this issue
next article in this issue

Document Details :

Title: The 'angel sent from before the Lord' in Targum Joshua 5,14
Author(s): AZUELOS, Yaacov , VOLTAGGIO, Francesco Giosuè
Journal: Biblica
Volume: 96    Issue: 2   Date: 2015   
Pages: 161-178
DOI: 10.2143/BIB.96.2.3183416

Abstract :
The aim of this essay is to analyze the angelologic world of the Targum Jonathan of Joshua. The 'angels' in Josh 6,25 and 7,22 are considered in the Targum as 'messengers' of flesh and blood. Although 'angels' as non-corporeal emissaries of God do not appear explicitly in Joshua, 'the commander of the Lord’s army' in 5,15 is interpreted by the targumists as 'an angel sent from before the Lord'. After presenting his description in the Targum, we discuss his identity and mission. On the basis of biblical, pseudepigraphal and targumic sources, we claim that the angel is Michael.

Download article