TOBIT
God’s Providence in Family Life
BRIEF INTERPRETATION
1. Summary of the Book
During the time when many Israelites are still living far from their homeland, a faithful man named Tobit lives in Nineveh, in the land of exile. Though surrounded by foreign customs and dangers, Tobit remains faithful to God’s law. He prays daily, gives alms to the poor, and risks his own safety to bury fellow Israelites who have been left unburied.
One night, after performing a good deed, Tobit suffers a sudden misfortune and loses his sight. Blind and unable to work, he falls into deep sorrow. In his suffering, Tobit prays honestly to God, asking for relief from his pain. At the same time, far away in another land, a young woman named Sarah is also suffering. She has been married seven times, but each husband has died on their wedding night because of an evil spirit. Mocked and ashamed, Sarah too cries out to God in despair.
God hears both prayers and sends help in an unexpected way. He sends the angel Raphael, though Raphael appears in human form and introduces himself as a companion. Tobit sends his son Tobias on a journey to retrieve money left in a distant land. Raphael travels with Tobias, guiding and protecting him without revealing his true identity.
Along the journey, Raphael teaches Tobias how to trust God and follow His guidance. When Tobias catches a fish in the river, Raphael instructs him to keep its heart, liver, and gall, explaining that they will be used for healing. Tobias does not fully understand, but he obeys.
Raphael leads Tobias to Sarah’s home and encourages him to marry her. Tobias is afraid because of her past, but he follows Raphael’s advice. On their wedding night, Tobias and Sarah pray together, placing their trust in God rather than fear. God answers their prayer, and Sarah is freed from her torment. Their marriage becomes a sign of faith, purity, and God’s protection.
Afterward, Tobias returns home with Sarah and the money. Using the fish’s gall, Tobias restores his father Tobit’s sight. Joy fills the household, and Tobit praises God for His mercy and faithfulness. Only then does Raphael reveal that he is an angel sent by God, reminding them that prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are precious before the Lord.
The Book of Tobit ends with thanksgiving and hope. Tobit blesses God and encourages future generations to remain faithful, even in times of suffering and exile.
The story of Tobit teaches that God is present in everyday family life, that prayer is heard even in despair, and that God often works through hidden guidance. Faithfulness, charity, and trust in God open the way for healing and joy.
2. Author
Unknown Jewish author, likely writing in the style of wisdom and historical storytelling. The book reflects detailed knowledge of Jewish law and exile life.
3. Time of Composition
Likely composed between the 3rd and early 2nd century BC, during the Hellenistic period. The story itself is set in the 8th century BC during the Assyrian exile.
4. Intended Audience
Jewish communities living in the Diaspora, needing reassurance that God remains with His people even outside the land of Israel. It speaks to all believers seeking encouragement in trials, affirming God’s faithfulness.
5. Major Themes
Divine providence and unseen guidance
Fidelity to God in exile
Prayer and righteous living
Almsgiving, charity, and mercy
Marriage and family faithfulness
Healing—both physical and spiritual
Angelic assistance (Raphael)
Victory over evil
6. Section-Wise Division
A. Tobit’s Piety, Misfortune, and Prayer (Tb 1–3)
Tobit’s righteousness and charitable deeds (Tb 1)
Tobit becomes blind; family hardship (Tb 2)
Tobit’s prayer for death (Tb 3:1–6)
Sarah’s suffering and prayer (Tb 3:7–15)
God sends Raphael to help both (Tb 3:16–17)
B. Tobiah’s Journey with Raphael (Tb 4–6)
Tobit instructs his son in righteousness (Tb 4)
Tobiah departs with Raphael (Tb 5)
Encounter with the fish and instructions for its use (Tb 6)
C. Marriage of Tobiah and Sarah (Tb 7–8)
Meeting Raguel and Sarah (Tb 7)
Marriage and exorcism of the demon (Tb 8)
D. Return and Restoration (Tb 9–12)
Recovery of Tobit’s money (Tb 9)
Healing of Tobit’s blindness (Tb 11)
Tobit’s hymn of praise (Tb 11–12)
Raphael reveals his identity (Tb 12)
E. Tobit’s Final Words and Death (Tb 13–14)
Tobit’s psalm and prophecy of Jerusalem (Tb 13)
Final instructions and peaceful death (Tb 14)
7. Historical and Biblical Background
Tobit is set in Assyria after the northern kingdom of Israel was exiled (722 BC). Many Jews lived under foreign rule, struggling to maintain their identity and faith. The book reflects the challenges of diaspora life: oppression, ridicule, intermarriage pressures, and maintaining fidelity to the Law. The narrative also reflects Jewish wisdom traditions and early understandings of angels. It emphasizes that God’s care extends beyond the land of Israel—He remains present wherever His people live.
