne goat had to die for cleansing; the other goat had to remain alive for bearing the sins away. Jesus fulfilled both roles. Satan's binding atones for nothing.
Azazel: Beginnings
Sermon by David C. GrabbeWhile there is a handful of common starting places for understanding the azazel, none of them has multiple witnesses of Scripture. We must begin elsewhere.