Interesting Facts

• Raphael is identified as one of the archangels.
• He is among the holy angels who go in and out of the house of fire in the heavens.
• Raphael is named alongside other prominent angels such as Michael, Gabriel, and Phanuel.
• Michael discusses with Raphael the profound and trembling impact of the severe judgment awaiting the fallen angels.
• The Lord commands Raphael to bind Azazel hand and foot and cast him into darkness in the desert named Dudael.

Genealogy

• The sources present Raphael as one of the holy sons of God and one of the archangels, placing him within the celestial hierarchy.
• There is no information provided regarding Raphael’s ancestry, birth in a human sense, marital connections, or offspring within these texts, as he is depicted as a spiritual being within the divine retinue.

Historical Context

The actions and mentions of Raphael occur against the backdrop of the descent of the Watchers, their transgression with human women, and the subsequent increase of wickedness and violence on the earth. This period is characterized by the teaching of forbidden knowledge and the birth of giants, leading to a state of corruption that necessitates divine intervention and judgment. Raphael’s commanded role in binding Azazel is a direct response to Azazel’s role in teaching unrighteousness and revealing secret knowledge, contributing to the overall corruption. This divine judgment, in which Raphael plays a part, sets the stage for the impending deluge intended to cleanse the earth of its wickedness. Enoch’s ascensions and visions of the heavenly realm provide the context for understanding Raphael’s position and function within the divine order.

Narrative

Raphael’s role in the narrative, as revealed in these sources, is primarily that of an executor of divine commands, particularly concerning judgment against the fallen angels. When the archangels witness the dire state of the earth due to the Watchers’ actions, they bring their concerns before the Lord. In response, the Lord assigns specific tasks to these archangels. Raphael is specifically commanded to seize and bind Azazel, a key figure among the fallen Watchers who is blamed for much of the corruption on earth. This act of binding is a significant step in enacting divine justice and restraining the influence of evil before the flood. Furthermore, Raphael is present in Enoch’s vision of the heavenly throne room, indicating his standing among the highest celestial beings. His conversation with Michael about the severity of the angels’ judgment reveals his awareness of the gravity of the situation and the consequences of the Watchers’ sins. Therefore, Raphael’s narrative function in these texts is crucial in the unfolding drama of divine judgment and the preparation for the earth’s purification.