8. Biblical Flow of Each Section
Tobit and Sarah’s Prayers
Two broken hearts cry out to God, and their prayers initiate divine action.
Journey and Divine Guidance
God’s angel leads Tobiah safely and teaches him how to participate in God’s healing plan.
Marriage and Victory
Tobiah and Sarah enter into a holy marriage centered on prayer and trust.
Restoration
Both families experience healing, joy, and thanksgiving.
Conclusion
Tobit’s closing teachings link their personal story to God’s larger plan for Israel.
9. Orientation to Jesus Christ
Tobit contains rich foreshadowing of Christ.
Raphael’s mission prefigures Christ as the One sent from the Father to heal and save.
Tobit’s blindness and healing anticipate Christ restoring sight to the blind.
Tobiah and Sarah’s prayerful marriage points to Christ’s sanctification of marriage.
The victory over the demon anticipates Christ’s triumph over evil.
Tobit’s psalm of restoration points toward the New Jerusalem fulfilled in Christ.
10. Message for Us Today
Tobit teaches that God hears the cries of the suffering and acts in ways unseen. It emphasizes family devotion, daily faithfulness, and the power of almsgiving and prayer. It shows that angels are real and assist God’s people. The book encourages trust during trials, reminding us that God’s providence is active even when hidden. It calls us to holiness in relationships, generosity, endurance, and joyful hope.
11. Prayer
O God of compassion and providence, who sent Your angel Raphael to guide, heal, and protect Tobit and Sarah, guide my steps and strengthen my faith. Teach me to trust You in every trial, to pray faithfully, to show mercy generously, and to walk in holiness. Through Jesus Christ, the true healer and Savior, bring restoration to every broken part of my life. Amen.
SECTION-WISE INTERPRETATION
1. TOBIT’S TRIALS AND THE VIRTUE OF MERCY (TOBIT 1–3)
Introduction
The opening chapters of the Book of Tobit establish the moral character of a man who remains steadfast in his faith despite living in the heart of a foreign, hostile empire. Set during the Assyrian captivity in Nineveh, this section of the Catholic Bible introduces us to Tobit, a man whose identity is defined by his “acts of charity” and his strict adherence to the Law of Moses. However, his righteousness does not exempt him from suffering; instead, it leads him into a season of deep physical and emotional darkness.
In the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2447), the “burial of the dead” is listed as a corporal work of mercy. Tobit’s insistence on burying his murdered brethren, even at the risk of his own life, is the supreme scriptural example of this duty. This section teaches us that mercy is often costly. It reminds us that God hears the “groaning of the afflicted,” as the narrative weaves together the simultaneous prayers of two desperate people—Tobit in Nineveh and Sarah in Media—preparing the way for a single, divine solution.
Summary
Chapter 1 introduces Tobit’s background. Even when his fellow tribesmen turned to the golden calves, he traveled to Jerusalem to offer his tithes. In Nineveh, he rises to a position of trust under King Shalmaneser but loses it under Sennacherib because he insists on burying the dead left in the streets. Chapter 2 recounts the tragic incident where, after burying a man on the Feast of Pentecost, Tobit sleeps outside and is blinded by bird droppings. His blindness leads to poverty and a painful argument with his wife, Anna, who mocks his “charity.”
