BOTEN, ENGEL UND WIDERSACHER: ZU IHREN MOTIVKONSTELLATIONEN IN ALTISRAEL UND DEM ANTIKEN JUDENTUM
MESSENGERS, ANGELS AND ADVERSARIES: ON THEIR CONSTELLATION OF MOTIFS IN ANCIENT ISRAEL AND ANCIENT JUDAISM

Summary/Abstract: Based on texts from the Hebrew Bible and their terminology as well as conceptual and philological considerations, the analysis describes different meanings and functions of intermediators and intermediate beings. The fundamental aim is to understand the transition from “messengers” to “angels” in terms of the expansion of their authority. In addition, the various terminologies and functions indicate the need to consider not only positive but also negative intermediators or “angels” (evil spirits, demons, Satan, etc.). In addition, overarching motif contexts are discussed by referring to “angelologies,” which are characterized by hierarchies, for example. The relationship to “Messianology” and “Monotheism” is also discussed, before questions of a religious-historical classification conclude this study.

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