Interesting Facts

• Baraqijal is identified as one of the principal leaders among the two hundred angels who descended to Earth.
• He participated in the solemn oath undertaken by these celestial beings upon Mount Hermon, a pact that bound them to their intention of cohabiting with human women.
• The name appears as “Baraqijal” in one enumeration of the leaders, while a similar listing presents the ninth leader as “Barâqêl”, suggesting a possible variant of the same name.
• Baraqijal is specifically credited with imparting the knowledge of astrology to humankind, a form of celestial wisdom deemed forbidden in this context.

Genealogy

• Baraqijal/Baraqel is presented as one of the “angels, the children of the heaven” or “sons of God“, indicating his origin within the heavenly realm prior to his descent to Earth.
• He belonged to the company of two hundred angels who were under the leadership of Semjaza.
• The sources do not provide any information regarding Baraqijal/Baraqel’s specific familial connections beyond his association with the other fallen angels. There is no mention of his birth, marital ties, or offspring in the provided texts.

Historical Context

The actions of Baraqijal/Baraqel and his fellow Watchers unfolded during the era when “men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them“. This period is situated in the days of Jared, around the tenth jubilee, a time when the celestial beings observed the beauty of human women and conceived a desire for them. The descent onto Mount Hermon and the subsequent oath marked a pivotal moment, signifying a deliberate transgression of divine boundaries. The imparting of forbidden knowledge, such as astrology by Baraqijal, contributed to a significant shift in the cultural and spiritual landscape, leading to an increase in godlessness and corruption. This era witnessed the birth of giants from the unions of the Watchers and human women, and the proliferation of practices deemed illicit, ultimately prompting divine intervention.

Narrative

Baraqijal/Baraqel’s role in the overarching narrative is primarily defined by his participation in the initial rebellion of the two hundred angels. As a listed leader, he would have been integral to the decision-making process that culminated in their descent and oath on Mount Hermon. His specific contribution to the corruption of humanity is highlighted by his teaching of astrology. This act, alongside the dissemination of other secret arts and sciences by his fellow Watchers, is presented as a direct violation of the natural order and a catalyst for the moral decline of early human civilization. While the sources do not offer extensive details of Baraqijal/Baraqel’s personal interactions or dialogues, his actions as a teacher of forbidden knowledge place him among those celestial beings who significantly influenced the trajectory of humanity in this period. The consequences of these teachings, including the pervasive wickedness and violence on Earth, ultimately led to the divine judgment of the Flood, underscoring the severity of the Watchers’ transgressions. Enoch’s role as a prophet and witness against these fallen angels further emphasizes the gravity of their actions.