Chapter 3 presents the “twin prayers” of despair. Tobit, humiliated and blind, prays for God to take his life. Meanwhile, in Ecbatana, Sarah (the daughter of Raguel) is being mocked by her maids because a demon named Asmodeus has killed seven of her husbands on their wedding nights. She also contemplates suicide but instead prays to God for deliverance or death. The chapter concludes with the beautiful revelation that “the prayers of both were heard in the presence of the glory of the great God,” and the Angel Raphael is sent to heal them both.
“I, Tobit, walked in the ways of truth and righteousness all the days of my life, and I performed many acts of charity for my brethren.” (Tobit 1:3)
“If I saw any of my nation dead and cast out behind the wall of Nineveh, I buried him.” (Tobit 1:17)
“And now, O Lord, remember me and look upon me; do not punish me for my sins and for my unwitting offenses.” (Tobit 3:3)
“So Raphael was sent to heal the two of them: to scale away the white films of Tobit’s eyes… and to give Sarah the daughter of Raguel in marriage to Tobias the son of Tobit.” (Tobit 3:17)
Parallels in the scripture
The Book of Job: Tobit’s sudden loss of wealth and health, followed by the mockery of his spouse, directly mirrors the trials of Job.
Matthew 25:35-40: Tobit’s care for the “least of his brethren” through burial and almsgiving prefigures Jesus’ teaching on the last judgment.
Luke 1:5-13: The simultaneous prayers of Zechariah and Elizabeth being heard in heaven parallel the intersecting prayers of Tobit and Sarah.
Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted,” which is the central spiritual reality of Chapter 3.
Key words
Almsgiving (Eleemosyne): More than just giving money; it is a disposition of the heart that recognizes the dignity of every Israelite.
Blindness: Both a physical affliction and a test of spiritual vision; Tobit loses his sight but gains a deeper insight into God’s providence.
Asmodeus: The name of the demon; often interpreted in tradition as the spirit of lust or destruction that opposes the holiness of marriage.
Raphael: Means “God Heals”; his name is his mission, acting as the divine physician.
Historical background
The historical setting is the Assyrian Exile (post-722 BC). The Assyrians were notorious for their cruelty, and leaving the bodies of enemies unburied was a common tactic to intimidate the population. For an ancient Jew, an unburied body was a religious catastrophe, as it prevented the person from “resting with their fathers.” Tobit’s actions were a form of civil disobedience based on a higher law—the Law of God—which he valued more than the favor of the king.
Jewish and catholic traditions
Jewish tradition views Tobit as a hero of the “Galut” (Exile), showing how to remain Jewish in a pagan land. Catholic tradition, as noted in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1032, 2447), uses Tobit’s example to emphasize that prayer for the dead and burial are acts of piety and hope in the resurrection. The Church Fathers (like St. Polycarp) frequently quoted Tobit 4:10: “Almsgiving delivers from death and keeps you from going into the darkness.”
How it leads to Jesus Christ
Tobit’s suffering prefigures the passion of Christ:
Tobit was persecuted for his works of mercy; Jesus was persecuted for healing and doing good on the Sabbath.
Tobit became “unclean” by touching the dead to give them life/honor; Jesus became “sin” for us to give us eternal life.
The “bird droppings” that blinded Tobit were a random, humble cause of suffering; Jesus was brought low by the humble and common instruments of the Cross.
Tobit and Sarah’s prayers are joined in heaven; Jesus is the one Mediator in whom all human cries for help find their answer.
Conclusion
Tobit 1–3 teaches us that righteousness is not a shield against suffering. It reveals that God is often working behind the scenes of our “worst days,” aligning the circumstances of our lives with others we have never met.
