The implications of the Archangel Raphael binding an evil being “hand and foot” in 1 Enoch 10 and Tobit 8 for reading Matthew 22:13

In the Parable of the Royal Wedding Feast the person who comes to the wedding feast inappropriately dressed is to be bound hand and foot and cast out into the outer darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 22:13).  Similarly, the archangel Raphael is commanded to bind the hands and feet the fallen angel Asael/Azazel in 1 Enoch 10:4 and then cast him into darkness. The angel Raphael also binds the bridegroom-killing demon Asmodeus by the hands and feet in the Sinaiticus text of Tobit 8:3.

Nickelsburg, in his 1 Enoch commentary, considers binding a quasi-technical term for neutralising a demon.  In the synoptic tradition the “binding the strong man” image is associated with Jesus casting out demons (Mark 3:22–27; Matt 12:29; Luke 11:20–22).

In the synoptic tradition the “binding the strong man” image is associated with Jesus casting out demons…

In this paper it is proposed that the apocalyptic topos of binding the hands and feet of an evil being is evoked in the king’s command to bind the inadequately dressed guest in the Royal Wedding Feast Parable (Matthew 22:1–14). It is suggested that the expelled individual does not represent the unrighteous in general (the line taken by most Matthew commentators) but rather an individual who has power over others and uses this to harm rather than help.  It is noted that within the same narrative setting of the temple precinct, Jesus levels substantial criticism at the religious authorities, the scribes and Pharisees, for their abuses of power (Matthew 23).