Asmodaeus, often referred to as Asmodeus, is a figure whose origins and characteristics are primarily found in Jewish and later Christian demonology, rather than directly in the canonical texts of the Bible. The name Asmodaeus is believed to be derived from the Avestan language, where "Aeshma Daeva" signifies a demon of wrath. In Judeo-Christian tradition, Asmodaeus is often associated with lust and is considered one of the seven princes of Hell.

Biblical References and Apocryphal Texts:

While Asmodaeus is not mentioned in the canonical books of the Bible, he appears prominently in the apocryphal Book of Tobit, which is included in the Catholic and Orthodox biblical canons but is considered non-canonical by most Protestant traditions. In the Book of Tobit, Asmodaeus is depicted as a malevolent spirit who kills the seven successive husbands of Sarah, the daughter of Raguel, on their wedding nights. The text states:

>"As soon as Sarah was married to any of them, Asmodaeus, the evil demon, would kill him before they could be with her as man and wife." (Tobit 3:8)

The narrative continues with the intervention of the archangel Raphael, who instructs Tobias, the son of Tobit, on how to overcome Asmodaeus. Tobias follows Raphael's guidance by using the heart and liver of a fish to create smoke that drives the demon away:

>"Then the angel told him, 'Cut open the fish and take out its heart, liver, and gall bladder and keep them with you. Throw the heart and liver on the embers of the incense, and a demon or evil spirit will flee.'" (Tobit 6:4, 7-8)

Theological Interpretations:

In Christian demonology, Asmodaeus is often categorized as a demon of lust, aligning with the traditional seven deadly sins. This association is partly due to his role in the Book of Tobit, where his actions prevent the consummation of marriage. The demon's interference in marital relations has led to interpretations of Asmodaeus as an adversary of the sanctity of marriage and family life.

Cultural and Historical Context:

Asmodaeus' character and attributes have been shaped by various cultural influences over time. In Jewish folklore, he is sometimes identified with the Shedim, a class of demons. In the Talmud, Asmodaeus is mentioned in the context of the construction of Solomon's Temple, where he is said to have been temporarily subdued by King Solomon to assist in the building process.

In medieval Christian demonology, Asmodaeus is often depicted as a powerful demon with a particular enmity towards the virtue of chastity. He is sometimes portrayed as having three heads—one of a bull, one of a man, and one of a ram—symbolizing his dominion over lustful desires.

Influence in Literature and Art:

Asmodaeus has been a subject of interest in various literary and artistic works throughout history. In the Renaissance and Baroque periods, he was frequently depicted in art and literature as a tempter and corrupter of humanity. His character has been explored in plays, novels, and other creative expressions, often serving as a symbol of the struggle between virtue and vice.

Conclusion:

While Asmodaeus does not appear in the canonical texts of the Bible, his presence in the apocryphal Book of Tobit and subsequent demonological traditions has made him a significant figure in the study of Judeo-Christian demonology. His role as a demon of lust and his opposition to marital harmony continue to influence theological discussions and cultural depictions of evil.ASMODAEUS

az-mo-de'-us ('ashmedhai; Asmodaios): An evil spirit first mentioned in Tobit 3:8. Older etymologists derived the name from the Hebrew verb shamadh, "destroy"; but it is now generally held to be associated with Zoroastrianism, with which the Jews became acquainted during the exile, and by which later Jewish views on the spirit-world were greatly influenced. It is now held to be the equivalent of the Persian Aeshma-Deva, the spirit of concupiscence. The spirit is at times reckoned as the equal in power of "Abaddon" (Job 31:12) and of "Apollyon" (Revelation 9:11), and in Tobit is represented as loving Sara, only daughter of Raguel of Ecbatana, and as causing the death on the bridal night of seven husbands who had in succession married her. His power was broken by the young Tobias acting on the advice of the angel Raphael (Tobit 6:15). He burnt on the "ashes of incense" the heart and liver of a fish which he caught in the Tigris. "But when the devil smelled the smell, he fled into the uppermost parts of Egypt, and the angel bound him" (Tobit 8:3). Milton refers to the incident in Paradise Lost, 4, 168-71, founding on Jewish demonology and the "loves of the angels" (Genesis 6:2).

J. Hutchison

Asmodaeus
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ASMODAEUS. az-mo-de'-us ('ashmedhai; Asmodaios):
An evil spirit first mentioned in Tobit 3:8. Older ...
/a/asmodaeus.htm - 7k

Raphael
... is, in accordance with his name, to cure Tobit of blindness, and to deliver Sarah,
the daughter of Raguel, from the power of the evil spirit Asmodaeus (Tobit 3 ...
/r/raphael.htm - 8k

Asleep (50 Occurrences)

/a/asleep.htm - 23k

Asmoneans

/a/asmoneans.htm - 27k

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