Herein we prove quotations and citations on Angels from Flavius Josephus (37 AD-100 AD). The fuller complete result consists of quotations of those sections within the text that refer to Angels, Cherubim, Seraphim, Devil, Satan, demons, serpent and dragon. The point is not to elucidate these references but to provide relevant partial quotations and citations. See my section on Angels here, Cherubim and Seraphim here, Satan here and Demons here.
Antiquities of the Jews Preface
3:1 For many Angels of God accompanied with women, and begat sons that proved unjust, and despisers of all that was good, on account of the confidence they had in their own strength; for the tradition is, that these men did what resembled the acts of those whom the Grecians call giants.
A footnote after the word “Angels” states, “This notion, that the fallen Angels were, in some sense, the fathers of the old giants, was the constant opinion of antiquity.”
10:4 Now a Divine Angel met her [Hagar], as she was going forward in the wilderness.
11:2-3 When God had thus resolved concerning the Sodomites, Abraham, as he sat by the oak of Mambre, at the door of his tent, saw three Angels; and thinking them to be strangers…Then they concealed themselves no longer, but declared that they were Angels of God; and that one of them was sent to inform them about the child, and two of the overthrow of Sodom…And the Angels came to the city of the Sodomites.
12:3 But a Divine Angel came to her [Hagar], and told her of a fountain hard by, and bid her take care, and bring up the child, because she should be very happy by the preservation of Ismael.
20:1-2 NOW as Jacob was proceeding on his journey to the land of Canaan, Angels appeared to him, and suggested to him good hope of his future condition; and that place he named the Camp of God…Jacob was left behind; and meeting with an Angel, he wrestled with him, the Angel beginning the struggle: but he prevailed over the Angel…he had overcome a divine Angel, and to esteem the victory as a sign of great blessings that should come to him…He also commanded him to be called Israel, which in the Hebrew tongue signifies one that struggled with the divine Angel. These promises were made at the prayer of Jacob; for when he perceived him to be the Angel of God, he desired he would signify to him what should befall him hereafter. And when the Angel had said what is before related, he disappeared.
Book IV
6:3 Now Balsam did not imagine that God gave this injunction in order to deceive him, so he went along with the ambassadors; but when the divine Angel met him in the way…the Angel’s continuing to distress her [the donkey]…the Angel plainly appeared to him.
Book V
8:2-3 …an apparition was seen by her [Samson’s mother]: it was an Angel of God, and resembled a young man beautiful and tall…So the Angel, when he had delivered that message, went his way, his coming having been by the will of God. Now the wife informed her husband when he came home of what the Angel had said…God to send the Angel again, that he might be seen by her husband. So the Angel came again by the favor of God…She desired the Angel to stay so long till she might bring her husband; and that request being granted, she goes to call Manoah. When he saw the Angel he was not yet free from suspicion…When all was ready, the Angel enjoined him to set the loaves and the flesh…the Angel ascended openly, in their sight, up to heaven, by means of the smoke, as by a vehicle.
Book XV
5:3 And for ourselves, we have learned from God the most excellent of our doctrines, and the most holy part of our law, by Angels or ambassadors; for this name brings God to the knowledge of mankind, and is sufficient to reconcile enemies one to another.
Book VII
13:3 Nay, the Angel stretched out his hand over Jerusalem, as sending this terrible judgment upon it…the king looked up into the air, and saw the Angel carried along thereby into Jerusalem, with his sword drawn.
The Wars of the Jews or the History of the Destruction of Jerusalem Book II
8:7 …he swears to communicate their doctrines to no one any otherwise than as he received them himself; that he will abstain from robbery, and will equally preserve the books belonging to their sect, and the names of the Angels [or messengers]. These are the oaths by which they secure their proselytes to themselves.
16:4 …call to witness your sanctuary, and the holy Angels of God, and this country common to us all.
Book V
9:4 Were not those hands lifted up to God in prayers, without meddling with their arms, when an Angel of God destroyed that prodigious army in one night?
In the next segment, we will consider Josephus on Cherubim and Serpents.
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