Jahoel is the spelling preserved in Angelicpedia’s catalogue for the heavenly guide generally discussed as Jaoel or Yahoel in the Apocalypse of Abraham. G. H. Box’s translation uses Jaoel. The angel strengthens Abraham, accompanies his heavenly journey and teaches him worship.
The commission and the divine name
In chapter 10 of Box’s translation, Abraham hears the command that Jaoel should raise and strengthen him. The angel appears in human likeness, takes his hand and explains that his power is associated with the divine name dwelling in him.
The speech also assigns him tasks involving the living creatures, their heavenly song and the restraint of Leviathan. These commissions belong to this apocalypse’s depiction of divine order. They do not make the angel the ultimate object of Abraham’s worship.
The heavenly song
In chapter 17, Abraham is overwhelmed by the heavenly experience. The angel worships with him and tells him to utter the song he has been taught. Guidance here includes enabling the human visionary to participate in praise.
Box’s introduction compares Jaoel with functions assigned elsewhere to Michael and Metatron. That is a scholarly comparison and should be distinguished from the translated narrative itself. The narrative’s emphasis is on authority through the divine name and service to God. A comparison with another great angel does not make the two names automatically interchangeable.
Explore related entries
Read Metatron, Seraphiel, Michael, Azazel, the angel names A–Z index, or the guide to source traditions.