Also Azaziel, Azazyel, Azazel or Asael. A demon of the second order, guardian of the goat, described by Milton as the standard bearer of rebellious angels by this name ( Paradise Lost, 1, 534).
In Islamic demonology Azazil is a Djinn, who is cast from heaven for refusing to worship Adam and for lusting after mortal maidens.
-According to Talmudical interpretation, the term "Azazel" designated a
rugged mountain or precipice in the wilderness from which the goat was
thrown down, using for it as an alternative the word "Ẓoḳ"
(
) (Yoma vi. 4). An etymology is found to suit this
interpretation. "Azazel"(
) is regarded as a compound of "az" (
), strong or rough, and "el" (
), mighty, therefore a strong mountain. This
derivation is presented by a Baraita, cited Yoma 67b, that Azazel
was the strongest of mountains.
Another etymology (ib.) connects the word with the mythological "Uza" and "Azael," the fallen angels, to whom a reference is believed to be found in Gen. vi. 2, 4. In accordance with this etymology, the sacrifice of the goat atones for the sin of fornication of which those angels were guilty (Gen. l.c.)