Binding Fallen Angels. Verse 4a gives an overview of God’s instruction that Raphael bind Asael and cast him into darkness; then verses 4b–5 explain the details and time frame of that instruction (“make an opening . . . throw him there . . . lay beneath him . . . cover him . . . let him dwell there”). The instruction to “bind Asael hand and foot” conjures the image of a criminal that is arrested, chained, and thrown into a prison (cf. Acts 12:6; 21:11, 33; 22:5). The prison, Doudael, is the equivalent of Sheol, in this case a holding cell until the time of punishment by fire at the final
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