Who is Azazel? The Connection to Lucifer and the Scapegoat

Azazel is a name for the devil, representing the spiritual personality who is the ruler of the kingdom of demons and the head of all evil spiritsSBBS 43.10+2. Originally, this being was known as Lucifer, the "light-bearer," a holy and exalted cherub who stood next to the throne of God in heaven, but through pride and rebellion against his Maker, he transformed into Satan, the adversaryPP 39.2+2.

🌟 From Lucifer to Satan

• Original State: Lucifer was created in the image of God, clothed with wisdom and brightness, and held the highest position of power and glory among the inhabitants of heavenST November 5, 1894, par. 2+1.

• The Fall: He perverted his freedom by desiring to exalt his throne above the stars of God and seeking the supremacy that belonged to ChristCAS 31.2+2.

• The Transformation: By persistently defending his course of transgression and leading a revolt, Lucifer forfeited his exalted mission and became Satan, the "adversary" and "destroyer"SH 7.2+2.

• Cast Out: Because of this sin, he and the rebellious angels he deceived were cast out of heaven into the earth Revelation 12:7-9ST November 5, 1894, par. 2+1.

🐐 The Antitypical Scapegoat

In the ancient Day of Atonement ritual, Azazel is the personal being contrasted with Jehovah, represented by the "scapegoat"SBBS 43.10+2.

• Casting Lots: Two goats were presented before the Lord, and lots were cast to decide which would be for Jehovah and which for Azazel Leviticus 16:7-8JEO 78.4+1.

• Transfer of Sin: While the Lord's goat was slain as a sin offering to cleanse the sanctuary, the scapegoat (Azazel) received the confessed iniquities of the people from the high priest Leviticus 16:15-21SSP 370.2+1.

• The Meaning of the Name: The Hebrew term Azazel signifies a "powerful apostate" or the "angel who revolted," which identifies him as the devil himselfSTTHD 312.3+2.

• Final Retribution: Just as the goat was led into a "land not inhabited," Satan will eventually be bound and confined to a desolate earth for a thousand years to bear the ultimate responsibility for the sins he instigated Revelation 20:1-3ARSH July 18, 1899, page 460.3+2.

📖 Scriptural and Historical Evidence

• Personal Identity: The use of the same preposition for both lots (La-Yehovah and La-Azazel) requires that Azazel be understood as a distinct personality just as Jehovah is a personalitySBBS 43.10+2.

• Ancient Translations: The Syriac, Arabic, and oldest Hebrew and Christian opinions all identify Azazel as the name of the devil or a fallen angelBHB 51.3+3.

• The Wilderness Connection: Azazel is associated with the wilderness, which is considered the habitation of demons and impure beings Matthew 12:43SBBS 43.10+1.

• Final Disposal of Sin: At the end of the world, after Christ finishes His work as High Priest, He will lay the sins of the redeemed upon Satan, who will suffer for the ruin of souls he causedSDP 151.3+2.

By understanding that Azazel is simply another title for the fallen Lucifer, we see the complete story of the great controversy between Christ and His adversaryARSH July 18, 1899, page 460.3+2. Even though he once shared God's glory, he will ultimately be brought to ashes upon the earth Ezekiel 28:18-19CIS 216.2+1.