The section shows that the prayer of the afflicted is a “spiritual force” that moves the heart of God. It reminds us that we must be faithful to the works of mercy even when they bring us trouble. The sending of Raphael is the proof that for every “Asmodeus” (destroyer) that plagues us, God has a “Raphael” (healer) already on the way.
Message for us today
We are called to practice the “corporal works of mercy” in our own neighborhoods, perhaps by visiting the lonely or helping those in financial distress. We must resist the temptation to become “bitter” like Anna when our good deeds seem to result in hardship. Today’s message is that your secret prayers are not echoing in an empty room; they are being presented before the “Glory of the Holy One.” Trust that God is coordinating a “happy issue” for your trials, even if you cannot yet see it.
Prayer
Lord God of Mercy, we thank You for the example of Tobit. Grant us the courage to serve others even when it is difficult or dangerous. Heal the “blindness” of our hearts so we may see Your hand in our trials. Hear our prayers and the prayers of all who are in distress or despair, and send Your holy angels to guide us into Your peace. Amen.
2. THE JOURNEY OF TOBIAS AND THE GUIDANCE OF RAPHAEL (TOBIT 4–6)
Introduction
As Tobit prepares for what he believes is his approaching death, the narrative shifts from a story of passive suffering to one of active journeying. Tobit calls his son, Tobias, to give him a “spiritual testament”—a summary of how to live a righteous life—before sending him on a mission to retrieve family funds held in a distant land. This section of the Catholic Bible introduces the mysterious figure of “Azarias” (the Archangel Raphael in disguise), who serves as the perfect guide. It is a profound meditation on Divine Providence and the way God protects those who embark on their duties with a spirit of obedience.
In the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 332, 2156), the role of angels as “helpers” and “guides” is emphasized, with Raphael being the primary biblical model for the Guardian Angel. This section teaches us that when we take a step in faith, God provides the companionship we need. It reminds us that even the “dangers” we encounter—like the large fish in the Tigris—can become the instruments of our healing if we follow the instructions of our heavenly guides.
Summary
Chapter 4 contains Tobit’s instructions to his son. He exhorts Tobias to honor his mother, to be mindful of the Lord all his days, and above all, to practice almsgiving, for “alms deliver from death.” He also warns him against pride and commands him to seek a wife from among his own people. In Chapter 5, Tobias seeks a guide for his journey to Media and meets Raphael, who identifies himself as “Azarias.” Tobit, despite his blindness, interviews the guide and, satisfied with his lineage, blesses their departure. He tells his weeping wife, Anna, “a good angel will go with him.”
Chapter 6 details the journey. While camping by the Tigris River, a large fish lunges at Tobias. Raphael tells him to catch it and to carefully remove its heart, liver, and gall. Raphael explains that the smoke from the heart and liver will drive away demons, and the gall will cure blindness. As they approach their destination, Raphael reveals that they will stay with their kinsman Raguel, and that Tobias has the right to marry Raguel’s daughter, Sarah. Despite Tobias’s fear of the demon Asmodeus, Raphael assures him that his prayer and the fish’s “remedy” will protect him.
“Give alms from your possessions to all who live uprightly… Do not turn your face away from any poor man, and the face of God will not be turned away from you.” (Tobit 4:7)
“And he [Tobit] said to him, ‘The God who dwells in heaven will prosper your journey, and his angel will go with you.’” (Tobit 5:16)
“Then the angel said to him, ‘Take out the entrails of the fish and keep its heart and liver and gall, for these are useful as medicines.’” (Tobit 6:4)
“Do not be afraid, for she was destined for you from eternity. You will save her, and she will go with you.” (Tobit 6:17)
Parallels in the scripture
Psalm 91:11: “For he will give his angels charge over you to guard you in all your ways,” which is the living reality of Tobias’s journey.
Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart… and he will make straight your paths,” mirroring Tobias’s trust in his guide.
Genesis 28:15: God’s promise to Jacob, “I am with you and will keep you wherever you go,” is fulfilled in a new way through Raphael’s presence.
