Cerviel (also rendered Cervihel) is an angel associated with David’s battle against Goliath in pseudepigraphal narrative and later early modern cabalistic treatises.
The narrative in Pseudo-Philo
In the Biblical Antiquities attributed to Philo (translated by M. R. James), Cervihel appears during David’s encounter with Goliath (chapter LXI.5). When David chooses seven stones, God sends Cervihel, described as the angel who is set over strength, to deliver help. In section LXI.8, Goliath perceives the angel standing beside David and acknowledges this divine aid, while LXI.9 describes the angel lifting David’s face after the encounter. These events represent narrative expansions in Pseudo-Philo rather than the canonical account of 1 Samuel.
Occult and dictionary traditions
In Francis Barrett’s 1801 compilation The Magus (Book II, Cabala chapter IV, pages 37–38), Cerviel is catalogued under the seventh divine emanation, corresponding to the Sephirah Nezah. Barrett assigns the choir of Principalities to this sphere, names Haniel as its intelligence, and designates Cerviel as the ruler of David. Gustav Davidson’s 1967 dictionary grouped Cerviel, Cervihel, and Zeruel together, and described Cerviel as one of the chiefs of the Principalities.
Explore related entries
Read about Haniel, browse the angel directory, or explore the guide to source traditions.