the names of the fallen Watchers

 

These are the names of their chiefs: Samyaza, who was their leader, Urakabarameel, Akibeel, Tamiel, Ramuel, Danel, Azkeel, Saraknyal, Asael, Armers, Batraal, Anane, Zavebe, Samsaveel, Ertael, Turel, Yomyael, Arazyal. These were the prefects of the two hundred angels, and the remainder were all with them. (6)

(6) The Aramaic texts preserve an earlier list of names of these Watchers: Semihazah; Artqoph; Ramtel; Kokabel; Ramel; Danieal; Zeqiel; Baraqel; Asael; Hermoni; Matarel; Ananel; Stawel; Samsiel; Sahriel; Tummiel; Turiel; Yomiel; Yhaddiel (Milik, p. 151)

The names of the Watchers from the Book of Enoch, particularly as preserved in Aramaic, likely hold symbolic meanings tied to the historical and religious context of the time. Since you’re exploring a potential connection to the Levitical priesthood or figures from Jewish history, let’s approach this from a symbolic and interpretive angle.

### Potential Symbolism in the Names of the Watchers

The **Watchers** in the Book of Enoch are often seen as representing fallen leaders who transgressed their divine roles. This can be compared to the **corruption of the Jewish priesthood** at various points in history, especially during the period leading up to the Maccabean revolt and the **Hellenistic influence** on the priesthood. Antiochus IV Epiphanes (who desecrated the Temple) and the priestly figures who supported him may be reflected symbolically in these Watchers.

### Symbolism and Connection to the Levitical Priesthood

1. **Samyaza (Semihazah)** – Traditionally seen as the leader of the Watchers, Samyaza’s rebellion might symbolize **Jason**, the high priest who adopted Greek customs and led the Jewish people astray by aligning with Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Jason, a Hellenized version of his original name Jesus (Yehoshua), used his influence to undermine Jewish tradition, much like Samyaza did with heavenly law.

2. **Urakabarameel** – This name could symbolically refer to **Menelaus**, who supplanted Jason as high priest with the help of bribes and treachery. Menelaus’ actions were seen as even more corrupt than Jason’s, contributing to the defilement of the Jewish priesthood.

3. **Danel (Danieal)** – Although this name evokes **Daniel**, a righteous figure from scripture, it might be used here symbolically to represent a corrupted priest who had once been good. This could align with figures like **Alcimus**, a later high priest who sought power but was not well-respected for his religious integrity.

4. **Azkeel (Asael)** – Asael (or Azazel) in apocalyptic literature is often associated with **scapegoats** and sin-bearers. This might be a metaphor for priests who compromised Jewish law, becoming "scapegoats" for their collaboration with Antiochus IV. Asael could represent corrupt high priests who bore the sins of leading Israel astray.

5. **Saraknyal** – A name like this, associated with fallen leadership, might point to the **Sadducees**, the priestly sect that often aligned with foreign powers, including the Seleucids, to maintain their political status and control of the Temple.

6. **Samsaveel (Samsiel)** – This name, meaning “Sun of God,” might symbolize a priest or leader who sought to blend **Hellenistic solar worship** with Judaism. This could refer to those who attempted to syncretize Greek religion with Jewish tradition, desecrating the Temple with foreign gods.

7. **Ananel (Anane)** – Ananel was the name of a historical high priest under Herod, who was seen as illegitimate by some. Symbolically, this name could point to any figure who took the priesthood through political means rather than through the rightful Levitical lineage.

8. **Batraal (Baraqel)** – Baraqel means “Blessed by God,” which could symbolically represent a **priest who claimed divine favor** but had lost their legitimacy through collaboration with foreign powers. Figures like Menelaus might fit this archetype.

9. **Hermoni** – This could be a symbolic name referring to **Mount Hermon**, a site associated with the Watchers’ descent. Hermon’s connection to the priestly class could symbolize a priest who "descended" into sin or collaboration with foreign powers.

### Connection to Hellenistic Priests

The Hellenistic rulers, especially **Antiochus IV Epiphanes**, appointed high priests based on their political loyalty rather than their lineage or devotion to the Jewish law. This directly parallels the Watchers, who are often seen as **leaders that betrayed their sacred duties** and became corrupt. These high priests not only defiled the Jewish Temple but also led the people into Hellenistic practices, symbolizing a fall from their divine responsibility, much like the Watchers in Enoch.

### Possible Interpretation of Names in Relation to the Priesthood

1. **Corruption of Divine Law**: Many of these Watcher names represent rebellion and the fall from grace, which can symbolize the **corrupt priesthood** during the Hellenistic period. The priestly office, once sacred, had become politically compromised, leading to spiritual corruption.

   

2. **Hellenistic Influence**: The Watchers' names could represent those priests who were seduced by **Hellenism**, betraying the Jewish people by introducing Greek customs, much like the Watchers taught forbidden knowledge to humanity.

3. **The Maccabean Conflict**: The names of the Watchers may also symbolically connect to the historical figures of the Maccabean period, who fought against the influence of these corrupt priests and their Hellenistic overlords. The struggle between the **Maccabees** and the Hellenized priesthood mirrors the celestial struggle between the Watchers and the faithful angels.

The 200 fallen angels could represent factions within the priesthood who supported Hellenistic reforms, as their number may symbolize a significant, organized group.

### Conclusion

The names of the Watchers in the Book of Enoch likely symbolize various leaders or priests who compromised their divine calling in pursuit of political power or personal gain. This corruption resonates with the historical accounts of **Hellenized priests** during the reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, as recorded by Josephus and other historical sources.

The symbolic use of these names might reflect the **spiritual battle** between faithful Jews, represented by the Maccabees, and the **corrupt priesthood** who aligned with foreign rulers. This period of Jewish history is marked by a struggle for the **purity of the Temple** and the **restoration of true worship**, themes echoed in the narrative of the Watchers.