Matthew 10:1-8: Jesus giving his disciples power to cast out demons and heal the sick parallels Raphael’s instructions to Tobias regarding the fish.
Key words
Testament: Tobit’s speech in Chapter 4; it represents the passing of the torch of faith from one generation to the next.
Azarias: The name Raphael uses; it means “Yahweh has helped,” which is exactly what the angel is doing.
Remedy (Pharmakon): The heart, liver, and gall; it teaches that God uses physical creation to mediate spiritual and physical healing.
Destined: Raphael’s word concerning Sarah; it implies that marriage is a vocation planned by God from all eternity.
Historical background
The journey from Nineveh (modern Mosul, Iraq) to Ecbatana (modern Hamadan, Iran) was a trek of roughly 300 miles through mountainous terrain. Such a journey was fraught with risks from bandits, wild animals, and the elements. The Tigris River, where the fish incident occurs, was a central artery of the Assyrian Empire. The “fish” is often identified by scholars as a large catfish or carp, but in the context of the story, it serves as a “monster” that is transformed into a source of salvation.
Jewish and catholic traditions
Jewish tradition emphasizes the “filial piety” of Tobias, using him as a model for how a son should respect his parents’ wisdom. Catholic tradition, as noted in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 332, 1611), identifies Raphael as the patron of Christian travelers and young people seeking their vocation. The Church Fathers (like St. Augustine) saw the fish as a “type” of Christ, who was “caught” in the waters of this world so that His “innards” (the Sacraments) could provide the cure for our spiritual blindness and the defeat of the devil.
How it leads to Jesus Christ
Tobias’s journey points to the Way of the Lord:
Tobias goes on a mission to recover what was lost; Jesus came to “seek and save the lost.”
Tobias is guided by an angel; Jesus is the one whom angels ministered to in the desert and the garden.
The fish’s gall heals blindness; Jesus used spit and clay to heal the blind, showing that He is the Lord of nature.
Tobias is destined to marry Sarah and save her from a demon; Jesus is the Bridegroom who saves His Church from the power of Satan.
Conclusion
Tobit 4–6 teaches us that faith is a journey, not a destination. It reveals that God provides the “guides” and “remedies” we need the moment we commit to doing His will.
The section shows that the wisdom of the elders is a lamp for the feet of the young. It reminds us that even the “attacks” of life can be turned into blessings if we have the spiritual insight to use them correctly. Raphael’s hidden presence is the proof that “the good hand of God” is always working, even when we think we are just walking with a human companion.
Message for us today
We are called to listen to the “spiritual testaments” of our elders and to value the Tradition of the Church as a map for our lives. We should be attentive to the “Raphaels” God sends into our lives—mentors, friends, or priests—who offer us godly counsel. Today’s message is that you should not fear the “large fish” (the trials) that jump at you; instead, confront them with prayer, for God has hidden the “remedy” for your future inside the very trial you face today.
Prayer
Lord God of the Journey, we thank You for the guidance of St. Raphael. When we set out on the paths of our lives, send Your holy angels to walk beside us. Grant us the wisdom to seek Your “remedies” in all things and the courage to follow Your call. Protect us from all evil influences and lead us to the place You have destined for us, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
3. THE MARRIAGE OF TOBIAS AND THE HEALING OF SARAH (TOBIT 7–9)
Introduction
This section of the Catholic Bible marks the providential meeting of the two suffering families. What began as a journey to recover a debt becomes a mission of matrimonial healing. Tobias arrives at the home of Raguel and meets Sarah, the woman whose seven previous husbands were killed by a demon. This narrative provides one of the most beautiful and foundational descriptions of Christian marriage in the Old Testament, emphasizing that a union built on prayer and chastity is stronger than the powers of darkness.
In the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1611, 2360), the prayer of Tobias and Sarah on their wedding night is presented as a model for all couples. It teaches that marriage is not merely a social contract but a holy vocation destined by God. This section reminds us that the “remedies” God provides—represented here by the fish’s liver and incense—are effective when combined with a heart of faith. It shows that God’s plan for our happiness often involves the restoration of joy to those who have known only grief.
