The magical Book of Raziel was stolen by the angels

A targum is a version or "a translation." The name Targum is usually applied to the Aramaic and is called the Chaldean or Chaldaic Jewish version of the Hebrew Scriptures, or any part of them.

It was first named in the Slavonic Book of Enoch written before the common era under the name "Raguel" or "Rasuel," he is mentioned together with Shemiel or Shemuel. (Jewish Encyc 1, 591).

A copy of the Sefer (Hebrew for book) was given to Seraph, then Metatron, then Adam (the first man). According to the tradition of the Book of Raziel, the angels (called Cherubim) were upset that the secret knowledge was given to Adam. They descended to earth to steal the book back from Adam.

It was then tossed deep into the ocean. According to Jewish tradition, G-d ordered Rehab to retrieve the book and return it to Adam. The book was stolen again and ended at the bottom of the ocean for centuries.

The Sefer (book) was later retrieved by Raphael, who gave it to Noah to protect him during the flood. Eventually, it was given to King Solomon by a Babylonia prince. In the 11th century, the book disappeared.

Raziel or Azkariel - Ak(h)raziel - was also known as Gabriel, the Angel of Proclamation, according to Gustav Davidson in "A Dictionary of Angels."

 

Western mysticism and The Book of Raziel

A Hebrew version, Sodei Razya Sefer HaShem, is attributed to Rabbi Eleazar of Germiza (Eleazar Judah of Worms or also called R. Eleazar ben Judah ben Kalonymus of Wurms, c 1160-1237). A 15th century Italian translation had also been discovered.

The current translation now used is from this medieval Kabbalistic grimoire, first written in Hebrew and Aramaic, and then in Latin, before being translated into English. Earlier editions may predate the 13th century.

The Sepher Raziel was also called Liber Salomonis, a full grimoire in the Solomonic tradition from a sixteenth century manuscript.

The first printed edition was published 1701 in Amsterdam. Since then, dozens of editions have been printed in mostly Hebrew.

The current editions usually contain the seven books:

• the Clavis deals with astrology and its use in magic including precise interactions between planets, Signs, and Houses;
• the Ala outlines the magical virtues of stones, herbs, and animals;
• the Tractatus Thymiamatus determines perfumes and suffumigations used in the Art;
• a Treatise of Times details the correct hours of the day for each operation;
• a Treatise on Preparations on ritual purity, and abstinence;
• Samaim covers the different heavens and their angels;
• a Book of Names and their virtues and properties, being seven semiforas of Adam and seven semiforas of Moses.

The folklore surrounding the book advises to keep a copy of the Sepher in your house to bring a special Divine blessing. The book is said to protect the home from fire. People also keep a copy in their wallet or purse, or sleep with it under their pillow. The book is also recommended for pregnant women to assist an easy birth.

The first printed edition was published 1701 in Amsterdam. Since then, dozens of editions have been printed in mostly Hebrew.