Tobit

About Tobit

Tobit, whose name means “my good” or “the Lord is good,” is the central character of the deuterocanonical Book of Tobit, a narrative that illustrates God’s providence, the importance of faithful observance of the Law, charity toward the poor, proper burial of the dead, and trust in God’s angels. Tobit lived during the Assyrian exile after the northern kingdom of Israel was conquered around 722 BC. He was from the tribe of Naphtali and was taken captive from Thisbe in Galilee to Nineveh, the Assyrian capital. Despite living in a pagan land, Tobit remained faithful to the God of Israel and scrupulously observed the Law.

While many of his fellow Israelites adopted Gentile practices, Tobit refused to eat the food of the nations. Because he remembered God with all his heart, he found favor with King Shalmaneser, who appointed him as buyer of supplies and allowed him to travel to Media. There Tobit deposited ten talents of silver with his kinsman Gabael in Rages. After Shalmaneser’s death, Tobit could no longer travel, but he continued his works of charity.

When Sennacherib became king, he slaughtered many Israelites in his rage after returning from Judea. Tobit risked his life by secretly burying the murdered dead according to the Law. When his actions were reported to the king, Tobit fled and lost all his property. Shortly afterward, Sennacherib was assassinated, and Tobit was able to return to Nineveh through the intervention of his nephew Ahikar.

On the feast of Pentecost, Tobit again demonstrated his compassion by leaving his meal to bury a murdered Israelite. That night, while sleeping outdoors after being ritually defiled, droppings from sparrows fell into his eyes, gradually blinding him completely. Despite medical attempts, his condition worsened, and Tobit lived four years in blindness. During this time, his wife Anna supported the family through weaving, which led to tension between them when Tobit wrongly accused her of theft.

Grieved and humiliated, Tobit prayed for death, confessing the sins of his ancestors and entrusting himself to God. On that same day, far away in Ecbatana, a righteous young woman named Sarah also prayed for death after losing seven husbands to the demon Asmodeus. God heard both prayers and sent the angel Raphael to heal them.

Believing he was near death, Tobit summoned his son Tobias and instructed him to live righteously: honor his parents, give alms, avoid sin, marry within the faith, and act justly toward others. Tobit then sent Tobias to retrieve the money deposited with Gabael and urged him to find a trustworthy guide. Tobias met Raphael, disguised as a relative named Azariah, and set out with him, accompanied by his dog.

During their journey, Raphael guided Tobias through a series of providential events, including catching a fish whose heart, liver, and gall would later prove crucial for healing and deliverance. Raphael revealed that Tobias was entitled to marry Sarah and assured him that obedience and prayer would protect him from the demon. Tobias followed Raphael’s instructions, and through prayer and faith, Sarah was freed from Asmodeus and safely married.

After a joyful wedding celebration, Raphael retrieved the money from Gabael and returned with him. Tobias and Sarah then traveled back to Nineveh. Following Raphael’s guidance, Tobias used the fish’s gall to heal his father’s eyes, restoring Tobit’s sight. Tobit rejoiced and praised God for His mercy.

When Tobit and Tobias attempted to reward Raphael, the angel revealed his true identity as one of the seven angels who present prayers before God. Raphael explained that he had been sent to test and heal them, then ascended from their sight. Tobit lived many more years in joy and gratitude, praising God continually.

Before dying at the age of 112, Tobit warned Tobias to leave Nineveh, foretelling its destruction, and urged him and his descendants to remain faithful, give alms, and serve God wholeheartedly. Tobit died peacefully and was buried with honor. Tobias and his family later moved to Media, where Tobias lived to the age of 117, witnessing God’s justice and mercy. The Book of Tobit concludes by emphasizing God’s providence, the power of prayer, angelic assistance, and the blessings granted to those who remain faithful even in suffering and exile.