Summary
Chapter 7 describes the warm reception Tobias and “Azarias” receive at the home of Raguel in Ecbatana. When Raguel realizes Tobias is his kinsman, he rejoices, but he is hesitant to give his daughter Sarah in marriage because of the tragic history of her previous husbands. However, encouraged by Raphael, the marriage contract is signed. Chapter 8 records the wedding night. Following Raphael’s instructions, Tobias burns the fish’s liver and heart on the incense. The smoke drives the demon Asmodeus away to the remotest parts of Egypt, where Raphael binds him.
Instead of the expected tragedy, the night becomes a time of sacred prayer. Tobias and Sarah rise from their bed to pray, acknowledging God as the Creator and asking for a long life together. Outside, Raguel is so certain of Tobias’s death that he secretly digs a grave; when he discovers Tobias is alive, he fills the grave and orders a fourteen-day wedding feast. In Chapter 9, while Tobias remains for the feast, Raphael travels to Rages to recover the money from Gabael, bringing him back to join the celebration.
“Then Raguel… took the hand of his daughter Sarah and delivered her to Tobias to be his wife, saying, ‘Behold, take her according to the law of Moses.’” (Tobit 7:13)
“And when the demon smelled the odor he fled to the remotest parts of Egypt, and the angel bound him.” (Tobit 8:3)
“And now, O Lord, I am not taking this sister of mine because of lust, but with sincerity. Grant that I may find mercy and may grow old together with her.” (Tobit 8:7)
“Blessed art thou, O God, because thou hast had mercy on two only children. Grant them, O Lord, mercy and safety.” (Tobit 8:17)
Parallels in the scripture
Ephesians 5:25-33: The call for husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the Church is the New Testament fulfillment of the sacrificial and prayerful love shown by Tobias.
Matthew 18:20: “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them,” which is realized in the communal prayer of the newlywed couple.
Genesis 2:18-24: Tobias quotes the creation of Eve to justify his marriage, linking his union back to the original plan of God for man and woman.
Luke 1:71: The deliverance from enemies that Zechariah prophesies is prefigured by the binding of Asmodeus, the enemy of domestic peace.
Key words
Sincerity (Aletheia): Tobias marries Sarah not out of lust, but with a true heart; this purity is what protects him from the demon.
Binding: Raphael’s act of securing the demon; it shows the authority of God’s messengers over the forces of evil.
Sister: Tobias calls Sarah “sister,” a term used in ancient Hebrew to denote the deep friendship and equality within a marriage.
Feast: The fourteen-day celebration; it represents the overflowing abundance of God’s blessing after a long season of mourning.
Historical background
The “binding of the demon in Egypt” (8:3) reflects an ancient geographical concept where Egypt’s deserts were seen as the dwelling place of spirits. The fourteen-day feast (twice the normal length) was Raguel’s way of marking the “miraculous” nature of the event. Under the Law of Moses, the “levirate” principles (keeping property and lineage within the family) made Tobias the rightful claimant to Sarah’s hand, ensuring that her family’s inheritance remained secure within the tribe of Naphtali.
Jewish and catholic traditions
Jewish tradition emphasizes the “merit of the fathers” that protected Tobias. Catholic tradition, as noted in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1611), uses the “Marriage of Tobias” as a scriptural reading in the Rite of Marriage. It highlights that a couple’s first act should be to turn to God in prayer. The Church Fathers (like St. Clement of Alexandria) praised Tobias for his self-control, teaching that marriage is a path to sanctification and mutual support.
How it leads to Jesus Christ
The marriage of Tobias points toward the wedding of the Lamb:
Tobias entered a house of death to claim his bride; Jesus entered our death-bound world to claim the Church.
The demon was driven away by a sacrifice of fire and incense; Jesus defeated the devil by the sacrifice of the Cross.
