Problem: Critics argue that the term “Azazel” refers to a demon –not a goat. This Hebrew term is used only here in the entire Bible. However, it is used of a demon in the apocryphal book of Enoch (200 BC). Does this passage describe the sacrificing of offerings to demons like Azazel?
Solution: Sacrificing to demons was expressly condemned by God in the same exact context (Lev. 17:7). While the book of Enoch used this expression to refer to a demon, the author of Leviticus did not have this in mind. Harris writes, “Enoch is dependent on Leviticus 16 rather than vice versa and is no guide to the interpretation of Leviticus.”[1] Instead, the term ‘ez in Hebrew meant “goat” and ‘azel meant “to go away.”[2] This “scapegoat” was the offering upon which God symbolically expiated sin from the nation of Israel.
[1] Harris, R. L. Leviticus. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Volume 2: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers (F. E. Gaebelein, Ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House. 1990. 590.
[2] Harris, R. L. Leviticus. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Volume 2: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers (F. E. Gaebelein, Ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House. 1990. 590.
“And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the Lord, and the other lot for the scapegoat. (Lev 16:8)”