Tobias prayed for “mercy” rather than “lust”; Jesus restores marriage to its original purity through the Sacrament of Matrimony.
The wedding feast was a time of great joy; it prefigures the eternal banquet in the Kingdom of Heaven where every tear is wiped away.
Conclusion
Tobit 7–9 teaches us that prayer is the greatest safeguard of the family. It reveals that God can turn a “grave” into a “garden” and a night of fear into a night of praise.
The section shows that the demon of “Asmodeus” (destruction and lust) is powerless against a heart that is sincere and prayerful. It reminds us that we should involve God in our most intimate decisions. The healing of Sarah is the proof that no matter how many “husbands” or “hopes” you have lost, God is able to start something new and blessed in your life.
Message for us today
We are called to bring prayer back into the center of our homes and marriages, realizing that faith is the best defense against the stresses of modern life. We must strive for “sincerity” in our relationships, seeking the good of the other over our own desires. Today’s message is that if you are in a “season of graves”—experiencing repeated loss or failure—do not stop praying. God is sending the “remedy” and the “feast” is closer than you think.
Prayer
Lord God of Love, we thank You for the holy union of Tobias and Sarah. Bless all marriages and families, and protect them from the spirits of discord and destruction. Grant that all couples may find mercy and safety in Your presence. May our homes be places of prayer and our lives be a continuous feast of thanksgiving for Your goodness. Amen.
4. THE RETURN HOME AND THE HEALING OF TOBIT (TOBIT 10–14)
Introduction
The final chapters of the Book of Tobit bring the various threads of the story—exile, journey, marriage, and affliction—into a harmonious conclusion. As Tobias returns to his parents in Nineveh, the narrative transitions from the joy of a wedding feast to the miracle of restored sight. This section of the Catholic Bible emphasizes the virtue of “piety” (faithfulness to family and God) and provides a glimpse into the heavenly realm through the revelation of Raphael’s identity. It concludes with a prophetic vision of the future Jerusalem, moving from the personal healing of one man to the universal hope of an entire people.
In the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 332, 2639), the role of the angels in the “economy of salvation” is highlighted, particularly in their task of presenting our prayers to God. The revelation of Raphael as one of the seven who stand before the Lord is a cornerstone of Catholic angelology. This section teaches us that the end of a trial is not just for our comfort, but for the “manifestation of the works of God.” It reminds us that our primary response to God’s blessings should be a life of gratitude and public praise.
Summary
Chapter 10 depicts the anxiety of Tobit and Anna as they wait for their son’s return; Anna’s motherly grief is finally turned to joy when she sees the travelers approaching. In Chapter 11, following Raphael’s final instruction, Tobias applies the fish’s gall to his father’s eyes. The white film scales away, and Tobit’s sight is miraculously restored. The first thing he sees is his son, and he immediately breaks into a prayer of thanksgiving. Tobias then introduces his bride, Sarah, to the family, and the city of Nineveh rejoices with them.
Chapter 12 contains the climactic revelation of Raphael. When the family tries to pay “Azarias” for his services, he pulls them aside and reveals that he is an angel, sent to test and heal them because of their prayers and almsgiving. He instructs them to write down all that has happened and then vanishes. Chapters 13 and 14 serve as a spiritual epilogue. Tobit sings a “Song of Thanksgiving,” prophesying the restoration of Jerusalem. Before his death at a ripe old age, he counsels Tobias to leave Nineveh because of its coming destruction, and Tobias dies in peace, having seen the downfall of his people’s enemies.
“Then Tobias went to him, with the gall of the fish in his hand… he dropped the gall on his father’s eyes, saying, ‘Take courage, father.’” (Tobit 11:10-11)
“I am Raphael, one of the seven holy angels who present the prayers of the saints and enter into the presence of the glory of the Holy One.” (Tobit 12:15)
“Blessed be God who lives for ever, and blessed be his kingdom. For he afflicts, and he shows mercy; he leads down to Hades, and brings up again.” (Tobit 13:1-2)
“Jerusalem shall be built with sapphires and emeralds, her walls with precious stones, and her towers and battlements with pure gold.” (Tobit 13:16)
Parallels in the scripture
John 9:6-7: Jesus using physical means (spittle and clay) to heal a blind man mirrors Tobias using the fish gall to heal his father.
Revelation 8:2: St. John sees “the seven angels who stand before God,” which is the New Testament confirmation of Raphael’s self-description.
Luke 24:31: The way the disciples’ eyes were opened and Jesus “vanished from their sight” parallels the opening of Tobit’s eyes and Raphael’s disappearance.
Revelation 21:18-21: The description of the New Jerusalem with precious stones and gold is a direct expansion of Tobit’s prophetic song in Chapter 13.
Key words
Gall (Chole): The bitter substance used for healing; it symbolizes how God can use the bitterness of our trials to bring about our ultimate cure.
Seven Holy Angels: A specific group of archangels; in tradition, they represent the fullness of divine service and intercession.
Magnify: Raphael’s command to the family; it means to make God’s greatness known to others through testimony.
Piety (Eusebeia): The character of the family; it refers to the proper order of love toward God, parents, and country.
Historical background
The restoration of Tobit’s sight occurs near the end of the Assyrian period. Chapter 14 mentions the destruction of Nineveh, which occurred in 612 BC at the hands of the Medes and Babylonians. By having Tobias move to Media before this event, the author shows that obedience to God’s warnings leads to physical and spiritual safety. The mention of the “Sapphire and Emerald” Jerusalem (13:16) was a powerful source of hope for Jews living in the later Second Temple period who were still waiting for the full glory of Israel to return.
Jewish and catholic traditions
Jewish tradition emphasizes the “Song of Tobit” as a model for liturgical prayer during times of national distress. Catholic tradition, as noted in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 332, 2639), views the Book of Tobit as a foundational text for the veneration of the Archangels. St. Raphael is honored as the “Angel of Joy” and “Angel of Healing.” The Church Fathers (like St. Clement of Alexandria) taught that just as Tobit saw again, the “scales” of ignorance fall from our eyes when we receive the light of the Gospel.
How it leads to Jesus Christ
The healing and revelation point to the Lord of Glory:
Tobit’s eyes were opened to see his son; we were created to have our spiritual eyes opened to see the Son of God.
Raphael revealed himself after the work was done; Jesus revealed His full glory after the work of the Cross was completed.
Tobit’s prophecy of a golden Jerusalem is fulfilled in the Kingdom of Christ, the Church.
Tobit was “led down to Hades and brought up”; Jesus is the one who literally conquered Hades and rose again to give us life.
Conclusion
Tobit 10–14 teaches us that mercy always has the last word. It reveals that the purpose of our trials is to bring us to a point where we can “magnify the works of God” with a purified heart.
The section shows that the intervention of heaven is closer than we realize, often walking right beside us in the guise of an “ordinary” guide. It reminds us that our faithfulness in exile will be rewarded with a vision of the “New Jerusalem.” The vanishing of Raphael is the proof that the messenger is not the destination—the goal of every angel and every miracle is to lead us into a deeper adoration of the Father.
Message for us today
We are called to “take courage” like Tobit, trusting that the “scales” of our current darkness will one day be removed by God’s hand. We must be quick to give credit to God for the blessings in our lives, sharing our “testimonies” with those around us. Today’s message is that your prayers have been “presented before the Glory of the Holy One.” Stay faithful in your “almsgiving and righteousness,” for the God who afflicts is the same God who heals, and His kingdom is an eternal one of joy.
Prayer
Lord God of All Glory, we thank You for the healing of Tobit and the guidance of Raphael. Open the eyes of our hearts that we may see Your providence in our lives. Help us to live in such a way that we may be worthy of Your heavenly city. May we always be ready to bless Your Name and to make Your wonders known to all the earth. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.